Ke Huy Quan remembers an awkward-but-humorous audition for Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Quan got his start opposite Harrison Ford in the Spielberg-directed adventure film, the sequel to the smash hit Raiders of the Lost Ark. A standout child actor, Quan followed up his breakout role in Temple of Doom with memorable appearances in The Goonies and Encino Man. After that, his career faltered for decades, but Quan has recently enjoyed a revival of sorts after starring opposite Michelle Yeoh in 2022's critical darling Everything Everywhere All at Once.
The success of Everything Everywhere All at Once has returned Quan to the spotlight and now he is using the attention to share lesser-known stories from his child acting career. One such story revolves around his experience auditioning for Temple of Doom. According to The Guardian, Quan had a shaky experience trying out for the role of Short Round. His full quote can be read below:
“I remember doing a really bad job because my English comprehension was very minimal at that time. The next day, we got a call from Spielberg’s office. My mum thought it was a really fancy meeting and put me in this ridiculous three-piece suit. Steven noticed how uncomfortable I was. He said: ‘Ke, I would love for you to come back the next day, but wear something comfortable.’”
Spielberg Takes a Chance on Quan
The story of the awkward audition hammers home Spielberg's adaptability and vision as a director. Quan's limited English and overdressed attire might have sent a lesser director in new directions. But the child actor's earnestness and unfamiliarity also mirrored that of Short Round. Spielberg saw something authentic in Quan and decided to follow that authenticity in his casting decision. The risk paid off. Quan is now a highlight of Temple of Doom and has become a fan favorite in the forty years since its release.
Ke Huy Quan's Rejuvenated Career
Quan's absence from the big screen was hardly noticed by audiences before Everything Everywhere All at Once. But with the success of that film, it would be hard to imagine his obscurity continuing. Quan has booked numerous upcoming film and television projects. Two are based on graphic novels: the Joe Russo-directed The Electric State and the upcoming Disney+ series American Born Chinese. Quan has also been cast in Loki season 2 on Disney+. Other projects are sure to follow.
Quan is certainly making up for lost time. While his being middle-aged might provide a limiting factor for future leading roles because of ageism in Hollywood, audiences who rediscovered their affinity for the actor in the box office hit Everything Everywhere All at Once will expect to find him continuing his knack for supporting roles in the future. The actor who first found fame in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is sure to remain a fan favorite, should his onscreen revival continue.
Source: The Guardian
