Born: July 18, 1930 – Died: May 24, 2016
Burt Kwouk, a British actor of Chinese descent, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his memorable roles and unique presence. Born in Warrington, England, but raised in Shanghai, Kwouk's early life was a fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, shaping his versatile acting skills. His parents' backgrounds and professions, though not widely documented, likely influenced his global outlook.
Early Life and Career
Kwouk's journey into the world of acting began with his film debut in "Windom's Way" in 1957. However, it was his role as Mr. Ling in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger that first brought him significant recognition. His portrayal of the Chinese expert in nuclear fission was both impactful and a sign of his diverse acting range.
Kwouk's career reached new heights with his portrayal of Cato in the "Pink Panther" films, starting in 1964. His character, often involved in comedic fight scenes with Peter Sellers' Inspector Clouseau, became iconic and beloved by audiences worldwide. This role not only showcased Kwouk's talent for physical comedy but also cemented his status as a prominent figure in Hollywood.
Throughout his career, Kwouk received acclaim for various roles, including appearances in television series like the British drama "Tenko" and "Last of the Summer Wine." His ability to portray a wide range of characters, from comedic to serious, demonstrated his exceptional versatility as an actor.
Kwouk's personal life was marked by his marriage to Caroline Leigh, with whom he had a child.
In summary, Burt Kwouk's impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry was significant. He stood out as an Asian actor in a predominantly Western industry, breaking stereotypes and bringing diversity to the screen. His roles in iconic films and series made him a memorable figure, celebrated for his talent and contribution to the world of cinema.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2002–2010 | Last of the Summer Wine (TV Series) | Entwistle |
| 2010 | Spirit Warriors (TV Series) | Shen |
| 2008 | Here Comes the Queen (TV Series) | Doctor Chan |
| 2008 | The Wrong Door (TV Series) | Ninja Master |
| 2008 | Honest (TV Series) | Mr. Hong |
| 2006 | Doctors (TV Series) | Mr. Chang |
| 2006 | Low Winter Sun (TV Movie) | Mr Gim Yeung |
| 2006 | Silent Witness (TV Series) | Jimmy Han |
| 2005 | Planet Sketch (TV Series) | Various (voice) |
| 2003–2005 | The Bill (TV Series) | George Sim | Father Kwong |
| 2005 | Judge John Deed (TV Series) | Professor Vang Pao |
| 2004 | Wake of Death | Tommy Li |
| 2004 | Fat Slags | Dalai Lama |
| 2004 | The Great Challenge | Wong |
| 2004 | Stratosphere Girl | Papa-San |
| 2003 | Gate to Heaven | Muki |
| 2003 | Beyond Borders | Colonel Gao |
| 2003 | Warhammer 40,000: Fire Warrior (Video Game) | Lusha (voice) |
| 2003 | EyeToy: Play (Video Game) | The Oracle (voice) |
| 2001 | The Monkey King (TV Mini Series) | Professor Sheng |
| 2001 | Kiss of the Dragon | Uncle Tai |
| 2001 | Doctor Who: The Monthly Adventures | Podcast Series | Doctor Hayashi (voice) |
| 2001 | Queen of Swords (TV Series) | Master Kiyomosa |
| 2000 | The Wonderland Experience | Yo Yo |
| 2000 | Arabian Nights (TV Mini Series) | Caliph Beder |
| 1999 | Animated Epics: Moby Dick (TV Movie) | Fedallah (voice) |
| 1998 | From China with Love | Min Ju |
| 1997 | Peggy Su! | Dad |
