Hubbry Logo
Ping WuPing WuMain
Open search
Ping Wu
Community hub
Ping Wu
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Ping Wu
Ping Wu
from Wikipedia

Ping Wu (born May 16, 1956) is an American television and film actor.

Key Information

Personal life

[edit]

Wu is Chinese–American. His father was author and educator Nelson Ikon Wu, and his sister, Ting Wu, is a genetics professor at the Harvard Medical School.

Career

[edit]

Wu is best known for the recurring role of "Ping," the delivery boy, on the television sitcom, Seinfeld. He has also appeared on other sitcoms, such as Everybody Loves Raymond, How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, The King of Queens, Anger Management, and Rules of Engagement. He appeared in the 1988 TV mini-series, Noble House, Rock Hudson and The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Journey of Radiance. He played a Japanese officer in the 2001 film Pearl Harbor, as well as a physician in the 1991 medical drama The Doctor.

He appeared in three episodes of the fourth season of 24.

He also appeared in an episode of Californication; and has been featured in several television commercials.[1][2]

He appeared in Fresh Off The Boat and has a recurring role as Henry on Silicon Valley.

Wu has also worked as a voice actor in the video game Fallout 4.

He was in an episode of 21 Jump Street.[3]

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1985 Police Story Chan Ka Kui 1998 English version, voice (uncredited)
1987 Project A Part II Sergeant Dragon Ma Yue Lung 2003 English version, voice (uncredited)
Crime Killer Vietnam Soldiers
1988 Police Story 2 Detective Ka Kui Chan 1999 English version, voice (uncredited)
1989 The Iron Triangle Pham
1990 The Hunt for Red October Seaman - Red October #4
1991 Point Break Dispatcher
The Doctor Jay-Jay
Mystery Date Vince
1991–1993 Seinfeld Ping 4 episodes (1 uncredited)
1995 Under Siege 2: Dark Territory SYSOS Officer
Thunderbolt Chan Foh To 2000 English version, voice (uncredited)
1996 First Strike Jackson Tsui English version, voice
1997 Most Wanted Patrolman
1998 Six Days, Seven Nights Infirmary Orderly
2001 Pearl Harbor Japanese Officer
Shaolin Soccer Bulldog Voice
Bubble Boy Emcee
2003 7 Songs King of the Road
Vampires Anonymous Andy
2005 Wheelmen Mr. Young
2008 The Sarah Silverman Program Borjijin Episode: "The Mongolian Beef"
2009 I Love You, Man Mr. Chu
2011 Love on a Leash Kyle
2012 California Solo Judge
2013 Wrong Cops Chinese
2014 Horrible Bosses 2 Lobby Receptionist
2015-2018 Silicon Valley Henry
2021 Bad Detectives Detective Wong
Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop Mr. Fujiyama English version, voice
The Cleaner Pharmacist
2024 Secret Level MC (old) Voice, episode: "Sifu: It Takes a Life"

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Ping Wu (born May 16, 1956) is an American actor recognized for his extensive work in and , spanning over four decades with appearances in more than 80 credits. Born in , Wu has portrayed a diverse array of characters, often drawing on his heritage as the son of Chinese immigrants to bring authenticity to roles involving Asian American experiences. His breakthrough came in the late and with supporting parts in major Hollywood productions, establishing him as a versatile in both action blockbusters and comedies. Wu's television career includes memorable guest spots and recurring roles that highlight his range, such as the diplomat Su Ming in the series 24 (2005), the quirky inventor Ping in an episode of NBC's Seinfeld (1994), and the tech executive Henry in HBO's (2014–2019). He also appeared as Ming Wa in the UPN sci-fi series (2001–2002) and as Paul Choy in the NBC miniseries Noble House (1988), showcasing his ability to handle dramatic and supernatural narratives. More recently, as of 2025, he has appeared in the HBO series It's (2024–present) and the upcoming film Demon City (2025). Beyond live-action, Wu has contributed to , including characters in animated series like (2001–2004) and Tangled: The Series (2017), as well as additional voices in films such as (2013) and the video game series Secret Level (2024). In film, Wu has collaborated with prominent directors and stars in high-profile projects, including the submarine thriller (1990), the action-comedy (1991), the romantic adventure (1998), and the World War II epic (2001). Later roles featured him in comedies like I Love You, Man (2009) alongside and (2014), as well as international hits such as (2001) and Jackie Chan's First Strike (1996). His work extends to theater, with performances for organizations like Los Angeles Theatre Works, underscoring his foundational training in stage acting before transitioning to screen roles.

