James Hong Is Everywhere All at Once!

Yours truly with James Hong in June 2010.

At the 95th Academy Awards, 94-year-old actor James Hong took to the Oscar stage after Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) was announced as the Best Picture winner, celebrating the victory with his fellow cast and crew from the film. Naturally, Mr. Hong's acting career runs the gamut of decades, and his legendary list of credits even touches the Godzilla series. In particular, he provides the voices of Ogata and Dr. Serizawa in Godzilla, King of the Monsters (1956).

James Hong writes a congratulatory message to Akira Takarada. Photo by Brett Homenick.

In June 2010, Mr. Hong wrote a congratulatory message on the back of a receipt at the Corner Bakery Cafe (see the above photo) in Los Angeles to Akira Takarada, whose performance he dubbed in 1956, who would be presented with a fan award the following month. I asked him to write the message, as I couldn't think of anyone better to congratulate Mr. Takarada than the man who helped bring his performance to the attention of international audiences. Besides, Mr. Hong's legacy speaks for itself, and (as the Oscars showed) it has only grown in leaps and bounds since then.

Seeing James Hong onstage at the Academy Awards after Everything Everywhere All at Once won the Best Picture Oscar was extremely gratifying, as he is a heck of a nice guy who deserves all the attention and success he's currently getting. I wanted to share this happy memory of the first time I met the legend himself in person. Here's to your continued success in Hollywood, good sir!

James Hong, King of the Monsters!

James Hong signs an autograph for yours truly.

After visiting Ib Melchior, I ate lunch with legendary actor James Hong (Big Trouble in Little China, Chinatown, Blade Runner). This was my second lunch with the famed actor, however, it was even more enjoyable than the first.

Hangin' out with James Hong at Dupar's Restaurant in Los Angeles.

What made this lunch even more memorable was that James and I recorded a couple of videos, which are posted below. His sense of humor really shines through in them. Enjoy!

Meeting James Hong

James Hong composes a congratulatory message for Akira Takarada, whose voice he dubbed in Godzilla King of the Monsters! Mr. Hong's message will be read during Mr. Takarada's Mangled Skyscraper Award ceremony.

Before I attended the Ib Melchior book signing, I met with veteran actor James Hong for lunch. I interviewed Mr. Hong for G-FAN magazine several years ago, but this was the first time we got to meet face-to-face. (When I asked him if he'd like to meet for lunch, he readily accepted the invitation.

A happy moment. Brett meets James Hong for the first time.

We talked about several subjects, but one in particular I wanted to discuss was the upcoming G-FEST convention, during which Akira Takarada would be awarded the Mangled Skyscraper Award. Having dubbed Mr. Takarada's voice for the original Godzilla's release in the U.S., Mr. Hong jumped at the chance to compose a congratulatory message, which he wrote on the spot. I will be proud to read this message at G-FEST.

A self-portrait to cap off the lunch. I love this shot, even if it looks less-than-professional!

All in all, it was fun to meet Mr. Hong, who has appeared in countless movies and TV shows over the years. He's always busy with convention appearances, movie/TV roles, and other projects. I was happy to share a meal with him.