Cast of

American Born Chinese

Jin Wang is a Chinese-American boy who struggles to fit in with his peers in middle school. He grapples with his cultural identity and tries to navigate the challenges of adolescence.

Quotes from Jin Wang

1. 'It's easy to become anything you wish... so long as you're willing to forfeit your soul.'
2. 'It's like that monkey's paw story. You know the one? Where the guy wishes for something and then it comes true, but everything's all messed up.'

See Ben Wang's other roles →

Christine Wang is a supporting character in the graphic novel American Born Chinese. She is a popular high school student who is a good friend of the protagonist, Jin. Christine is depicted as intelligent, confident, and sometimes sassy, with a sarcastic sense of humor. She is shown to be a talented artist and writer.

Quotes from Christine Wang

1. Whoa, Jen, you look like crap. Did you just crawl out of bed or something?
2. Why, were you planning on peeing on me?
3. I'm not asking you to sign a petition or anything. I just think it would be cool if you came.

See Yann Yann Yeo's other roles →

Simon Wang is a key character in the graphic novel and stage adaptation, American Born Chinese. He is a first-generation Chinese-American who struggles to balance his identity, pleasing his parents, and fitting in with his American peers. Simon is a kind and empathetic person who tries his best to navigate the challenges of adolescence and cultural expectations. He is an important representation of the Asian-American experience and the struggles of identity formation.

Quotes from Simon Wang

1. I don't want to be different!
2. I thought being American meant being like everybody else.
3. Our fate is not sealed, we still have choices. We just need to take responsibility for them.

See Chin Han's other roles →

Jamie Yao, also known as Freddy Wong, is a supporting character in the show American Born Chinese. He is a talented and ambitious student who strives to be the best in everything he does, whether it's academic or extracurricular. He is known for his determination and his competitive personality, but also has a kind heart and is always willing to help others.

Quotes from Jamie Yao / Freddy Wong

1. 'If you're not first, you're last.'
2. 'Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing.'

See Ke Huy Quan's other roles →

Wei-Chen is a friend of the protagonist in American Born Chinese. He is a smart, hardworking boy who often helps his friend navigate school and social life. He is a talented artist, particularly skilled in drawing comics.

Quotes from Wei-Chen

1. Do you think it's weird that I only hang out with white kids?
2. I love this country, but sometimes I feel like nobody here understands me.
3. Why do you care so much about what other people think? Be yourself.

See Jimmy Liu's other roles →

Amelia Taylor is a smart and sassy high school student in the graphic novel and show American Born Chinese. She is an honor student and the object of affection for the protagonist, Jin Wang.

Quotes from Amelia Taylor

1. So this is where it all starts? In your little minds? In your little hearts?
2. Sometimes being a girl sucked.
3. The way you looked didn't have anything to do with what you were like inside.

See Sydney Taylor's other roles →

Sun Wukong, also known as The Monkey King, is a character in the show American Born Chinese. He is a mischievous and irreverent monkey spirit with supernatural powers and a love for adventure.

Quotes from Sun Wukong / The Monkey King

1. 'I embrace all aspects of myself, flaws and all. It's what makes me unique.'
2. 'You are a monkey, why act like a human?'
3. 'If someone wants something badly enough, they'll lie to get it.'

See Daniel Wu's other roles →

Guanyin is a wise and compassionate bodhisattva who plays a key role in the spiritual journey of the main character Jin Wang in American Born Chinese. She offers guidance and support to Jin as he navigates the challenges of growing up as a Chinese-American.

Quotes from Guanyin

1. 'The less you have, the more you can give.'
2. 'By being yourself, you put something beautiful into the world that was not there before.'

See Michelle Yeoh's other roles →

Anuj is a minor character in the graphic novel 'American Born Chinese' by Gene Luen Yang. He is a classmate and friend of the protagonist, Jin Wang, who immigrated to the US from Taiwan. Anuj is friendly and outgoing, with a sense of humor that sometimes clashes with Jin's more serious personality.

Quotes from Anuj

1. 'We're buds. In a non-gay way, of course.'
2. 'My parents are from Taiwan, too. So, you know, I'm totally down with the whole Chinese thing.'

