It has been 38 years since Harrison Ford’s charismatic archaeologist Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, the second epic installment of the trilogy, hit theaters.
The bright Shorty, played by Ke Huy Quan, who would become one of the movie’s most recognizable characters, was first introduced. Steven Spielberg was the first person to include an Asian visage in a Hollywood movie. Short Round is hilarious and brave, and he saves Indy’s behind.
He gave me my first job, and, many years later, he hasn’t forgotten me, said, Quan. Whenever I needed help, he was always there.
During awards season, Quan was preoccupied with the press tour for Everything Everywhere All at Once. He talked about his first acting role and how Steven Spielberg still gives him a present at Christmas.
Spielberg was the first to put an Asian face in a Hollywood blockbuster. Shorty’s funny; he’s brave, save Indy’s ass. He was a rarity then. For many years after that, we’ve come full circle.
Spielberg kept Quan’s acting career buoyant as a child by casting him in 1985 in The Goonies, where he played Data.
I was the only kid in Indiana Jones, so I had all the love and attention to myself. I was one of seven in The Goonies, so I was constantly fighting for attention. But it was something I was very familiar with: My parents had nine children. Going to work was like going to the playground. It was a lot of fun, especially on those fantastic sets.
After seeing Harrison Ford for the first time since Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Quan gained notoriety a few months ago. At D23, where Quan was promoting the second season of “Loki,” and Ford was there to announce the fifth installment of the saga, the two actors posed for a picture.
There are many actors, producers, and directors in this green room. The person assisting me said, “Harrison Ford is right outside the green room. Do you want to go say hi to him?”
We were at the D23 event, and I was told Harrison would be there,” he told the New York Times last month.
As I approach, he turns and points his finger at me, and he has that classic, famous, grumpy Harrison Ford look. I think, “Oh my god, he probably thinks I’m a fan and he’s going to tell me not to go near him.” But he looks at me, points at me, and says, “Are you short?” Instantly, I was transported back to 1984 when I was a kid and said, “Yeah, Indy.” And he said, “Come here,” and gave me a big hug.
