The voice of Fa Zhou in the Disney animated feature Mulan and its direct-to-video sequel, Soon-Tek Oh, maintained a prolific acting career spanning five decades in television and film. His performances appeared in dozens of notable series and movies, establishing him as a prominent figure in the professional landscape of Asian-American performance arts throughout the late twentieth century.
Formative Years and Education
Born on June 29, 1932, in Mokpo, Oh spent his youth during the era of Japanese rule over Korea. After attending high school in Gwangju and studying at Yonsei University in Seoul, he relocated to the United States. He continued his academic pursuits at the University of Southern California and eventually earned an MFA from the University of California, Los Angeles.
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Oh contributed significantly to the development of Asian-American theatre as an early member of the East West Players. In 1995, he established the Society of Heritage Performers, an organization that later became known as the Lodestone Theatre Ensemble. His commitment to the craft extended into academia; beginning in 2005, he held a teaching position as a professor at the Seoul Institute of the Arts.
Film and Television Contributions
His acting career included a wide array of roles, ranging from the sadistic Colonel Yin in Missing in Action 2: The Beginning to Lieutenant Hip in The Man with the Golden Gun. Television audiences saw him in productions such as Hawaii Five-O, M*A*S*H, Magnum, P.I., Airwolf, and Stargate SG-1. He also provided voice work for several animated projects, including The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest and King of the Hill.
Final Years
Following a prolonged struggle with Alzheimer's disease, Oh died in Los Angeles on April 4, 2018, at the age of 85. His career was formally recognized in 2008 when he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the San Diego Asian Film Festival.
Fast facts
- Born: 29 June 1932, Mokpo
- Died: 4 April 2018, Los Angeles
- Education: University of Southern California; University of California, Los Angeles
- Notable Role: Fa Zhou in Mulan
- Theatre Foundation: Society of Heritage Performers
- Academic Post: Professor, Seoul Institute of the Arts
- Award: Lifetime Achievement Award, San Diego Asian Film Festival (2008)
Questions readers ask
Which animated character did Soon-Tek Oh voice?
He provided the voice for the character Fa Zhou in the Disney films Mulan and Mulan II.
Where did Soon-Tek Oh receive his higher education?
He attended the University of Southern California and earned an MFA from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Achievements
- Worked as actor, film actor and theatre director
