Ke Huy Quan Addresses the ‘Well-Known’ Actor Who Accused Him of Making a ‘Stupid Face’ at the 2023 SAG Awards (Exclusive)

Ke Huy Quan, the celebrated actor who made waves at the 2023 Screen Actors Guild Awards, has revealed a rather disheartening experience with a fellow thespian during the event, an encounter he has chosen to detail in his new memoir, *Never Say Die*. The memoir, released on 15 September 2023, not only captures his journey in the film industry but also recounts a poignant episode on the red carpet that left a lasting impression.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Quan discussed the uncomfortable moment with an unnamed actor who remarked negatively after they took a selfie together. This incident transpired just before Quan received his SAG Award for his performance in *Everything Everywhere All at Once*. This accolade marked a significant milestone as Quan became the first Asian male actor to win in that category.

Recalling the moment he spotted a respected actor behind him, Quan promptly asked for a photograph. “Without thinking too much about it, I asked if we could take a picture together,” he wrote. However, the experience took an unexpected turn when the actor replied, “Why did you make that stupid face?” Confounded, Quan laughed off the comment, but the actor further remarked, “You’re not going to win tonight with that stupid face.”

As he reflected on this moment, Quan expressed his internal conflict about including this story in his memoir. “I debated whether to share that story at all,” he remarked, acknowledging the curiosity about the identity of the actor involved. Nevertheless, to Quan, the identity of this individual was secondary to the lesson he derived from the exchange. “To me, who he is has never been as important as the lesson that I learned from it,” he emphasised.

Despite this disparaging interaction, Quan’s achievements at the SAG Awards were monumental. His nomination was historic as he stood on the verge of becoming the first Asian actor to win that award, and he resolutely chose not to allow the unnamed actor to detract from that moment. “I wasn’t going to let someone else’s comment touch that night. It was too big for me. Too meaningful,” Quan noted in his memoir.

After the selfie incident, Quan could see the actor seated at a separate table during the awards ceremony, but it appeared that no one else noticed the awkward exchange. Following the ceremony, the actor did not engage further with Quan.

As the evening progressed, Quan found himself basking in triumph after winning the award. He later expressed a sense of disbelief as he held the honour in his hands, reflecting on the significance of the night and the journey that led him there. “I went back to my seat, holding the statue, and smiled to myself. I’d won with that stupid face,” he wrote, encapsulating his determination to rise above the negativity.

Beyond the SAG Award, Quan has also earned accolades including a Golden Globe Award, a Critics Choice Award, and an Oscar for his remarkable role in *Everything Everywhere All at Once*. His journey has resonated deeply with audiences, and his memoir offers a candid look into both his triumphs and challenges.

*Never Say Die* delves into Quan’s diverse experiences within the entertainment industry, portraying not only his accolades but also the obstacles he faced along the way. It stands as a testament to his resilience and serves as an inspiration for many.

Now available through Grand Central Publishing, *Never Say Die* can be found across various platforms, allowing readers to explore the intimate reflections of a man who has navigated his way through a series of highs and lows, ultimately emerging victorious. As fans celebrate his success, Quan’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, even from unexpected sources.