See Mahi Alam's other roles →

Andy is the main character in the graphic novel 'American Born Chinese' by Gene Luen Yang. He is a Chinese-American teenager struggling to find a balance between his Chinese heritage and his American identity.

Quotes from Andy

1. 'I hate everyone!'
2. 'I'm just a regular kid who wants people to accept me for who I am.'

See Stony Blyden's other roles →

Josh is one of the main characters in the graphic novel and animated series American Born Chinese. He is a Chinese-American high school student who experiences self-doubt and struggles with his identity, often feeling like he doesn't fit in with either the white or Chinese communities in his school.

Quotes from Josh

1. I have to figure out who I am on my own. Maybe it's not about fitting in. Maybe it's about being who I am regardless.
2. I'm tired of pretending to be someone I'm not. I'm tired of hiding.

See David Bloom's other roles →

Travis is a high school jock and popular kid who befriends the main character, Jin. He enjoys partying and playing sports.

Quotes from Travis

1. Who cares about the old and new Quahogs, we just wanna party
2. You think you're funny?

See Justin Jarzombek's other roles →

Mr. Larkins is a minor character in the show American Born Chinese. He is a middle-aged man who works at a grocery store in the protagonist's neighborhood.

Quotes from Mr. Larkins

1. Can I help you find something?
2. Don't forget your change!

See Brian Huskey's other roles →

Coach Garrett is a middle school gym teacher in the show American Born Chinese. He is known for his tough-love attitude, high expectations, and dedication to his students.

Quotes from Coach Garrett

1. Winning isn't everything...it's the only thing!
2. If you can't get on top of things, things will get on top of you!

See Larry Bates's other roles →

Ruby is a Chinese-American teenager living in San Francisco. She is the best friend and love interest of the protagonist, Jin Wang, in American Born Chinese. Ruby has a rebellious spirit and is not afraid to speak her mind. She also struggles with her identity as she tries to balance her Chinese heritage with her American upbringing.

Quotes from Ruby

1. Or American Born Chinese.
2. I'm not turning my back on my culture, okay? It's just... sometimes it feels like the past and the future are clashing against each other. And that hurts.
3. American then.
4. Yes, but I was born here.
5. You're Chinese, right?

See Sophie Reynolds's other roles →

Marty K. Morris, also known as Danny, is a high school student and one of the main characters in the graphic novel American Born Chinese. He struggles with his identity as a Chinese-American and often feels like he doesn't fit in with either culture. Despite this, he is a kind and compassionate person who values his friendships.

Quotes from Marty K. Morris / Danny

1. I'm embarrassed to be Chinese. I'm ashamed of my heritage.
2. I thought we could be friends. Aren't we both outsiders?

See Josh Duvendeck's other roles →

Niu Mowang, also known as the Bull Demon, is a powerful and intimidating demon in the show American Born Chinese. He is known for his immense size and strength, as well as his stubborn and aggressive personality.

Quotes from Niu Mowang / Bull Demon

1. I am the Bull Demon King, who dares to challenge me?
2. Rage is the only language these monkeys understand.

See Leonard Wu's other roles →

Ji Gong is a legendary Chinese folk hero who is known for his unconventional ways and his love for wine and women. He is portrayed as a wise, yet mischievous monk who often breaks the rules, but always manages to help those in need.

Quotes from Ji Gong

1. Benevolence, righteousness, loyalty, and filial piety are the four pillars of Confucianism, but I prefer wine, women, and song.
2. If you can't solve a problem with wine and women, you haven't drunk enough.
3. The path to enlightenment is paved with good wine and good company.

See Ronny Chieng's other roles →

Greg is a Chinese-American teenager who struggles with his identity. He is good-natured and often serves as the voice of reason in his friend group.

Quotes from Greg

1. I'm not dreaming. I'm talking to a woman who's been dead for two hundred years. And she's cooking me bacon.
2. Um, everyone's got something they're good at. You're lucky 'cause you know what that thing is already. Some people go their whole lives not knowin'.
3. I don't know what I am.