Biography

Early life and education

Ping Wu was born on May 16, 1956, in . He is the son of Nelson Wu and has a sister named Ting. Wu spent his formative years in an environment shaped by intellectual pursuits, reflecting his family's ties to academia. He graduated from high school in 1974 and later attended , where he earned dual bachelor's degrees in physics and in 1976, at the age of 20. During his time at university, Wu began exploring interests in the performing arts, including participation in university theater productions, laying the groundwork for his future career in acting.

Family background

Ping Wu was born on May 16, 1956, in , and raised in a Chinese-American family that had immigrated from . His father, Nelson Ikon Wu (1919–2002), was a renowned , educator, and of Asian who arrived in the United States in 1945 after earning a B.A. from National Southwestern Associated University in , . Nelson Wu later obtained an M.A. in 1949 and a Ph.D. in art history from in 1954, going on to teach at Yale, , , and , where he held the position of Edward Mallinckrodt Distinguished University Professor of the and . Wu's mother, Mu-lien H. Wu, shared in the family's academic legacy, as evidenced by the establishment of the Nelson I. and Mu-lien H. Wu Memorial Book Fund at Washington University Libraries following their passing, which supports collections in and . The couple married in the early 1950s, and their immigrant journey from reflected the broader experiences of Chinese families seeking educational and professional opportunities in the U.S. during the mid-20th century. This heritage fostered a household that prioritized intellectual pursuits and the preservation of amidst adaptation to American life. Ping Wu's sister, Ting (C.-ting) Wu, exemplifies the family's commitment to scholarship as a of at , where her research focuses on behavior, positioning, and their roles in genome function, evolution, and gene regulation. She has received prestigious accolades, including the NIH Director's Pioneer Award in 2012 for innovative studies on dynamics and the George W. Beadle Award in 2021 for contributions to understanding pairing. The Wu family's emphasis on education, drawn from their parents' academic careers and immigrant resilience, profoundly shaped Ping Wu's worldview, blending Chinese cultural values with American opportunities.

Career

Early career and breakthrough

Ping Wu graduated from Washington University in St. Louis at age 19 with dual bachelor's degrees in physics and before briefly working as an engineer. He transitioned to acting in the mid-1980s, starting with local theater and auditions in to secure an agent and break into Hollywood. His professional debut came in 1985 with a guest role as Chow's aide in the episode "" of the NBC action series . Early television work included the role of Paul Choy in the NBC miniseries Noble House (1988). Early film appearances followed, including minor parts in the action thriller (1987), where he played an unnamed role, and as Pham in the Vietnam War drama The Iron Triangle (1989). In 1991, Wu portrayed the dispatcher in the crime film , directed by , marking one of his first credited supporting roles in a major Hollywood production. Wu's breakthrough arrived with his recurring portrayal of Ping, a Chinese delivery boy who brings food to Jerry and his friends while speaking in limited English, on the NBC sitcom . He appeared in four episodes—"The Tape" (1991), "The Virgin" (1992), "" (1993), and "The Pilot" (1993)—providing comedic relief through his character's demeanor and cultural misunderstandings. This role significantly boosted his visibility, offering one of the era's few recurring opportunities for an Asian-American actor on prime-time network television and highlighting everyday immigrant experiences amid limited representation. As a Chinese-American performer entering the industry in the , Wu navigated challenges including typecasting in stereotypical ethnic roles and scarce opportunities for non-white actors, often limited to extras or brief appearances in action and crime genres.

