GoFundMe Raises Funds for Hollywood Legend, James Hong, to Receive Walk of Fame Star
Brittany Strelluf
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is an iconic monument to American popular culture. As of 2020, the Walk of Fame is made up of more than 2,690 stars bearing the names of musicians, actors, and other performers who have made a significant impact on American entertainment.
Some may not realize that a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame requires that the recipient or their respective estate fund the installment and maintenance of the star. A sum of $50,000 for the creation and upkeep is required upfront. While this amount is small potatoes for actors who make millions for their roles, an honor of this kind is a pipe dream for many working actors. Even actors who have hundreds of credits to their names or who have worked consistently over the decades may never receive the accolades that they deeply deserve.
You may not know James Hong’s name, but you have seen his work. This is a given because he has been in over 600 movies. His work includes Seinfeld, and Big Trouble and Little China, Chinatown, and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
The Good Doctor producer and Lost actor Daniel Day Kim stepped up to the task. Kim began a Go Fund Me requesting donations funding the Hollywood Star as an accolade for Hong’s body of work. Hong’s story resonated with the public because the $55,000 goal was achieved in 3 days with donations from over 1700 people.
“James Hong just might be the most prolific actor in Hollywood history. As of July 2020, he has a total of 672 credits, which include 469 TV shows, 149 feature films, 32 short films, and 22 video games.” Kim writes. Hong’s instantly recognizable voice is heard in Mulan and Kung Fu Panda. Hong speaks about his amazing life and work in an incredible short film produced by Great Big Story.
This star is more than the long-needed acknowledgment of a Hollywood legend, this star would be a testament that the working actor is important and necessary. Kim wrote in the GoFundMe statement “This man epitomizes the term "working actor," and that's not even taking into account all he's done to help further representation for actors of color.”
Kim will nominate Hong for a star in 2021. Should the star nomination not be accepted, the funds will be donated to charity in Hong’s honor.