Haing S. Ngor

Haing S. Ngor

Dr. Haing Somnang Ngor (Chinese: 吳漢潤; pinyin: Wú Hànrùn, March 22, 1940 – February 25, 1996) was a Cambodian American physician, actor and author who is best known for winning the 1985 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his debut performance in the movie The Killing Fields, in which he portrayed Cambodian journalist and refugee Dith Pran. He was also the first ever Asian actor to win an Oscar for a supporting performance and debut performance. His mother was Khmer and his father was of Chinese descent. Ngor and Harold Russell are the only two non-professional actors to win an Academy Award in an acting category.