See Ethan Rich's other roles →

Principal Kinney is the strict and demanding principal of Mayflower Elementary School in the show American Born Chinese. He values discipline and order above all else and is frequently at odds with the main character, Jin Wang.

Quotes from Principal Kinney

1. 'I need you to be a model student, Jin Wang.'
2. 'The rules exist for a reason, Jin Wang.'

See Jennifer Irwin's other roles →

The news host in American Born Chinese is a professional journalist who anchors a news program, providing updates on current events and reporting on breaking news stories. She is knowledgeable and articulate, using her platform to educate and inform the public about important social and political issues.

Quotes from News Host

1. Up next, we have the latest on the controversial new law
2. Join us tomorrow for a special report on climate change
3. Good evening and welcome to the news

See Samantha Harris's other roles →

Kristen is a popular girl in Danny's high school who he is interested in. However, she eventually starts dating Wei Chen, causing tension in Danny's friendship with him.

Quotes from Kristen

1. 'I think you're cute, Danny. But everyone thinks you're a freak.'
2. 'You know what they say about comic book people... They are always telling the truth.'

See Tori Keeth's other roles →

Pigsy is a clumsy yet lovable character from the show American Born Chinese. He is a pig spirit who is often seen eating, drinking, and causing chaos.

Quotes from Pigsy

1. Oh...you brought a monkey. Joy.
2. Well that's just great. I'm lost in some kind of kung-fu twilight zone with a master who talks less than me and a monkey who won't shut up.
3. I'm not afraid of you! I'm afraid of falling three stories and losing this gorgeous figure!

See Brian Le's other roles →

Suzy Nakamura portrays Melinda in the show American Born Chinese. Melinda is the mother of the main character, Jin Wang, and wife of Mr. Wang. She is a caring and supportive mother who wants the best for her son.

Quotes from Suzy Nakamura

1. 'You can be anything you want to be.'
2. 'You're here, all the way from San Francisco? Just to see us?'

See Rosalie Chiang's other roles →

Patrick is the best friend and classmate of the protagonist Jin Wang in the graphic novel 'American Born Chinese.' He is depicted as a loyal and supportive friend who enjoys playing video games and is often seen wearing a baseball cap and hoodie.

Quotes from Patrick

1. 'Dude, I think that was your mom calling you.'
2. 'Whoa, this avatar has like a prismatic shield. How'd you get that?'

See Andrew Leeds's other roles →

Bozo McDingdong is a fictional character from the show American Born Chinese. Bozo is a high school student and a jock who constantly bullies the protagonist of the show, Jin Wang.

Quotes from Bozo McDingdong

1. Don't mess with Bozo McDingdong!
2. Better watch your back, Wang!
3. You're a freak, Jin Wang!

See Michael Carbonaro's other roles →

John is a character in the graphic novel and webcomic American Born Chinese. He is a high school student and friend of the protagonist, Jin Wang. John is depicted as popular, athletic, and confident. He is also portrayed as somewhat unemotional and reserved.

Quotes from John

1. 'You're my first choice, Wang. Don't let me down.'
2. 'I just wanted to say...you and me... we're cool, right?'

See Tim Bagley's other roles →

Barry is a popular Chinese American high school student who is a confident ladies’ man with a big ego. He is often portrayed as arrogant and cocky, but deep down he is insecure about his identity and often tries to fit in with the other students. Barry is obsessed with basketball and often shows off his skills on the court.

Quotes from Barry

1. I'm like a genie, babe. You make a wish and I make it happen.
2. I'm Barry. And if there's one thing I'm good at, it's making things happen.

See Nicolas Cantu's other roles →

Ni Yang is a main character in the animated series American Born Chinese. He is a high school student who is highly competitive and strives for academic excellence. He comes from a traditional Chinese family and is often torn between pleasing his parents and pursuing his own dreams.

Quotes from Ni Yang

1. I'm not a machine. I'm a student!
2. I don't care about being cool. I care about winning.

See Lisa Lu's other roles →

Mrs. Fan is a supporting character in the show American Born Chinese. She is described as a traditional Chinese mother who is strict but caring towards her son Jing-Jing. She values Chinese traditions and can sometimes be overbearing in her attempts to control Jing-Jing's life.

