From Business Student to Hollywood Actor — Dinner with Wesley Wong, Actor in “Pacific Rim: Uprising” and more
Sometimes the most meaningful and inspiring conversations happen over casual meals. The Time Auction Blog is a snippet of our meetings with people who have found passion in their life and career, where we get a glimpse into their mentality behind their ventures.
Born to two well-known Hong Kong actors, Wesley Wong initially avoided going on the same path as his parents — receiving his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the prestigious University of Southern California, one of the best universities in the United States.
Over time, destiny eventually called to him: figuring out that he wasn’t satisfied creatively or artistically in his career, Wesley found inspiration in his parents and enrolled at the Beijing Film Academy.
Starting with absolutely no acting knowledge or prior experience, Wesley earned himself a degree in theatre arts then worked his way up. Originally taking only small roles in TV dramas, in time he managed to star in Chinese films such as “Sorry, I love you” and “Massagist”. Now, he’s made his way to Hollywood — playing Ou-Yang Jinhai in the sci-fi film “Pacific Rim: Uprising”.
What is one thing you are most thankful for?
I am most thankful towards my family, my parents in particular. They gave me a very good environment for me to grow up in, I wanted for nothing and was met with very few hardships. Whatever I wanted to do they always supported me as long as it did not affect my studies, be it gaming or extracurricular activities.
It is through their support I was able to find my own passion and develop myself into the person I am today.
Even now they support me in various ways. For example, they watch my every single performance and give me honest feedback each time — something I find very valuable.
Is there a habit that significantly improved your life?
Sports, it doesn’t matter if it’s going to the gym or competitive sports, it helps train you up physically, and mentally. It makes you far more optimistic as a person.
I also like the fact how sports is so similar to our day to day lives in the sense that it is also, “No pain, no gain.”
A bit of hard work from time to time stacks up and would ultimately lead to success.
What is something that people would find surprising about you?
I would say the things that I have done. I have flown a plane, I have scuba-dived, even managed to get a license for that, and I have even fired a gun before. Of course, it was done on a set but it still counts as a gun, right?
What is one action you want everyone to take away?
I would like everyone to try and find your passion, something that you truly like doing. When you find it, persist through all the hardships.
Tenacity is very important, don’t leave any regrets behind.
As I said, when I was small my parents were very supportive, willing to let me try pretty much everything, on two conditions, don’t affect your studies, and don’t give up midway. They would tell me to start different extracurricular activities, but would not let me drop it midway if I lost interest, they required me to at least get some results before they would consider letting me stop. This made sure I would not become a whimsical person who would give up at the first sight of hardship. And that is something I want all of you to imitate, find your dreams and don’t give up.
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