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Ping Wu
View on WikipediaPing 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]- ^ "AARP, "Volunteering" advertisement". 2004.
- ^ "Travelers Insurance Rabbit Foot commercial". YouTube. 2007. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12.
- ^ [1]
External links
[edit]Ping Wu
View on GrokipediaBiography
Early life and education
Ping Wu was born on May 16, 1956, in New Haven, Connecticut.[6][1] He is the son of Nelson Wu and has a sister named Ting.[6] 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 Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned dual bachelor's degrees in physics and electrical engineering in 1976, at the age of 20.[7] 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.[7]Family background
Ping Wu was born on May 16, 1956, in New Haven, Connecticut, and raised in a Chinese-American family that had immigrated from China. His father, Nelson Ikon Wu (1919–2002), was a renowned author, educator, and scholar of Asian art history who arrived in the United States in 1945 after earning a B.A. from National Southwestern Associated University in Kunming, China.[8] Nelson Wu later obtained an M.A. in 1949 and a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University in 1954, going on to teach at Yale, San Francisco State University, Kyoto University, and Washington University in St. Louis, where he held the position of Edward Mallinckrodt Distinguished University Professor of the History of Art and Chinese Culture.[8][9] 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 art history and Chinese culture.[9] The couple married in the early 1950s, and their immigrant journey from China 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 cultural identity amidst adaptation to American life. Ping Wu's sister, Ting (C.-ting) Wu, exemplifies the family's commitment to scholarship as a Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, where her research focuses on chromosome behavior, positioning, and their roles in genome function, evolution, and gene regulation.[10] She has received prestigious accolades, including the NIH Director's Pioneer Award in 2012 for innovative studies on chromatin dynamics and the George W. Beadle Award in 2021 for contributions to understanding homologous chromosome pairing.[10][11] 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 electrical engineering before briefly working as an engineer. He transitioned to acting in the mid-1980s, starting with local theater and auditions in Los Angeles to secure an agent and break into Hollywood.[12] His professional debut came in 1985 with a guest role as Chow's aide in the episode "Mind Games" of the NBC action series The A-Team. 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 Steele Justice (1987), where he played an unnamed role, and as Pham in the Vietnam War drama The Iron Triangle (1989).[2][13] In 1991, Wu portrayed the dispatcher in the crime film Point Break, directed by Kathryn Bigelow, marking one of his first credited supporting roles in a major Hollywood production.[14] 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 Seinfeld. He appeared in four episodes—"The Tape" (1991), "The Virgin" (1992), "The Visa" (1993), and "The Pilot" (1993)—providing comedic relief through his character's deadpan 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.[15] As a Chinese-American performer entering the industry in the 1980s, 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.[16]Television roles
Ping Wu gained prominence in television through a series of guest and recurring roles following his breakthrough on Seinfeld, where he played the delivery boy Ping across four episodes from 1991 to 1993.[3] His subsequent work expanded into diverse genres, blending comedy and drama while showcasing his range as a supporting actor. He also appeared as Ming Wa in the UPN sci-fi series Special Unit 2 (2001–2002).[17] One of his most notable recurring roles was as Henry in the HBO comedy series Silicon Valley 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.