Moy Ming

Biography

Moy Ming's life is something that a Hollywood movie couldn't dream up. He immigrated to the United States in 1876. There was not much work for Chinese workers back then, so Ming became a craftsman, a professional occupation he later taught his son. While trying to find work one day Ming was seen by prolific director D.W. Griffith who saw Ming's unique appearance and demanded that he appear in his movie Broken Blossoms. Ming took great pride in this role and frequently cited it as one of the first character roles played by a Chinese actor in an American film. However, Ming knew he could not find steady work in California so he went to Chicago and opened up an importing business. Since he did not resume his acting career until he retired from his business in 1931, Ming was never burdened with trying to make a living as an actor. Ming just enjoyed working in films and referred to it as fun. While he managed to appear in various films including The Good Earth and numerous Charlie Chan films, it wasn't until 1945 when at the age of 82, he achieved one of his biggest dreams when he obtained American citizenship. Ming eventually retired from films after his 90th birthday and for his 100th birthday, he received a telegram from President John F. Kennedy congratulating him on his milestone.