Home / Arts and Entertainment / 80s Star's Rare LA Sighting: From Long Duk Dong to ER
80s Star's Rare LA Sighting: From Long Duk Dong to ER
12 Apr
Summary
- Actor Gedde Watanabe made a rare public appearance in Los Angeles recently.
- Watanabe is known for his controversial role as Long Duk Dong.
- He also starred as Nurse Yosh Takata on ER from 1997 to 2003.
Actor Gedde Watanabe, widely recognized for his role as Long Duk Dong in the 1984 film "Sixteen Candles," recently made a rare public appearance in Los Angeles at the age of 70. He was observed enjoying retail therapy, appearing to be in good spirits. Watanabe’s casual attire contrasted sharply with his previous red carpet appearances and iconic roles.
Watanabe's portrayal of Long Duk Dong, an Asian foreign exchange student, has drawn significant criticism in recent years for perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The character's exaggerated mannerisms and use of broken English have been called out as a racist caricature.
Despite the controversy surrounding "Sixteen Candles," Watanabe enjoyed a successful acting career. He voiced Ling in Disney's "Mulan" (1998) and its sequel, and played the beloved Nurse Yosh Takata on the hit series "ER" from 1997 to 2003. He also appeared in "Gung Ho" (1986) and "UHF" (1989).