[1] Wu also made memorable guest appearances in several acclaimed sitcoms, often embodying everyday or quirky figures that enhanced comedic scenarios. In Everybody Loves Raymond (2001), he portrayed a customer in the episode "Ray's Ring," contributing to the show's domestic humor.[18] Similarly, he appeared as an old man in How I Met Your Mother (2014, Season 9, Episode 14), a coroner in Two and a Half Men (2008, "Fish in a Drawer"), and a delivery guy in The King of Queens (2004, "Damned Yanky"), roles that highlighted his ability to deliver subtle timing in ensemble casts.[19][20] 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 international relations and adding depth to the plot's geopolitical tensions.[21] 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 Fresh Off the Boat (2017, "Four Funerals and a Wedding"), a role that infused cultural nuance into the sitcom's portrayal of Asian-American family life.[22] 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 global politics 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.[23][24]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 Cold War thriller directed by John McTiernan. His performance as part of the multinational crew underscored the film's exploration of defection and international intrigue during the late stages of the Cold War. In 1991, Wu appeared as Jay-Jay in The Doctor, a medical drama starring William Hurt as a surgeon who experiences the healthcare system from a patient's perspective after his own cancer diagnosis. The role, though brief, aligned with the film's themes of empathy 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).[25] Wu's comedic turns include the Infirmary Orderly in Six Days, Seven Nights (1998), an adventure film directed by Ivan Reitman, 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 Pearl Harbor (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 World War II.[26] 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 Shaolin Soccer (2001).[27] In the buddy comedy I Love You, Man (2009), Wu played Mr. Chu, a neighbor figure interacting with the protagonist in suburban Los Angeles, enhancing the film's satirical take on male friendships and wedding preparations.[28] The role exemplified his contributions to ensemble humor in mid-2000s rom-coms. Wu later appeared as an Asian Businessman in Horrible Bosses 2 (2014), a black comedy sequel involving a botched invention 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.[29] 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 Fallout 4, marking an early foray into interactive media that showcased his versatility in portraying nuanced, authority figures.[30] 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.[31] 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 anthology series 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 supporting character in a story exploring psychological challenges faced by astronauts.[32] That same year, he provided additional voice work for the English version of Demon City, enhancing the supernatural thriller's ensemble cast.[33] Alongside his voice roles, Wu has maintained a presence in live-action projects during the 2020s, particularly in streaming series. He portrayed Mayor Ed Lee in the 2022 anthology Super Pumped, appearing in the episode "Grow or Die" to depict the real-life San Francisco politician amid the Uber saga.[34] 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 Gyeongseong Creature (2023), where he bolstered the historical horror narrative.[35] Wu's prior success in live-action television, such as his recurring role in Silicon Valley, has facilitated his transition into voice acting 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) | Show | Role | Episodes | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | The A-Team | Chow's Aide | 1 | Guest |
| 1984 | Call to Glory | Waiter | 1 | Guest |
| 1987 | 21 Jump Street | Sangwa | 1 | Guest |
| 1988 | Noble House | Paul Choy | 4 | Recurring |
| 1991–1993 | Seinfeld | Ping | 4 | Recurring |
| 1990 | The Flash | Chu Lee | 1 | Guest |
| 1992 | Mad About You | Kim | 1 | Guest |
| 1993 | NYPD Blue | Woo Shu Kwan | 1 | Guest |
| 1993 | Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman | Lee Chang | 1 | Guest |
| 1994 | ER | Mr. Cheung | 1 | Guest |
