Philip Chong, a notable individual, entered this world on December 29, 1936, in the beautiful city of Honolulu, Hawaii, to loving parents Kin Seong Chong and Beatrice Bow Ngan Young. As he grew and matured, he pursued higher education, eventually graduating from college in 1958.
Following his academic achievements, Philip's life took a significant turn as he was drafted into military service in 1959. After serving his country, he relocated to the sun-kissed state of California in 1969, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
In the early 1970s, Philip's life took a dramatic turn as he crossed paths with his lifelong best friend, Kenny Endoso, who played a pivotal role in introducing him to the captivating world of the film industry.
As a skilled horseman, Philip's inaugural foray into the world of cinema was a memorable one, as he landed the role of a Mongolian horseback rider in the 1973 film Lost Horizon.
From there, Philip's impressive career trajectory saw him work on hundreds of movies and television shows, showcasing his impressive range and versatility as a performer.
One notable highlight from this period was his work doubling the talented Benson Fong in the popular television series Kung Fu, which premiered in 1972 and captivated audiences with its unique blend of martial arts and Eastern philosophy.
Philip was a fervent and dedicated advocate for the Asian-American community, utilizing his passion and expertise to drive positive change as a board member of East West Players, a renowned theatre company headquartered in Los Angeles.
In addition to his work in the arts, Philip co-founded Stunt Equipment Rental, a thriving business venture that showcased his entrepreneurial spirit and keen sense of innovation.
Philip's impressive career milestones include becoming the first Asian-American to be extended an invitation to join the prestigious Stuntmen's Association of Motion Pictures, a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication to the craft.
Throughout his career, Philip earned the respect and admiration of his peers, who affectionately referred to him as a godfather, a title that speaks to his influence, wisdom, and lasting impact on the industry.
Philip's life took a profound turn in 1971 when he encountered the love of his existence, Stephanie Page, in the picturesque state of California. This chance encounter would eventually blossom into a lifelong partnership, as they exchanged vows on March 16, 1994.
As Philip entered the realm of semi-retirement, he and his beloved wife, Stephanie, embarked on a series of captivating journeys, traversing the vibrant cityscapes of Hong Kong and China, the sun-kissed islands of the Caribbean, nearly every corner of the United States, and the vast expanse of Canada's provinces.
Beyond his travels, Philip found solace in his leisure activities, often spending his free time astride his majestic horse, teeing off on the lush greens of the golf course, and basking in the tropical splendor of Hawaii.
Philip Chong, a kind-hearted individual, met his untimely demise on March 3, 2007, as a result of a sudden and severe heart attack, which tragically occurred at his residence.
Throughout his life, Philip was renowned for his extraordinary capacity for love, his unwavering generosity, and his exceptional sense of humor, which endeared him to countless individuals whose lives he had the privilege of touching.
As news of his passing spread, it became increasingly evident that the void left by his departure would be deeply felt by all those whose lives had been enriched by his presence.
Philip left behind a vast network of loving family members who will deeply miss him. His devoted wife, Stephanie, was by his side until the end. His sisters, Carol White and Cora Chong, were a constant source of support and companionship. His sisters-in-law, Priscilla Audette and Susan Cade, brought joy and warmth to his life. As a father, Philip was proud to have two step-children, David Page and Kim Knapp, who brought him immense joy. His nieces, Michele, Autumn, and Emma, were a symbol of innocence and youth, and he cherished the time spent with them. His nephews, Brian, Eric, Matthew, Anthony, and Robb, were a constant reminder of the importance of family and the cycle of life. As a grandfather, Philip was overjoyed to have step-grandchildren, Jonathon, Alyssa, Jacob, and Ethan, who brought him endless happiness. He was also blessed with a grand-niece, Ki'ilani, and grand-nephews, Connor and Trevor, who brought a sparkle to his eyes. Additionally, Philip was a godfather to Irish and Laurel, his goddaughters, and Michael, his godson, who held a special place in his heart.
