RIP David Carradine

[helwen]

David Carradine died in Bangkok on June 3, 2009, under still currently disputed circumstances. Although he didn't have a drop of Chinese blood in him, he did have the looks for being Eurasian. When I was a kid his show Kung Fu was a family favorite. Action adventure but also things that made you think. Kung Fu in mainstream America viewing was kind of a new thing and I loved watching the action... probably one of the reasons I got into karate when I was a kid, as we didn't have a school of kung fu in our town. One of the other reasons I liked the show though -- and the one he did later on (Kung Fu: The Legend Continues), was that he being a Eurasian. People like me were so rare, we lacked any kind of public models.

Growing up, here in America I was Chinese and when I was in school in Taiwan and Hong Kong I was White. Me, I enjoyed both of my parents' cultures, but it was a challenge fitting in because people always made assumptions. That's probably why I dislike giving names to my artwork, or trying to put labels on people. Names so rarely capture all that.... anything... is...

I liked the shows in part because I had a role model of sorts, someone who was like me and who didn't fit in anywhere but could still keep his life (more or less) on track. I also liked that all the people were people, not just caricatures (well, as much as you can develop characters on a tv show). So few Asian people were or are in acting in the U.S. that to me it's a pleasure when they get to behave like any normal person would. So of course George Takei's Sulu is another favorite of mine ;)

David Carradine didn't have Kwai Chang Caine's centeredness, but he did a great job in a role that meant a lot to me, and probably my brothers as well. I will remember the essence of Caine and his masters and friends (who could forget Keye Luke or The Ancient?). And of course finally, even though I'm likely too old to get very far in the training, I'm practicing kung fu and being centered :) So, thanks to Mr. Carradine for his part in all of that.

Comments

[freya46.livejournal.com]

I enjoyed both shows as well. I'm sad he's gone. :-(

[hyperbard.livejournal.com]

He was awesome in Kill Bill (I and II)!

[loosecanon.livejournal.com]

Thank you for this.
He was always a reminder to me that "celebrities" could be gracious and bring goodness to the world without going all haywire.
I admired the steadiness he showed the world, and hope his humor and compassion, dedication to hard work and refusal to skate by are remembered.

[hiddennature410.livejournal.com]

Yeahs i remember watching that show and with my dad when i was very young. I loved every episode too but just cause of the actors/characters and the themes/script was great with each episode. Sad to know this happened. I wonder what drove him to do it? :/