| 1998 | Touched by an Angel | Zhang Xiao 'Gus' Gang | 2 | Recurring |
| 1995 | Caroline in the City | Kwan | 1 | Guest |
| 1995 | Space: Above and Beyond | Ashby | 1 | Guest |
| 1996 | Everybody Loves Raymond | Customer | 1 | Guest |
| 1998 | The King of Queens | Delivery Guy | 1 | Guest |
| 2000 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation | Coroner | 1 | Guest |
| 2001 | The Tick | Bailiff | 1 | Guest |
| 2005 | 24 | Su Ming | 3 | Recurring |
| 2001–2002 | Special Unit 2 | Ming Wa | 6 | Recurring |
| 2002 | Half & Half | Curtis | 1 | Guest |
| 2003 | 10-8 | Dr. Gary Straka | 1 | Guest |
| 2003 | Arrested Development | Proctor | 1 | Guest |
| 2003 | Joan of Arcadia | Pharmacist | 1 | Guest |
| 2003 | L.A. Dragnet | Boga | 1 | Guest |
| 2019 | NCIS | Peter Liu | 1 | Guest |
| 2003–2015 | Two and a Half Men | Coroner | 1 | Guest |
| 2004–2008 | Boston Legal | Chinese Businessman #1 | 2 | Recurring |
| 2005 | Related | George Takashi | 1 | Guest |
| 2005 | Grey's Anatomy | Seymour Glass | 1 | Guest |
| 2005–2014 | How I Met Your Mother | Old Man | 1 | Guest |
| 2005–2009 | My Name Is Earl | Dr. Fujimoto | 1 | Guest |
| 2005–2010 | Numb3rs | Steven Jintao | 1 | Guest |
| 2007 | Californication | Doctor | 1 | Guest |
| 2007–2012 | Chuck | Mr. Wu | 1 | Guest |
| 2007 | Pushing Daisies | Bao Ting | 1 | Guest |
| 2009–2018 | The Middle | Mr. Yamamoto | 1 | Guest |
| 2009–present | Castle | Dr. Lee | 1 | Guest |
| 2012–2014 | Anger Management | Mr. Wangchuck | 1 | Guest |
| 2012–2016 | Lab Rats | Dr. Gao | 1 | Guest |
| 2013 | Dads | Asian Man #2 | 1 | Guest |
| 2013 | Ironside | Man | 1 | Guest |
| 2014 | Rake | Partner #1 | 1 | Guest |
| 2014–2019 | Silicon Valley | Henry | 9 | Recurring |
| 2014–2019 | Madam Secretary | Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Lanh | 1 | Guest |
| 2014–2018 | Scorpion | Chinese Ambassador | 1 | Guest |
| 2014–present | Young & Hungry | Businessman | 1 | Guest |
| 2015–2020 | Fresh Off the Boat | Mr. Chu | 1 | Guest |
| 2016 | Roadies | Ron Bank | 1 | Guest |
| 2017–2020 | Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure | Mysterious Man | 1 | Guest |
| 2021 | Hellbound | Jeongchil | 5 | Guest (voice) |
| 2022 | Super Pumped | Mayor Ed Lee | 1 | Guest |
| 2023–2024 | Gyeongseong Creature | Additional cast | 1 | Guest (voice: English version) |
| 2024 | Secret Level | MC (Old) | 1 | Guest (voice) |
Film credits
Ping Wu has appeared in numerous feature films, often in supporting roles. His film credits are listed below in chronological order.| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Big Trouble in Little China | Chinese Gangster |
| 1987 | Steele Justice | Ping |
| 1989 | The Iron Triangle | VC #1 |
| 1990 | The Hunt for Red October | Petty Officer Tsu |
| 1991 | Point Break | Dispatcher |
| 1993 | Hot Shots! Part Deux | Duc |
| 1995 | Jade | Assistant Coroner |
| 1995 | Under Siege 2: Dark Territory | SYSOS Officer |
| 1995 | Thunderbolt | Chan Foh To |
| 1996 | First Strike | Jackson Tsui (voice: English version) |
| 1996 | The Cable Guy | Theater Manager |
| 1997 | Most Wanted | Patrolman |
| 1998 | Six Days Seven Nights | Infirmary Orderly |
| 1998 | Rush Hour | Tan |
| 2000 | The Art of War | Capitol Police Officer #1 |
| 2001 | Pearl Harbor | Japanese Officer |
| 2002 | Windtalkers | American GI |
| 2003 | Cradle 2 the Grave | Laser Technician |
| 2004 | Collateral | Cop |
| 2005 | Memoirs of a Geisha | Koichi |
| 2007 | Live Free or Die Hard | Security Chief |
| 2008 | The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor | General |
| 2009 | I Love You, Man | Ping |
| 2010 | The Social Network | Chinese Man |
| 2011 | Transformers: Dark of the Moon | Trader |
| 2012 | California Solo | Judge |
| 2013 | Wrong Cops | Chinese |
| 2013 | The Hangover Part III | Oscar |
| 2014 | Horrible Bosses 2 | Lobby Receptionist |
| 2015 | Pixels | Japanese Player |
| 2016 | Independence Day: Resurgence | General |
| 2017 | The Great Wall | Strategist |
| 2018 | Skyscraper | Fire Chief |
| 2020 | The King of Staten Island | Dr. Wu |
| 2021 | Snake Eyes | Senator |
| 2021 | The Cleaner | Pharmacist |
| 2022 | Palm Trees and Power Lines | Donut Shop Cashier |
| 2023 | The Creator | Harlan |