Quotes from Mrs. Fan

1. 'The only thing we can do is change where we're headed.'
2. 'You are not a white boy, Jing-Jing. You are Chinese. And if you love yourself, if you respect your parents and your ancestry, you must never forget this.'

See Lee Chen's other roles →

Mrs. Liu is a minor character in the graphic novel adaptation turned animated show American Born Chinese. She is the mother of Jin Wang's love interest, Amelia. She comes off as strict and traditional and is shown to be disapproving of Jin's relationship with Amelia. See Celeste Den's other roles →

Mrs. Tsai is a minor character in the graphic novel American Born Chinese. She is a Chinese American mother of one of the main characters, Jin Wang.

Quotes from Mrs. Tsai

1. Well, we all can't be popular. But look at your cousin, graduating before you with a high GPA and a pretty girlfriend! You can't have everything.
2. I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing this for your father.
3. I'm so glad you made a new, American friend, Jin.

See Debbie Fan's other roles →

Mrs. Chin is a minor character in the book, American Born Chinese. She is the friendly owner of a local grocery store that Jin's family frequently visits.

Quotes from Mrs. Chin

1. Nobody know what it's like to be a banana.
2. You want I should pull up your fly?

See Mardy Ma's other roles →

Ao Guang is a dragon spirit who appears in the graphic novel and stage-show adaptation of American Born Chinese. He is one of the leaders of the water, situated at the bottom of the ocean. He has four dragon heads that each have a different personality and comes across as a calm character.

Quotes from Ao Guang

1. I can open your eyes to a world made of chaos and wonder.
2. Your predecessor underestimated me as well. You'll find that I'm a lot more dangerous than I look.

See Jimmy O. Yang's other roles →

Princess Iron Fan is a magical character from the show American Born Chinese. She is a powerful ruler of her own kingdom, who possesses an indestructible fan that can create strong gusts of wind and control weather patterns. She is known for her intimidating presence, but deep down she has a good heart and cares for her subjects.

Quotes from Princess Iron Fan

1. You dare to challenge the might of Princess Iron Fan?
2. I am Princess Iron Fan, ruler of the Flaming Mountains.
3. With a wave of my fan, I can summon a hurricane.

See Poppy Liu's other roles →

The Jade Emperor is a powerful ruler in Chinese mythology and culture, often depicted as wise and benevolent. In American Born Chinese, he appears as an important figure in the story of the Monkey King.

Quotes from Jade Emperor

1. The world must govern itself according to the principles of order, or chaos will reign supreme.
2. True strength lies not in brute force, but in compassion and wisdom.
3. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility.

See James Hong's other roles →

Menshen is one of the main characters in the graphic novel American Born Chinese. He is a wise and powerful deity who serves as a guide and mentor to the protagonist Jin Wang. Despite his godly status, Menshen is very down-to-earth and has a great sense of humor.

Quotes from Menshen #1

1. 'You can't change who you are, but you can change what you have in your head, you can refresh what you're thinking about, you can put some fresh air in your brain.'
2. 'What you see and what you hear depends a great deal on where you are standing. It also depends on what sort of person you are.'
3. 'All beings want to escape suffering. Those who don't find their way out are the ones who suffer the most.'

See Jenson Cheng's other roles →

Menshen is a secondary character in the American Born Chinese show. He serves as a deity that the main character, Jin Wang, visits and seeks guidance from.

Quotes from Menshen #2

1. It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not.
2. You will be happy to know that your identity is like your shadow, it follows wherever you go. The difference is that you can be more than your shadow does.
3. Seeking advice is easy, but accepting it is hard.

See R.J. O'Young's other roles →

Luli is a character in the show American Born Chinese. She is a bright and quirky teenage girl who serves as a friend and love interest to the main character Jin Wang.

Quotes from Luli

1. It's like I told you last night, Jin; you're not the only one with roots and memories.
2. You know why they call them stereotypes? Because they're never wrong.
3. Why'd I have to be born Chinese?

