Gedde Watanabe is an American actor of Asian background. He is most famously known for his role as Long Duk Dong in the 1984 movie, "Sixteen Candles."more
Gedde performed in A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum. He was the lead - a slave named Pseudolus. The play took place at the David Henry Hwang Theater in Los Angeles.
Gedde: I just love the idea that you have a group of people and there's a dire need to have them on your side to communicate for the evening. There's something in the moment when you can make them laugh or cry and show and incredibly compassionate side of life. I find that a really exemplary way to live.
Gedde: It's the most extraordinary and saddest thing, the amount of talent out there not being seen. Look at television and how comparatively few minorities are out there. I understood that very deeply.
Gedde: My ethnicity works both for and against me. But I look for parts that aren't necessarily Asian, parts that can be played by someone of any background.