What Happened to Peter Kwong? Big Trouble in Little China Actor Passes Away

Peter Kwong, who electrified audiences as Rain—the lightning-wielding warlock in John Carpenter’s cult classic Big Trouble in Little China—has passed away at the age of 73. The Sacramento native, who portrayed one-third of the elemental Three Storms in the 1986 action-fantasy, leaves behind a legacy spanning nearly 90 film and TV roles.

Peter Kwong passes away at 73, claims report

Peter Kwong, hailed as the martial arts master behind one of cinema’s most memorable villains, passed away on Tuesday night in his sleep. The death of Kwong has prompted fans worldwide to reminisce about the artist’s legacy that goes above his acting roles (via Entertainment Weekly).

Beyond his screen work as both actor and martial artist, Kwong was a dancer and activist who was against anti-Asian stereotyping in Hollywood. His battle made his portrayal of the supernatural Rain all the more significant in breaking traditional casting barriers.

Kwong made his acting debut in 1976 in the TV anthology drama Visions. A year later, he landed his first film role in the TV movie Panic in Echo Park. In the following decade, the actor appeared in several action-centric roles.

Some of his notable works from his early days include The A-Team, Wonder Woman, Dynasty, Little House on the Prairie, Cagney & Lacey, Miami Vice, The Greatest American Hero, MacGyver, and more.

Kwong later portrayed Tommy Tong in Michael Ritchie’s dark fantasy action comedy film, The Golden Child (1986). He also played the iconic Rain in the fantasy action movie, Big Trouble in Little China in the same year.

Over the years, Kwong starred in several famous TV shows, including General Hospital, Drake & Josh, Malcolm & Eddie, and more. Kwong’s last appearance on TV was for the 2020 show Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Fans on social media are paying their tributes to the action hero, who rose above his roles with activism for the visibility of Asians on screen. A fan posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Sad to just find out we lost Peter Kwong. He was one of my favorite supporting actors. He was Rain in Big Trouble in Little China.”

A second fan chimed in, adding, “This is shocking, and I’m saddened that Peter Kwong, the actor who played “RAIN” has passed away. Peter, will forever be, to me, RAIN, the coolest cat, ever with long locks to wear a two-piece suit.”