Lucille Soong

Lucille Soong was born in Tianjin, China, on August 15, 1938. At the age of 22, she relocated to Hong Kong, where she was discovered by British director Lewis Gilbert. This encounter led to her uncredited film debut in Gilbert’s 1959 film, “Ferry to Hong Kong.” Following this, Soong moved to London, pursuing acting and becoming one of the first Chinese models to work in England. Throughout the 1960s, she accumulated various roles in British films and television series, including appearances in “The Avengers,” “The Prisoner,” and “Coronation Street,” along with films like “The Knack And How To Get It” (1965) and “The Brides of Fu Manchu” (1966). Many of her early film roles remained uncredited despite her consistent work.

The 1990s marked a significant transition in Soong’s career as she began working in American television and film. While she had some American roles in the early 1970s, her portrayal of Popo in the 1993 film “The Joy Luck Club” proved to be a turning point, solidifying her presence in the American entertainment industry. From the 1990s onward, Soong appeared in a range of productions, from television shows such as “Dharma & Greg” (1997-2002) to films like “Mission Impossible III” (2006).

Her career culminated in one of her most recognized and substantive recurring roles in 2015, playing Grandma Huang in the sitcom “Fresh Off the Boat,” which aired from 2015 to 2020. She has also recently filmed the recurring role of Grandma Lin in the Hallmark series “Holidazed” and contributed voice-over work for animated projects like “Raya and the Last Dragon.” Her extensive body of work showcases a career built on consistent performances across diverse platforms.