Television roles

Ping Wu gained prominence in television through a series of guest and recurring roles following his breakthrough on , where he played the delivery boy Ping across four episodes from 1991 to 1993. His subsequent work expanded into diverse genres, blending comedy and drama while showcasing his range as a . He also appeared as Ming Wa in the UPN sci-fi series (2001–2002). One of his most notable recurring roles was as Henry in the HBO comedy series from 2015 to 2018, appearing in nine episodes. Henry serves as a pragmatic advisor to the Pied Piper team, navigating the legal and corporate challenges of the tech startup world, which adds layers of humor and realism to the ensemble's underdog narrative through his dry wit and professional insights. Wu also made memorable guest appearances in several acclaimed sitcoms, often embodying everyday or quirky figures that enhanced comedic scenarios. In (2001), he portrayed a in the episode "Ray's Ring," contributing to the show's domestic humor. Similarly, he appeared as an old man in (2014, Season 9, Episode 14), a in (2008, ""), and a delivery guy in (2004, "Damned Yanky"), roles that highlighted his ability to deliver subtle timing in ensemble casts. Transitioning to more dramatic fare, Wu played the Chinese deputy consul Su Ming in three episodes of 24's fourth season in 2005, including "Day 4: 2:00 a.m.-3:00 a.m." and "Day 4: 6:00 a.m.-7:00 a.m." In this arc, Su Ming engages in high-stakes diplomatic negotiations amid a terrorist crisis, bringing gravitas to the series' exploration of and adding depth to the plot's geopolitical tensions. In the mid-2010s, Wu continued with guest spots in family-oriented and procedural shows, further diversifying his portfolio. He appeared as Mr. Chu in (2017, "Four Funerals and a Wedding"), a role that infused cultural nuance into the sitcom's portrayal of Asian-American family life. Additionally, he portrayed Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Lanh in Madam Secretary (2016, "South China Sea") and the Chinese Ambassador in Scorpion (2016, "We're Gonna Need a Bigger Vote"), characters that emphasized diplomatic authority and contributed to storylines involving and problem-solving teams. Wu's television career illustrates the broader evolution of Asian-American representation from the 1990s to the 2010s, shifting from often stereotypical peripheral figures—such as service workers—to more substantive professional roles in ensembles like Silicon Valley and Fresh Off the Boat. This progression mirrors industry-wide advancements, where Asian characters increasingly received multidimensional portrayals amid growing demands for inclusivity.

Film roles

Ping Wu's film roles span supporting characters in a variety of Hollywood genres, from thrillers and dramas to comedies, often portraying Asian figures in ensemble casts. In The Hunt for Red October (1990), he played a seaman aboard the Soviet submarine Red October, contributing to the tense underwater sequences in this thriller directed by . His performance as part of the multinational crew underscored the film's exploration of defection and international intrigue during the late stages of the . In 1991, Wu appeared as Jay-Jay in The Doctor, a starring as a who experiences the healthcare system from a patient's perspective after his own . The role, though brief, aligned with the film's themes of and institutional flaws in American medicine during the early 1990s. He also provided voice work for the English version of Jackie Chan's First Strike (1996). Wu's comedic turns include the Infirmary Orderly in (1998), an adventure film directed by , where Harrison Ford's character crash-lands on a remote island, and Wu's orderly assists in the ensuing chaos aboard a seaplane. This lighthearted supporting part highlighted his versatility in blending humor with action in tropical survival scenarios. A notable dramatic role came in (2001), where Wu portrayed a Japanese Officer amid the film's recreation of the December 7, 1941, attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet by Imperial Japanese forces, an event that propelled America into . His character's involvement in the aerial assault sequences provided a glimpse into the strategic and human elements of the historical Japanese naval operation, which involved over 350 aircraft and resulted in over 2,400 American deaths, marking a pivotal shift in global alliances. Wu's understated performance added authenticity to the ensemble depiction of the enemy perspective without overshadowing the central romantic and heroic narrative. He also voiced Bulldog in the English version of (2001). In the buddy comedy (2009), Wu played Mr. Chu, a neighbor figure interacting with the protagonist in suburban , enhancing the film's satirical take on male friendships and wedding preparations. The role exemplified his contributions to ensemble humor in mid-2000s rom-coms. Wu later appeared as an Asian Businessman in (2014), a sequel involving a botched scheme, where his character engages in corporate dealings that propel the plot's absurd criminal twists. This part reflected ongoing patterns in his career of embodying authoritative Asian professionals in fast-paced satirical films. Across these films, Wu's portrayals frequently involved Asian-coded supporting characters in action-thrillers like The Hunt for Red October and historical epics like Pearl Harbor, illustrating common typecasting trends for Asian American actors in 1990s and 2000s Hollywood productions that prioritized ethnic specificity for minor roles amid broader narratives of conflict and comedy. His work helped incrementally advance diverse casting by providing visible, if peripheral, Asian representation in major blockbusters, contributing to a gradual shift toward more inclusive ensemble dynamics in American cinema from the 1990s to the 2010s.