| 1995 | She Good Fighter | Liang |
| 1995 | Bullet to Beijing (TV Movie) | Kim Soo |
| 1994 | The Wanderer (TV Series) | Ling Fat |
| 1994 | Space Precinct (TV Series) | Slik Ostrasky |
| 1994 | Under the Hammer (TV Series) | Hong Kong Businessman |
| 1992–1993 | Lovejoy (TV Series) | Mr Ying | Banker |
| 1993 | Son of the Pink Panther | Cato Fong |
| 1992 | Shooting Elizabeth | Father Chu |
| 1992 | Carry on Columbus | Wang |
| 1992 | Leon the Pig Farmer | Art Collector |
| 1992 | Supercop | The General (voice, uncredited) |
| 1991 | The House of Eliott (TV Series) | Peter Lo-Ching |
| 1990 | Blue Funnel (Short) | Uncle Lau |
| 1990 | You Only Live Twice: The Radio Play (Video) | Ando (voice) |
| 1990 | Medics (TV Series) | Wan Chung |
| 1990 | Air America | General Lu Soong |
| 1990 | I Bought a Vampire Motorcycle | Fu King Owner |
| 1989 | Close to Home (TV Series) | Mr. Wong |
| 1989 | Race for Glory | Yoshiro Tanaka |
| 1989 | The Les Dennis Laughter Show (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1989 | Boon (TV Series) | Van Der Haan |
| 1988 | Crying Freeman (TV Mini Series) | Shûdô (English version, voice) |
| 1988 | Thin Air (TV Mini Series) | Guang |
| 1988 | Noble House (TV Mini Series) | Philip Chen |
| 1987 | Empire of the Sun | Mr. Chen |
| 1987 | Howards' Way (TV Series) | Mr. Lee |
| 1987 | T-Bag Bounces Back (TV Series) | Hi Hatt |
| 1986–1987 | Tickle on the Tum (TV Series) | Willie Wok |
| 1985 | Plenty | Mr. Aung |
| 1981–1984 | Tenko (TV Series) | Major Yamauchi | Capt. Yamauchi |
| 1984 | The Lenny Henry Show (TV Series) | Various Characters |
| 1984 | Fox Mystery Theater (TV Series) | Hai Lee |
| 1984 | The Brief (TV Series) | Mr. Chen |
| 1983–1984 | The Kenny Everett Television Show (TV Series) | Various | Card hustler |
| 1983 | The Morecambe & Wise Show (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1983 | Hart to Hart (TV Series) | Toshi |
| 1983 | Curse of the Pink Panther | Cato Fong |
| 1982 | Jim Davidson's Special (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1982 | Trail of the Pink Panther | Cato Fong |
| 1982 | The Magnificent One (TV Movie) | Mr. Ho |
| 1982 | There's a Lot of It About (TV Series) | Various Characters |
| 1982 | Q.E.D. (TV Series) | Dr. Lin |
| 1982 | Doctor Who (TV Series) | Lin Futu |
| 1981 | Spearhead (TV Series) | Mr. Ho. |
| 1980 | Shoestring (TV Series) | Mr. Wing |
| 1980 | Minder (TV Series) | Sojo |
| 1980 | Keep It in the Family (TV Series) | Maitre d' | Japanese Juror |
| 1980 | The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu | Fu Manchu's Servant |
| 1979 | Robin's Nest (TV Series) | Barman |
| 1979 | The London Connection | Man at Meeting (uncredited) |
| 1979 | The Dawson Watch (TV Series) | Financial Trader to Tokyo |
| 1977–1978 | It Ain't Half Hot Mum (TV Series) | Me Thant |
| 1978 | Return of the Saint (TV Series) | Chula |
| 1978 | Revenge of the Pink Panther | Cato Fong |
| 1978 | The Tomorrow People (TV Series) | Matsu Tan |
| 1977 | The Strange Case of the End of Civilization as We Know It | Chinese Delegate |
| 1977 | The Last Remake of Beau Geste | Father Shapiro |
| 1977 | The Velvet Glove (TV Series) | Professor Fuiji |
| 1977 | Warship (TV Series) | Zee Khay Lim |
| 1976 | The Melting Pot (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1976 | The Pink Panther Strikes Again | Cato |
| 1975–1976 | Lucky Feller (TV Series) | Wedding Guest | Chinese Waiter |
