Henry O (simplified Chinese: 欧亨利; traditional Chinese: 歐亨利; pinyin: Ōu Hēnglì; born July 27, 1927) is a retired Chinese-American actor. He is the father of Ji-li Jiang, the author of Red Scarf Girl.
O was born in Shanghai in 1927 and attended British and American missionary schools in China. He worked as a stage actor in China before switching to film work after moving to the United States.
During the Cultural Revolution he was falsely accused of counter-revolutionary crimes and was detained and forced to do hard labour by the Chinese government.
Personal life
O and his family left China and settled in the United States in the 1980s to take care of his daughter Ji-yun's children. Henry O is his stage named and is derived from O. Henry.
O resides in San Francisco area and is married to Ying Chen. They have three children including Jiang Ji-yong, Jiang Ji-yun and author Ji-li Jiang. O is fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese.
Filmography
Most of O's credits after 1983 are after his arrival to the United States.
Television
The Sopranos (2006) – Monk in episodes "Mayham" and "Join the Club"
ER (2004) – Mr. Chen in episodes "White Guy, Dark Hair" and "Twas the Night"
The West Wing (2000) – Jhin Wei in "Shibboleth"
Marco Polo (1983) – astrologer
Film
Premium Rush (2012) – Mr. Leung
2012 (2009) – Lama Rinpoche
Rush Hour 3 (2007) – Master Yu
A Thousand Years of Good Prayers (2007) – Mr Shi
They Wait (2007) – Pharmacist
Avatar (2004) – Uncle Hui
Shanghai Noon (2000) – Royal Interpreter
Romeo Must Die (2000) – Ch'u Sing, father of Han Sing
Dragonheart: A New Beginning (2000) – Master Kwan
Snow Falling on Cedars (1999) – Nagaishi
Brokedown Palace (1999) – Emissary to Crown
Red Corner (1997) – Procurator General Yang
American Shaolin (1992) – Master San De
The Last Emperor (1987) – the Lord Chamberlain