Big Trouble In Little China actor dies aged 73

A familiar face in both film and television for nearly 50 years, Kwong was lifelong advocate for authentic Asian representation in entertainment. Trained in Northern Shaolin kung fu and a skilled dancer in all sorts of different styles from ballroom to breakdancing, Kwong often appeared in both action and comedy roles (Picture: Getty Images)

Two of his most unforgettable and enduring roles came in the one year - 1986. He appeared alongside Eddie Murphy in The Golden Child as the villainous Tommy Tong. And he also played Rain - one of the three elemental henchmen wielding supernatural powers - in John Carpenter’s genre-blending action fantasy hit flick Big Trouble in Little China. Though the role was fairly small and brief, Kwong’s presence made an indelible mark on both audiences and pop culture alike (Picture: Getty Images)

Outside of his iconic parts, Kwong chalked up credits in movies such as The Presidio (1988), Gleaming the Cube (1989), I’ll Do Anything (1994) and Cooties (2014). On the small screen, he continued to make appearances into the 2000s with roles in hit shows like JAG, Renegade, My Wife and Kids and even Larry David's hugely popular and successful cringe-com Curb Your Enthusiasm (Picture: Getty Images)

Off-camera, Kwong was a respected and influential figure within the entertainment industry’s leadership circles. He served on the national boards of both the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). He also held a fairly lofty position on the Board of Governors for the Television Academy. Not only that but Peter was also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Actors Branch Executive Committee. It was a role in which he fought for and championed equity and visibility for Asian-American talent (Picture: Getty Images)

Kwong’s final performance came in the YouTube comedy web series Pepito’s Mamadas, where he lent his voice to the character of Mike. Friends have been paying tribute to Kwong on social media since the news broke. Actor, co-star and pal Lydia Cornell led the tributes on X, saying: 'I'm gutted. My dear friend Peter Kwong passed away. Fly with the angels Peter. Till we meet again' (Picture: Getty Images)

While the documentary director Larissa Lam said: 'Shocked and incredibly saddened by the loss of my friend, actor Peter Kwong. He has been a strong supporter of all my projects. I learned so much from him about the importance of representation' (Picture: Getty Images)

Fans have also paid their respects. One posted on X: 'Sad to just find out we lost Peter Kwong. He was one of my favorite supporting actors'. A second fan added: 'This is shocking, and I’m saddened that Peter Kwong, the actor who played “RAIN” has passed away. Peter, will forever be, to me, RAIN, the coolest cat, ever with long locks to wear a two-piece suit' (Picture: Getty Images)