In honour of Mother’s Day, we look at the inspiring mothers of Asia’s leading men with a few Mother’s Day quotes.
It is said that the maternal bond between a mother and her son is unbreakable. It transcends time and distance, bringing comfort and joy. Mothers have a warmth and tenderness that encourages their sons to express their feelings and find happiness. On this special day, we celebrate Mother’s Day by taking a glimpse into the lives of some of Hollywood’s leading Asian men and the most important woman in their lives. We also share a few Mother’s Day quotes.
Win Metawin.
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Metawin Opas-iamkajorn, better known by his nickname Win, is a popular Thai actor and model of Chinese descent. He made his debut in 2020 and gained massive popularity for his role in the Thai Boys Love drama, 2gether, alongside Bright Vachirawit Chivaaree.
On Mother’s Day, Win can often be seen honouring his mother with a beautiful flower garland called Phuang Malai. Traditionally worn by the ladies of the Thai royal court, this gesture symbolises good luck, beauty, and commitment. It is the way Win expresses his love and respect for his mother.
Henry Golding.
Born in Kuching, Sarawak, Henry Golding moved to England at the age of eight and returned to Malaysia when he was twenty-one. He has a deep appreciation for both his mother and traditional heritage. As his mother is a native Sarawakian of indigenous Dayak Iban descent, Golding even underwent the bejalai ritual. This ceremony which symbolised the coming-of-age took place in the Bornean jungle.
Golding gained fame as the charming Nick Young in the all-Asian romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians. Here he played the son of actress Michelle Yeoh. It was clear he was already a respectful son as he tried to satisfy the expectations of his on-screen mother.
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Simu Liu.
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Today, Simu Liu considers his mom to be one of his closest friends; however, this wasn’t always the case.
While he was raised by his paternal grandparents in China, the actor was abruptly moved to Canada by his parents when he was just four years old. The transition from what he considered home to a foreign country was an unknown experience for him. As he grew older, he has shared that he struggled with his parents’ expectations of high grades, perfection, and cultural differences. From fights to disagreements, his relationship with his parents became strained when he decided to pursue acting as his career.
“You got me flowers?? Why would you spend all that money??”
-every Asian mom today pic.twitter.com/PCsHFUbK4g
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) May 10, 2020
It wasn’t until Simu Liu landed bigger roles that their relationship began to reconcile. As he started to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry, his parents began to see his passion. Now, as the first Asian actor to lead a Marvel Studios film, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the connection between him and his parents has grown. They have become his biggest supporters and are always there on set. They have even attended some of his red-carpet events.
Ke Huy Quan.
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‘Mom, I just won an Oscar!’. These were the words spoken by Ke Huy Quan as he accepted the award for Best Supporting Actor at the 2023 Academy Awards. This devoted family man has always acknowledged the important role his family, particularly his mother, played in his successful career. His emotional words, ‘Thank you, thank you…my mom is 84 years old, and she is at home watching’. We will never forget as he made history by becoming the first Asian male to receive this prestigious award.
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
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Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson may often be seen as a tough and powerful figure, but when it comes to his mother, he is a big softie. He treats her like the queen she is and has even surprised her with her dream home. However, earlier this year, his mother was involved in a head-on collision with a drunk driver. Despite surviving lung cancer and a tough marriage, she continues to be a survivor, inspiring the actor to always look forward.
‘if you still got your mom and dad, make sure you hug “em hard,” cos you never know when you’ll get that 3 am call we never want to get’, Johnson says. On Mother’s Day, we can all take The Rock’s wise words to heart and remember to cherish our parents while we still have them.
Dev Patel.
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Dev Patel is a British actor who began his career with the role in E4 teen drama, Skins. Coming into the spotlight in the drama, Slumdog Millionaire, he continues to star in big movies such as The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and the recent Cruella.
However, everyone can remember the day he broke the internet when he brought his mom to the 2017 Oscars. While looking dapper in a cream blazer, his mother wore a beautiful traditional black-and-gold sari. Patel credits his mom with helping him land his first job after she spotted an ad for an audition in the newspaper and the reason to why he is an actor today.
Harry Shum Jr.
Born in Costa Rica, Henry Shum Jr. is a multi-talented artist who is a singer, actor, dancer, and choreographer. At the age of six, he moved to San Francisco and was later scouted as a backup dancer for American singer and songwriter Kaci. He went on to become a backup dancer for some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez. He naturally transitioned to the big screen with dance roles in Step Up and Glee. Shum shares an unbreakable bond with his mother and considers her to be his hero. Drawing on her resilience, he has worked hard to establish himself as a household name in Hollywood.
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Daniel Henney.
you make me smile… love you MOM! pic.twitter.com/jif9AKrvde
— Daniel Henney (@danielhenney) August 8, 2019
Daniel Phillip Henney is an American actor and model who has starred in films like X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Seducing Mr. Perfect. Despite being raised in a multicultural family, Daniel Phillip Henney shares a strong bond with his Korean American adoptee mother.
He often posts about her on social media, expressing his love and gratitude for her support throughout his successful career. Henney shared that his mother has played a significant role in his life, especially during his childhood. Despite the challenges of growing up as a biracial child in America, he credits his mother for always being there for him. Their close relationship is a testament to the power of maternal love and the importance of family in his life.
Bruno Mars.
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We all know the name Bruno Mars. The 24k Magic singer of Puerto Rican and Filipino descent shared a strong bond with his mother. Bruno credits his mother for encouraging him to ‘keep going’ in his career and for teaching him how to treat a woman.
Her death ten years ago, gave him a fresh perspective on life and to live life with no regrets. He shared that nothing in the world is as important as your family and loved ones.
I love you Mom, you’ll always be my favourite girl – Bruno Mars.