Voice acting and recent projects

Ping Wu's voice acting career gained prominence with his role as Captain Zao, alongside additional characters Stan Slavin and Ted Huntley, in the 2015 video game , marking an early foray into interactive media that showcased his versatility in portraying nuanced, authority figures. This experience paved the way for further expansions in gaming, including voicing Reigen Ueda in the 2024 expansion Starfield: Shattered Space, where he contributed to the narrative depth of Bethesda's expansive sci-fi universe. Building on this foundation, Wu's recent voice work has increasingly embraced animated and gaming projects. In 2024, he lent his voice to MC (Old) in the Secret Level, specifically in the episode "Sifu: It Takes a Life," delivering a poignant performance of an aging martial artist confronting loss and resilience. Extending into 2025, Wu voiced Joo Yoon-jae in the animated film Lost in Starlight, portraying a key in a story exploring psychological challenges faced by astronauts. That same year, he provided additional voice work for the English version of Demon City, enhancing the supernatural thriller's . Alongside his voice roles, Wu has maintained a presence in live-action projects during the 2020s, particularly in streaming series. He portrayed in the 2022 anthology , appearing in the episode "Grow or Die" to depict the real-life politician amid the saga. In 2021, Wu played the Pharmacist in the crime drama The Cleaner, contributing to the film's tense exploration of moral dilemmas in a post-pandemic world. His voice talents also supported English dubs for Korean series, including additional cast in Hellbound (2021) as Jeongchil across multiple episodes, and in (2023), where he bolstered the historical horror narrative. Wu's prior success in live-action television, such as his recurring role in , has facilitated his transition into by highlighting his ability to embody culturally resonant characters. This shift aligns with broader industry trends, where veteran actors like Wu benefit from expanded opportunities in streaming platforms and video games, driven by demand for diverse, experienced voices in global content production—a development that has notably increased post-2020 visibility for actors with his profile.

Filmography

Television credits

Ping Wu has appeared in numerous television series, primarily in guest capacities with select recurring roles. His credits include both live-action and voice work, spanning comedies, dramas, and genre shows.
Year(s)ShowRoleEpisodesType
1983The A-TeamChow's Aide1Guest
1984Call to GloryWaiter1Guest
198721 Jump StreetSangwa1Guest
1988Noble HousePaul Choy4Recurring
1991–1993SeinfeldPing4Recurring
1990The FlashChu Lee1Guest
1992Mad About YouKim1Guest
1993NYPD BlueWoo Shu Kwan1Guest
1993Dr. Quinn, Medicine WomanLee Chang1Guest
1994ERMr. Cheung1Guest
1998Touched by an AngelZhang Xiao 'Gus' Gang2Recurring
1995Caroline in the CityKwan1Guest
1995Space: Above and BeyondAshby1Guest
1996Everybody Loves RaymondCustomer1Guest
1998The King of QueensDelivery Guy1Guest
2000CSI: Crime Scene InvestigationCoroner1Guest
2001The TickBailiff1Guest
200524Su Ming3Recurring
2001–2002Special Unit 2Ming Wa6Recurring
2002Half & HalfCurtis1Guest
200310-8Dr. Gary Straka1Guest
2003Arrested DevelopmentProctor1Guest
2003Joan of ArcadiaPharmacist1Guest
2003L.A. DragnetBoga1Guest
2019NCISPeter Liu1Guest
2003–2015Two and a Half MenCoroner1Guest
2004–2008Boston LegalChinese Businessman #12Recurring
2005RelatedGeorge Takashi1Guest
2005Grey's AnatomySeymour Glass1Guest
2005–2014How I Met Your MotherOld Man1Guest
2005–2009My Name Is EarlDr. Fujimoto1Guest
2005–2010Numb3rsSteven Jintao1Guest
2007CalifornicationDoctor1Guest
2007–2012ChuckMr. Wu1Guest
2007Pushing DaisiesBao Ting1Guest
2009–2018The MiddleMr. Yamamoto1Guest
2009–presentCastleDr. Lee1Guest
2012–2014Anger ManagementMr. Wangchuck1Guest
2012–2016Lab RatsDr. Gao1Guest
2013DadsAsian Man #21Guest
2013IronsideMan1Guest
2014RakePartner #11Guest
2014–2019Silicon ValleyHenry9Recurring
2014–2019Madam SecretaryVietnamese President Nguyen Van Lanh1Guest
2014–2018ScorpionChinese Ambassador1Guest
2014–presentYoung & HungryBusinessman1Guest
2015–2020Fresh Off the BoatMr. Chu1Guest
2016RoadiesRon Bank1Guest
2017–2020Rapunzel's Tangled AdventureMysterious Man1Guest
2021HellboundJeongchil5Guest (voice)
2022Super PumpedMayor Ed Lee1Guest
2023–2024Gyeongseong CreatureAdditional cast1Guest (voice: English version)
2024Secret LevelMC (Old)1Guest (voice)
This list encompasses documented appearances and excludes minor pilots or unaired projects.

