Ben Wang
Ben Wang (born January 1, 2000) is an American actor. He is known for his role as Jin Wang in Disney+ series American Born Chinese and as Bo in Chang Can Dunk. Wang is set to star in the upcoming film Karate Kid: Legends.[1]
Early life and education
Wang was born in Shanghai, China. His parents divorced when he was four years old which led to him and his mother immigrating to the United States when he was six.[2] Wang alternated between living with his mother and his grandparents throughout his childhood in Northfield, Minnesota. Wang studied musical theater at New York University.[3]
Career
Wang's first major role came in an episode of MacGyver in 2021 as Eli Brown. In 2023, he played Bo in the Disney+ film Chang Can Dunk.[4] Wang also landed the lead role in the 2023 Disney+ sitcom American Born Chinese. Based on the graphic novel of the same name by Gene Luen Yang, he played the role of high school student Jin Wang.[5]
In February 2024, it was announced that Wang would play the lead role of Li Fong in Karate Kid: Legends alongside Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan.[1][6]
Personal life
Wang is fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese. He is also proficient in martial arts such as karate, kenpo, kung fu (primarily wing chun), kumdo and taekwondo.[1]
Awards
Wang was honored with the Star of Tomorrow award at the CinemaCon 2025 Big Screen Achievement Awards ahead of the release of Karate Kid: Legends.[7]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Sex Appeal | Franklin | |
| 2023 | Chang Can Dunk | Bo | |
| Sight | Young Ming | ||
| Good Egg | Guy | ||
| 2024 | Mean Girls | Jacob Zheng | |
| 2025 | Karate Kid: Legends | Li Fong | Post-production |
| The Long Walk | Henry Olson | Post-production |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | MacGyver | Eli Brown | Episode: "Banh Bao + Sterno + Drill + Burner + Mason" |
| 2021 | Launchpad | Gang | Episode: "Dinner Is Served" |
| 2021 | The Last O.G. | Oliver | Episode: "Smush" |
| 2022 | Search Party | Intern | Episode: "Acts of the Apostles" |
| 2023 | American Born Chinese | Jin Wang | 8 episodes |
| 2024 | Bob's Burgers | Sam (voice) | 2 episodes |
References
- ^ a b c Kit, Borys (February 12, 2024). "'Karate Kid' Found: 'American Born Chinese' Actor Ben Wang Nabs Lead in Sony Movie (Exclusive)".
- ^ Zhan, Jennifer (May 31, 2023). "American Born Chinese's Ben Wang Gets the EEAAO Comparisons". Vulture.
- ^ Justin, Neal (May 25, 2023). "Northfield's Ben Wang stars with Michelle Yeoh in Disney's 'American Born Chinese'". www.startribune.com.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (November 4, 2021). "'Chang Can Dunk': Dexter Darden & Ben Wang Join Disney Studios Feature".
- ^ "Timid Magazine | Ben Wang". www.timidmag.com.
- ^ Gajewski, Ryan (2025-04-01). "'Karate Kid: Legends' Stars Ralph Macchio, Ben Wang Reveal Emotional Footage". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2025-05-01.
- ^ Gardner, Chris (2025-03-20). "Channing Tatum, Lindsay Lohan and Ana de Armas Set for Honors at Big Screen Achievement Awards". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2025-05-01.