About Henry O
Born 1927. Henry O is a Chinese and American actor, film director, film actor and television actor.
Henry O (; born July 27, 1927) is a retired Chinese-American actor. He is the father of Ji-li Jiang, the author of Red Scarf Girl.
O was born in Shanghai in 1927 and attended British and American missionary schools in China. He worked as a stage actor in China before switching to film work after moving to the United States.
During the Cultural Revolution he was falsely accused of counter-revolutionary crimes and was detained and forced to do hard labour by the Chinese government.
Personal life
O and his family left China and settled in the United States in the 1980s to take care of his daughter Ji-yun's children. Henry O is his stage named and is derived from O. Henry.
O resides in San Francisco area and is married to Ying Chen. They have three children including Jiang Ji-yong, Jiang Ji-yun and author Ji-li Jiang. O is fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese.
Filmography
Most of O's credits after 1983 are after his arrival to the United States.
Television
The Sopranos (2006) – Monk #1 in episodes "Mayham" and "Join the Club" ER (2004) – Mr. Chen in episodes "White Guy, Dark Hair" and "Twas the Night" The West Wing (2000) – Jhin Wei in "Shibboleth" Marco Polo (1983) – astrologer
Film Premium Rush (2012) – Mr. Leung 2012 (2009) – Lama Rinpoche Rush Hour 3 (2007) – Master Yu A Thousand Years of Good Prayers (2007) – Mr Shi They Wait (2007) – Pharmacist Avatar (2004) – Uncle Hui Shanghai Noon (2000) – Royal Interpreter Romeo Must Die (2000) – Ch'u Sing, father of Han Sing Dragonheart: A New Beginning (2000) – Master Kwan Snow Falling on Cedars (1999) – Nagaishi Brokedown Palace (1999) – Emissary to Crown Red Corner (1997) – Procurator General Yang American Shaolin (1992) – Master San De The Last Emperor (1987) – the Lord Chamberlain
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Important facts
People in Henry O's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Henry O's
Frequently asked questions
Who is Henry O?
Chinese-American actor
When was Henry O born?
Henry O was born on 27 July 1927 in Shanghai.
What is Henry O's occupation?
Henry O is an actor, film director, film actor and television actor.
What nationality is Henry O?
Henry O is Chinese and American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Henry O. https://biography.guide/henry-o/
MLA: "Henry O." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/henry-o/.
Chicago: "Henry O." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/henry-o/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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