See Dralla Aierken's other roles →

Margie Ann Taylor is a teenage girl who attends the same school as the book's protagonist, Jin Wang. She is kind and friendly, and often tries to help Jin feel less like an outsider. Margie is a cheerleader and popular amongst her peers, but she is also intelligent and driven.

Quotes from Margie Ann Taylor

1. I'm Margie. Margie Ann Taylor. What's your name?
2. I don't think of you as Chinese, Jin. I think of you as American.
3. Is there anything I can do to help?

See Lilli Birdsell's other roles →

Dennis Taylor is a Chinese-American high school student who is well-versed in American pop culture and frequently mocks his Chinese heritage. He is a talented basketball player and often tries to impress his crush, Wei-Chen Sun.

Quotes from Dennis Taylor

1. 'Yo, Sun, your nunchucks are BS!'
2. 'Bro, I'm about to pop a cap in your Chino ass.'

See Andy Daly's other roles →

Holden Taylor is a character in the show American Born Chinese. He is a high school student and the love interest of the main character, Jin Wang. He is kind and caring, but also struggles with his own insecurities and the pressures put on him by his family and community.

Quotes from Holden Taylor

1. It's okay to be scared.
2. You're going to be a great artist someday. Keep drawing.
3. I'm proud of you.
4. You're not a freak. You're just Chinese.
5. I like you, Jin Wang.
6. I just want to be normal.

See Liam Risinger's other roles →

Mrs. Guardia is a caring and strict mother who wants the best for her son, Danny. She is supportive of his dreams but also expects him to excel in his studies and uphold their Chinese heritage.

Quotes from Mrs. Guardia

1. 'I just want you to have a good life.'
2. 'If you don't study, you'll be just another Chinese peasant!'

See Gloria Laino's other roles →

Shiji Niangniang is a goddess from Chinese mythology who appears in the graphic novel and stage adaptation, American Born Chinese. She is depicted as a beautiful and powerful deity with a commanding presence. See Stephanie Hsu's other roles →

Larry is a guy with a great sense of humor who loves to make people laugh. He is often seen cracking jokes and making sarcastic comments. As a Chinese immigrant living in America, Larry faces a lot of challenges but he remains positive and tries to fit in with American culture while also embracing his roots.

Quotes from Larry / Chinese Man

1. I'm not Chinese, I'm American...born Chinese.
2. It's not easy trying to fit in when you're not sure where you belong.

See Jen Sung's other roles →

Marissa is a popular and beautiful high school student in American Born Chinese.

Quotes from Marissa

1. I’m going to the bathroom, do NOT come in!
2. What is he, like, 40?
3. Ugh, like you would ever have a chance with me.

See Lisa Linke's other roles →

The Female Shopper in American Born Chinese is a minor character who appears in the second chapter of the graphic novel. She is an unnamed Chinese-American woman who is out shopping with her daughter when they run into the main character Jin Wang. She joins in on the conversation with Jin and his friend Wei-Chen, expressing sympathy for Jin's difficulties in fitting in as one of the few Asian students at his school. See Angela Hoover's other roles →

The Reunion Host in American Born Chinese is a friendly and outgoing emcee who hosts the annual Shallow Water High School reunion. He is known for his bubbly personality and ability to get the crowd energized.

Quotes from Reunion Host

1. Let’s give it up for the class of ’98!
2. Welcome back to Shallow Water High!

See Adam Ray's other roles →

Robin is a fictional character from the American Born Chinese TV show. She is a high school student and the love interest of the main character, Jin Wang. Robin is portrayed as smart, kind-hearted, and artistic.

Quotes from Robin

1. Everything happens for a reason.
2. Life is full of surprises. Embrace them.
3. You never know what you're capable of until you try.

See Nicole Sullivan's other roles →

Warren is a character from the graphic novel and animated TV series American Born Chinese. He is a stereotypical jock who is the school bully. He often targets Jin, the main character, for being different and not fitting in. He has a girlfriend named Madison who is also part of the popular crowd.

Quotes from Warren

1. 'Looks like we've got ourselves a little math quiz.'
2. 'Stay out of my way, Chinaman.'
3. 'You really are one pathetic dweeb, you know that?'

See Benjamin Royer's other roles →