Willie Fung

Biography

Willie Fung, born in 1896, became one of the earliest Chinese-American actors to earn steady work in Hollywood, appearing in a wide range of films throughout the 1920s, 1930s, and early 1940s. Though the era offered limited roles, he brought professionalism and dignity to every performance, helping to pave the way for future generations of performers of Asian descent.

He is remembered for his generosity toward fellow actors and for the countless scenes in which his talent lent truth to the characters he portrayed, often under difficult circumstances. He rests at Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery, leaving a legacy of resilience and artistry.