| 1976 | Hunters Walk (TV Series) | Lee Peng |
| 1976 | Yes, Honestly (TV Series) | Ning Ning |
| 1975 | Whodunnit? (TV Series) | Dr. Ling |
| 1975 | Girls Come First (Short) | Sashimi (as Bert Kwouk) |
| 1975 | Rollerball | Japanese Doctor |
| 1975 | The Return of the Pink Panther | Cato Fong |
| 1973 | The Water Margin (TV Series) | Narrator (UK Version) |
| 1972–1973 | The Adventurer (TV Series) | Taiho | Johnny Morrison |
| 1972 | Jason King (TV Series) | Lee Chang |
| 1972 | Madame Sin | Scarred Operator |
| 1971 | Shirley's World (TV Series) | Shunji |
| 1971 | ITV Playhouse (TV Series) | The prisoner |
| 1970 | Deep End | Hot Dog Salesman (as Bert Kwouk) |
| 1970 | The Misfit (TV Series) | Barman |
| 1969 | The Chairman | Chang Shou |
| 1967–1969 | Callan (TV Series) | Tao Tsing | Robert E. Lee |
| 1966–1969 | Mogul (TV Series) | Tamira Hitaki | Ban-Di |
| 1968 | Koroshi (TV Movie) | Tanaka |
| 1965–1968 | The Saint (TV Series) | Mr. Ching | Col. Wing | Tawau |
| 1968 | The Shoes of the Fisherman | Chairman Peng |
| 1968 | The High Commissioner | Pham Chinh |
| 1968 | The Champions (TV Series) | Chinese Major |
| 1967 | You Only Live Twice | Spectre 3 |
| 1967 | Casino Royale | Chinese General (uncredited) |
| 1965–1967 | Secret Agent (TV Series) | Tanaka | Khim | Masan |
| 1966 | The Brides of Fu Manchu | Feng |
| 1966 | The Sandwich Man | Ice Cream Man |
| 1966 | BBC Play of the Month (TV Series) | Wu Hsien Ching |
| 1966 | Lost Command | Viet Officer |
| 1966 | Bang! Bang! You're Dead! | Export Analysis Manager |
| 1965 | Out of the Unknown (TV Series) | Novee |
| 1961–1965 | The Avengers (TV Series) | Tusamo | Mason | King Tenuphon |
| 1965 | Curse of the Fly | Tai |
| 1965 | Thursday Theatre (TV Series) | Yamomoto |
| 1964 | Goldfinger | Mr. Ling |
| 1964 | A Shot in the Dark | Kato |
| 1963 | The Sentimental Agent (TV Series) | Chin |
| 1963 | The Cool Mikado | Art Teacher | Man on Aeroplane (uncredited) |
| 1963 | 55 Days at Peking | Old Man (voice) |
| 1963 | Compact (TV Series) | Chinese Waiter |
| 1963 | Suspense (TV Series) | Lieutenant Marato |
| 1962 | Somerset Maugham Hour (TV Series) | Abdul |
| 1962 | The River Flows East (TV Series) | Teng |
| 1962 | Man of the World (TV Series) | Liu |
| 1962 | The War Lover | Air Crewman (uncredited) |
| 1962 | The Net (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1962 | Satan Never Sleeps | Ah Wang |
| 1961 | The Sinister Man | Captain Feng |
| 1961 | The Edgar Wallace Mystery Theatre (TV Series) | Captain Feng |
| 1961 | Afternoon in River Walk (TV Movie) | Chauffeur |
| 1960–1961 | Danger Man (TV Series) | Chen Tung | Tai |
| 1961 | The Terror of the Tongs | Mr. Ming |
| 1960 | Passport to China | Jimmy |
| 1960 | BBC Sunday-Night Play (TV Series) | Captain Feng |
| 1960 | Chasing the Dragon (TV Movie) | Ah Chen |
| 1960 | International Detective (TV Series) | Jimmy Hau |
| 1959 | Expresso Bongo | Soho Youth (uncredited) |
| 1959 | Upstairs and Downstairs | Chinese Restaurant Proprietor (uncredited) |
| 1959 | Yesterday's Enemy | Japanese Soldier |
| 1958 | The Inn of the Sixth Happiness | Li |
| 1958 | Yesterday's Enemy (TV Movie) | Japanese Private |
| 1958 | More Than Robbery (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1957 | Windom's Way | Father Amyan's Aide (uncredited) |
| 1957 | Hancock's Half Hour (TV Series) | First Japanese (as Burd Kwouk) |
| 1957 | McCreary Moves In (TV Series) | Chang |