Ke Huy Quan Says He Is ‘No Longer Ashamed’ of Being Labeled a Refugee: ‘I Wear It Proudly’ (Exclusive)

**Ke Huy Quan Reflects on His Immigrant Journey in New Memoir**

Ke Huy Quan, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in classic films such as *The Goonies* and *Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom*, has recently shared a deeply personal account of his life as a refugee in his memoir, *Never Say Die*. The book provides an intimate look at his family’s arduous journey from South Vietnam to the United States, drawing on the struggles and triumphs that have shaped his identity.

Born in Saigon, Quan’s life took a dramatic turn in 1975 when the Vietnam War concluded, leaving his family seeking refuge. By 1978, Quan, then just eight years old, and his family embarked on a perilous journey to a refugee camp in Hong Kong before ultimately making their way to Los Angeles. In *Never Say Die*, released on September 15, he recounts these experiences with a mixture of gratitude and reflection.

Writing the memoir allowed Quan to explore the weight of the label ‘refugee’, which he reveals has haunted him for years. “I always felt different,” he explained, recalling how his childhood experiences were marred by a negative stigma surrounding immigrant identities. Terms like “fresh off the boat”, aimed at newcomers like him and his family, contributed to feelings of isolation during his formative years.

As he delves into his past, Quan illustrates how the challenges he faced played a crucial role in shaping the person he has become. He reflects on the stigma of being a refugee, acknowledging that his journey was fraught with trauma but ultimately paved the way for his successes. “Looking back, it really shaped who I am,” he stated. “Now I realise that if I didn’t have that, erasing that part of my history would be erasing all the sacrifices that my parents made to get us over here, to give us an opportunity at life.”

The memoir also highlights the kindness shown to his family during their transition, a theme that resonates throughout the book. Quan recounts how numerous people stepped in to assist them, illustrating the fundamental role of community support in aiding refugees. His exploration of this assistance provides a fresh perspective on the often harsh realities faced by immigrants.

Quan’s experiences as a child in the United States were not solely filled with challenges; the later chapters of his memoir recount the joyous moments when he began to pursue acting. He recalls the excitement surrounding his auditions for major films, revealing how these happy memories served as a contrast to his earlier struggles. The balance of both light and dark moments in *Never Say Die* reflects the complexity of his journey.

Since returning to Hollywood and receiving an Academy Award for his role in *Everything Everywhere All at Once*, Quan has publicly embraced his identity as an immigrant. In conversations about his life, he expresses a newfound pride in his background. “I’m so grateful for my immigration story,” he declared. “I’m no longer ashamed of that label. In fact, I wear it proudly.”

The book’s epilogue includes a poignant visit Quan made to the UN Refugee Agency in Geneva alongside actress Cate Blanchett, further underscoring his commitment to advocacy for refugees. This visit helped solidify his understanding of the importance of sharing his narrative to inspire others who may feel similarly disconnected from their own identities.

Despite the emotional weight of writing *Never Say Die*, Quan describes the process of telling his story as cathartic. The early chapters, focusing on his childhood trauma, were particularly challenging, yet the narrative transitions to more joyful recollections of his acting career. “Those happy chapters… were easy to write,” he remarked, laughing as he reflected on his adventures in film.

*Never Say Die* stands not only as a memoir of one man’s journey but also as a universal tale that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. As Quan continues to share his story, it serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, illustrating that despite the most daunting challenges, there is always a path to personal triumph and identity acceptance.

The memoir is now available at bookstores nationwide, providing readers with an opportunity to witness a compelling journey of survival, adaptation, and success against all odds.