When it comes to versatile actors who have left a lasting impact on Hollywood and Broadway, BD Wong is a name that shines. Known for his iconic roles in Jurassic Park, Law & Order: SVU, Mr. Robot, and Mulan, Wong has built an illustrious career spanning decades. Beyond his screen work, he is also a celebrated Broadway actor, winning a Tony Award for his performance in M. Butterfly.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into BD Wong’s life, career, achievements, net worth, and influence on representation in the entertainment industry.
Who is BD Wong?
BD Wong, born Bradley Darryl Wong on October 24, 1960, is an American actor known for his work in film, television, and stage. He gained recognition for his groundbreaking role as Song Liling in M. Butterfly, which earned him the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.
Throughout his career, Wong has been celebrated for breaking barriers for Asian-American actors in Hollywood.
- Full Name: Bradley Darryl Wong
- Stage Name: BD Wong
- Date of Birth: October 24, 1960
- Birthplace: San Francisco, California, USA
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Actor, Voice Actor, Stage Performer
- Notable Awards: Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Award
Early Life and Education
BD Wong was born and raised in San Francisco, California, to Roberta Christine, a telephone company supervisor, and William D. Wong, a postal worker. His parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and appreciation for cultural identity.
- He grew up in a traditional Chinese-American household.
- Attended Lincoln High School in San Francisco, where he developed an early interest in acting.
- Later studied drama at San Francisco State University, honing his craft and preparing for a professional career in theater and film.
BD Wong’s Career Journey
BD Wong’s career is nothing short of extraordinary, spanning stage, television, and film. Let’s break it down by major phases of his journey.
Broadway Breakthrough: M. Butterfly
In 1988, Wong starred in David Henry Hwang’s play M. Butterfly as Song Liling. His performance was universally acclaimed, earning him:
- Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play
- Drama Desk Award
- Outer Critics Circle Award
- Clarence Derwent Award
This made him one of the few actors in Broadway history to sweep all major New York theater awards in a single season.
Film Career
BD Wong transitioned into film, where he became a household name. Some of his most notable film roles include:
- Jurassic Park (1993) – as Dr. Henry Wu, a role he reprised in later Jurassic World films.
- Father of the Bride (1991) – as Howard Weinstein, the wedding planner’s assistant.
- Mulan (1998) – voiced Captain Li Shang, one of Disney’s most beloved animated characters.
- Seven Years in Tibet (1997) – alongside Brad Pitt.
Television Career
Wong also made his mark on television:
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2001–2015) – as Dr. George Huang, a forensic psychiatrist.
- Oz (1997–2003) – as Father Ray Mukada, a compassionate prison chaplain.
- Mr. Robot (2015–2019) – as Whiterose, a mysterious hacker and transgender woman, earning him critical acclaim.
- Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens (2020–present) – playing Nora’s father.
BD Wong’s Net Worth
As of 2025, BD Wong’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million – $10 million. His wealth comes from:
- Film and TV salaries
- Voice acting (notably Disney’s Mulan)
- Broadway performances
- Endorsements and appearances
BD Wong Net Worth Breakdown (2025 Estimate)
| Source of Income | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Film Roles | $4 million |
| Television Work | $3 million |
| Voice Acting | $1 million |
| Stage/Theater | $500,000+ |
| Other Ventures | $1 million |
| Total Net Worth | $8–10 million |
Contributions to Representation in Hollywood
BD Wong has been a vocal advocate for Asian-American representation in Hollywood. In an industry that often stereotypes or sidelines Asian characters, Wong has paved the way for more diverse storytelling.
- Challenged Hollywood’s typecasting practices.
- Openly discussed LGBTQ+ visibility, being one of the few openly gay Asian-American actors in Hollywood.
- Continues to support causes related to diversity, inclusion, and equality in media.
Personal Life
BD Wong has been open about his personal struggles and triumphs.
- He came out as gay in the early 2000s and has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
- In his memoir, Following Foo: The Electronic Adventures of the Chestnut Man, Wong details his journey of parenthood via surrogacy.
- He has a son, Jackson Foo Wong, born in 2000.
- Wong has been in a long-term relationship with Richert Schnorr, a director of digital media.
Awards and Recognition
BD Wong’s work has earned him numerous accolades, including:
- Tony Award for M. Butterfly
- Drama Desk Award
- Outer Critics Circle Award
- GLAAD Media Award (for his contributions to LGBTQ+ representation)
BD Wong’s Best Movies and TV Shows
Here’s a quick list of some of BD Wong’s most iconic roles:
Movies
- Jurassic Park (1993)
- Jurassic World series (2015–2022)
- Father of the Bride (1991, 1995)
- Mulan (1998, voice role)
- Seven Years in Tibet (1997)
TV Shows
- Law & Order: SVU (2001–2015)
- Oz (1997–2003)
- Mr. Robot (2015–2019)
- Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens (2020–present)
BD Wong in Pop Culture
- His character Captain Li Shang in Mulan became a Disney icon and LGBTQ+ fan favorite.
- His Mr. Robot role, Whiterose, is widely considered one of TV’s most compelling villains.
- In Jurassic Park, Dr. Henry Wu is a fan-favorite scientist character whose role grew significantly in later films.
FAQs About BD Wong
1. What is BD Wong’s real name?
BD Wong’s real name is Bradley Darryl Wong.
2. How old is BD Wong?
As of 2025, BD Wong is 64 years old.
3. What is BD Wong’s net worth in 2025?
BD Wong’s net worth is estimated at $8–10 million.
4. Is BD Wong married?
BD Wong is in a long-term relationship with Richert Schnorr, though he has not publicly confirmed marriage.
5. What are BD Wong’s most famous roles?
He is best known for M. Butterfly, Jurassic Park, Mulan, Law & Order: SVU, and Mr. Robot.
6. Did BD Wong win a Tony Award?
Yes, BD Wong won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for M. Butterfly in 1988.
7. Is BD Wong in Jurassic World?
Yes, he reprised his role as Dr. Henry Wu in the Jurassic World series.
Conclusion
BD Wong’s journey from a young San Francisco native to a Tony Award-winning Broadway star and Hollywood actor is nothing short of inspiring. With a career spanning stage, film, and television, he has become a symbol of representation, diversity, and resilience in the entertainment industry.
As an openly gay Asian-American actor, BD Wong has not only entertained audiences but also broken barriers in Hollywood. His story is a testament to talent, perseverance, and advocacy.