Happy Birthday actor Gedde Watanabe

Born: June 26, 1955 in Ogden, Utah, USA

In his audition for the film Sixteen Candles (1984), he went through the entire process pretending he did not speak any English, imitating a Korean friend. After he was finished, he eloquently thanked the casting director in perfect English. He was soon cast.

Began his show business career as a street singer.

Grew up in San Francisco’s Chinatown.

His mother was interned by the United States during World War II.

QUOTE:

My ethnicity works both for and against me. But I look for parts that aren’t necessarily Asian, parts that can be played by someone of any background.