Haing S. Ngor (March 13 1940 – February 25 1996) was a Cambodian–American physician, author, and actor. He is best known for his Academy Award–winning performance as Dr. Dith Pran in the 1984 film The Killing Fields, which dramatized the experiences of Cambodians under the Khmer Rouge regime.
Early life and education
- Born in Kampong Cham, French Indochina (now Cambodia).
- Trained as a medical doctor at the University of Phnom Penh, graduating in the early 1960s.
Survival of the Khmer Rouge
- During the Khmer Rouge takeover in 1975, Ngor was detained and later escaped the forced labor camps.
- He lost most of his family members in the genocide; only he and a few relatives survived.
Emigration to the United States
- In 1979, Ngor was granted refugee status and resettled in New York City.
- He worked various jobs, including as a taxi driver, while learning English.
Acting career
- His first major acting role was as Dr. Dith Pran in The Killing Fields (1984), a performance that earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, making him the first Cambodian to win an Oscar.
- Ngor appeared in several other films and television productions, such as Sunrise (1989), The Terror Within (1990), and Raging Bull (uncredited cameo).
Writing and advocacy
- Authored the memoir A Cambodian Odyssey (1993), recounting his experiences under the Khmer Rouge and his subsequent life in the United States.
- Founded the Haing Ngor Foundation, dedicated to humanitarian aid, education, and the preservation of Khmer cultural heritage.
Personal life
- Married to 2nd‑generation Cambodian-American Chhim Kaur. The couple had two children.
Death
- Ngor died of emphysema in New York City on February 25 1996 at the age of 55.
Legacy
- Recognized for bringing international attention to the Cambodian genocide through both his personal testimony and his artistic work.
- His Oscar win remains a milestone for Southeast Asian representation in Hollywood.
References: Biographical entries in major encyclopedias, Academy Awards records, and Ngor's published memoir.
