Recently, Ke Huy Quan shared a humorous account of how Steven Spielberg pranked Harrison Ford during a visit to the set of The Goonies. Quan, who portrayed Data in the 1985 classic film, recounted the series of events while answering fan questions for The Guardian. The visit was a memorable moment for Quan, who expressed that he felt starstruck by Ford, especially since he had just worked with him on Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
According to Quan, Spielberg seized the moment to play a clever prank on Ford. “Spielberg played a big joke on him. There was a biography out about him that he really hated, so Steven went out and bought about 300 copies. When Harrison came to the set, every security guard, gaffer, and crew member was reading that biography,” Quan revealed, which undoubtedly added to Ford’s surprise.
The cast of The Goonies included Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, and Quan, all of whom were eager to interact with visiting celebrities. In another notable moment, Quan described the excitement of the cast when Michael Jackson paid a visit to the set. “I remember when we were told that Michael Jackson was going to visit. The cast and crew were so excited. We didn’t know what time he was arriving, so we were constantly looking over our shoulders. When he walked on the set, everybody just stopped what they were doing – even the guy making the coffee,” Quan stated, reflecting on the King of Pop’s shyness amid the thrill of his presence.
Quan recounted how Jackson gifted the cast tickets to one of his performances in Los Angeles and provided them with jackets, which some cast members still own. “Somehow I lost mine, which I’m very mad at myself for,” he lamented, highlighting the fond memories of that star-studded interaction.
Delving deeper into his career, Quan addressed the issue of typecasting in Hollywood and acknowledged the progress made in Asian representation. “When I started my career, it was a very different time. My latest movie, Love Hurts, is a big-budget film with an Asian lead. That alone is a testament to how much everything has changed and to Hollywood’s willingness to tell diverse stories,” he explained. Quan expressed his optimism about the future of storytelling, further demonstrating his belief in inclusivity in the film industry.
In addition to his reflections, Quan discussed the film Love Hurts, which premiered in early February and centers on the journey of a former hitman turned realtor. It showcases how far Asian narratives have come, allowing for characters without specific ethnic descriptions. “Open casting is something I applaud Hollywood for,” he remarked, stressing the importance of diversity in casting decisions.
As Love Hurts continues its run in theaters, the excitement around both the film and the nostalgic tales from The Goonies set remind fans of the enduring legacy of these Hollywood icons. The connections formed on set and the laughter shared highlight not only the creativity behind filmmaking but also the friendships that blossom amidst the shared experiences in the industry. With filmmakers and actors now reflecting on a more inclusive environment, the path ahead seems brighter for emerging talents.
