Actor and filmmaker Ke Huy Quan has recently unveiled his new memoir, *Never Say Die*, inspired by a memorable quote from the classic film *The Goonies*, which has become synonymous with perseverance and resilience. The book, set to be released on September 15, offers a deeply personal look at Quan’s remarkable journey, which has spanned over four decades.
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In an interview featured in this week’s edition of *PEOPLE* magazine, Quan described the writing process as one of the most challenging endeavours of his life. Reflecting on his upbringing, he admitted, “I wasn’t raised to share my feelings,” and shared that he faced numerous moments where he contemplated abandoning the project altogether. Nevertheless, he ultimately persevered, stating, “I took it one step at a time.”
The title of the memoir, *Never Say Die*, cleverly parallels Quan’s recent victory at the 2023 Academy Awards, where he won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in *Everything Everywhere All at Once*. This transformative moment served as a catalyst for his memoir, with Quan joking that the book is essentially an unedited version of his Oscar acceptance speech.
In his acceptance speech, Quan poignantly recounted the harrowing journey of his family as they fled South Vietnam in 1978, first finding refuge in a Hong Kong camp before finally settling in Los Angeles when he was just eight years old. He touched on the various obstacles he faced after initially rising to fame as a child star in iconic films, including *Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom* and *The Goonies*. Quan’s narrative serves as a testament to the resilience required to pursue and maintain one’s dreams in the face of adversity.
As he penned his memoir, Quan revealed that revisiting painful periods from his early life proved to be immensely challenging. He confronted themes of identity and the stigma often attached to being a refugee. He acknowledged that expressing these emotions was a significant departure from his upbringing, where he was encouraged to keep his feelings to himself. This commitment to openness became a guiding principle for Quan as he wrote.
Throughout the memoir, Quan recounts encounters with notable figures, including Princess Diana, Michael Jackson, and legendary directors Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. Yet, he maintains that the most difficult aspect of his story revolves around the experiences of his family during their tumultuous journey to freedom.
Reflecting on his writing journey, Quan referenced insights from his mentor, Harrison Ford, who once shared a perspective on autobiographical storytelling: “I don’t want to tell the truth, and I don’t want to lie.” Quan took this to heart and set out to share his authentic self, despite the difficulties that arose.
Looking ahead, Quan expressed uncertainty about the future but spoke with optimism about his resilience in the face of potential setbacks. “I’m no longer afraid of the outcome. I’m no longer afraid of failure,” he remarked. His reflections suggest a newfound confidence that contrasts with the fear of failure that previously held him back.
As *Never Say Die* approaches its publication date, readers are eager to explore the life of an actor whose story reflects the power of determination and hope. The memoir promises not only to inspire those navigating their own struggles but also to offer a window into the life of a man who has transformed obstacles into opportunities.
The book will be available for pre-order starting September 15, published by Grand Central Publishing, an arm of Hachette Book Group, and can be found at retailers across the country. As Quan takes his next steps in the entertainment industry, fans look forward to what he has in store, both on and off the screen.