In the swirling neon lights of 1980s cult cinema, few films shone as uniquely as John Carpenter’s “Big Trouble in Little China,” and among its memorable cast was Dennis Dun, who portrayed the intrepid Wang Chi. Decades after this iconic role, fans of the film often find themselves wondering: What happened to Dennis Dun?
Early Career
Dennis Dun’s acting career, which began at the Asian American Theater Company in San Francisco, has spanned numerous stage performances at prestigious venues like East West Players, The Berkeley Repertory Theater, and the Lodestone Theater Ensemble.
Transitioning to the big screen, Dun’s early roles included an appearance in the 1984 crime drama “Partners in Crime” and a significant part as Herbert Kwong, a rookie cop, in the 1985 film “Year of the Dragon.”
Big Trouble in Little China
Dennis Dun’s most significant and influential role was as Wang Chi in the cult-classic martial arts fantasy adventure Big Trouble in Little China. This 1986 film was directed by John Carpenter and starred Kurt Russel, Kim Cattrall, Dennis Dun, and James Hong.
The film has gone on to become a cult-classic and beloved by many.
Dennis mentions on a podcast that he was cast for the role after John Carpenter noticed Dennis from the movie ‘Year of the Dragon‘
I met him. Didn’t have to read or anything. That’s how he cast. He kind of knows he has a vision in his head, and I think I fit in his vision.
Dennis also mentions that while filming Big Trouble in Little China, John Carpenter told him that he was the hero of the movie.
John Carpenter always said that to me when I worked. You are the hero of the film. You are the hero of the film. He always kept telling me that. But he just wanted me to feel that confidence, and that’s how he saw it.
In fact, Kurt would find new ways to be more bumbling. He was very open. We got along very well. So it was kind of a phenomenal once in a lifetime experience. So long ago but yeah, that will always be close to my heart during the film.
And Carpenter was respectful of all of us, and it employed so many Asian American actors.
What did Dennis Dun do after Big Trouble in Little China?
The Last Emperor
Dennis Dun would team up with John Carpenter again following Big Trouble In Little China with the 1987 horror film Prince of Darkness. That year he would also appear in The Last Emperor as Big Li.
Midnight Caller
Dun would continue to appear in film and television over the years, with his most significant role in 1998 when he was cast as Billy Po in the NBC drama Midnight Caller. He would play Billy Po across 61 episodes from 1998 to 1991. He was top-billed along with star Gary Cole.
What is he doing now?
Dennis Dun is still acting these days, and while he does not appear as much in film and television, he does a lot of theater working in the Los Angeles area, seemingly content to perform live.
As of May 2022, Dennis Dun is actively engaged in the theatrical world, starring in Lauren Yee’s play “King of the Yees” at the Sierra Madre Playhouse.
This role is particularly meaningful for him, as it closely aligns with his personal experiences and Chinese American heritage. The play, which delves into themes of cultural identity and generational conflict, resonates with Dun’s own journey and his understanding of these dynamics.
In his personal life, Dun mentions in an interview that his daughter, who attended Yale and is pursuing graduate studies in creative writing, highlighting the importance of family and education in his life.