Film credits

Ping Wu has appeared in numerous feature films, often in supporting roles. His film credits are listed below in chronological order.
YearTitleRole
1986Big Trouble in Little ChinaChinese Gangster
1987Steele JusticePing
1989The Iron TriangleVC #1
1990The Hunt for Red OctoberPetty Officer Tsu
1991Point BreakDispatcher
1993Hot Shots! Part DeuxDuc
1995JadeAssistant Coroner
1995Under Siege 2: Dark TerritorySYSOS Officer
1995ThunderboltChan Foh To
1996First StrikeJackson Tsui (voice: English version)
1996The Cable GuyTheater Manager
1997Most WantedPatrolman
1998Six Days Seven NightsInfirmary Orderly
1998Rush HourTan
2000The Art of WarCapitol Police Officer #1
2001Pearl HarborJapanese Officer
2002WindtalkersAmerican GI
2003Cradle 2 the GraveLaser Technician
2004CollateralCop
2005Memoirs of a GeishaKoichi
2007Live Free or Die HardSecurity Chief
2008The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon EmperorGeneral
2009I Love You, ManPing
2010The Social NetworkChinese Man
2011Transformers: Dark of the MoonTrader
2012California SoloJudge
2013Wrong CopsChinese
2013The Hangover Part IIIOscar
2014Horrible Bosses 2Lobby Receptionist
2015PixelsJapanese Player
2016Independence Day: ResurgenceGeneral
2017The Great WallStrategist
2018SkyscraperFire Chief
2020The King of Staten IslandDr. Wu
2021Snake EyesSenator
2021The CleanerPharmacist
2022Palm Trees and Power LinesDonut Shop Cashier
2023The CreatorHarlan

Video games and animation

Ping Wu has contributed voice acting to several prominent video games, often portraying authoritative or enigmatic characters in science fiction settings. In the 2015 role-playing game , developed by , he voiced Captain Zao, the leader of a Chinese crew; Ted Huntley, a ; and Stan Slavin, a minor NPC. These roles highlighted his ability to deliver nuanced performances in a post-apocalyptic world, contributing to the game's immersive dialogue system. Expanding into animated features, Wu provided the English dub voice for Fujiyama, a wise elderly mentor figure, in the 2021 Japanese animated film Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop, directed by Kyōhei Ishiguro and produced by Signal.MD. His portrayal added depth to the film's themes of communication and generational bonds, earning praise for its emotional resonance in the English version. In more recent interactive media, Wu voiced Reigen Ueda, a key involved in the expansion's narrative of cosmic exploration and conflict, in Starfield: Shattered Space (2024), the DLC for Bethesda's space-faring RPG Starfield. This role built on his prior Bethesda collaboration, emphasizing his versatility in voicing complex interstellar personalities. Wu's animation work continued with the 2025 Korean animated drama Lost in Starlight, where he lent his voice to Joo Yoon-jae, a pivotal scientist character navigating themes of loss and discovery in a sci-fi setting. Released on , the film showcased his range in international dubbing, blending subtle emotional delivery with technical exposition. Additionally, in the 2024 adult animated anthology series Secret Level on Prime Video, Wu voiced the elderly MC in the episode "Sifu: It Takes a Life," set in the world of the game Sifu and exploring revenge and . His performance as the narrator provided gravitas to the episode's introspective tone. For 2025 projects, Wu appears in additional voice capacity in the animated film Demon City, contributing to the English version's ensemble as part of the supporting cast. This role aligns with his ongoing involvement in genre-blending animations featuring elements.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.