Through its six-season run from 2015 to 2020, ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat entertained audiences immensely. Set in the 1990s, the show followed the life and adventures of a Taiwanese-American family living in suburban Florida. The show was based on the eponymous 2013 memoir by food personality Eddie Huang, who also served as an executive producer on the show.
Fresh Off the Boat was culturally significant and did great in terms of Asian-American representation in mainstream media. Preceded by Margaret Cho-led All-American Girl, Fresh Off the Boat was the first sitcom on television, after over 20 years, with an all-Asian-American star cast. Apart from this socially important milestone, the show also managed to win people’s hearts.
It resonated deeply with people’s experiences of growing up in the 90s and left them in stitches with its chaotic humor. The characters, each unique, were the most loved part of the show. An eclectic mix, they left a lasting impression on people’s minds.
So much so, that now, almost after five years the show has ended the characters and the cast are greatly missed by the fans; many wonder where the actors are now. Read ahead to find out.
Randall Park
Randall Park‘s hilarious portrayal of Louis Huang, the easygoing father of the family made Fresh Off the Boat the hit it went on to become. The character was the embodiment of warmth and humor. After bidding adieu to the role of Louis, Park has been busy with several projects.
In 2021, Park reprised his role in the Marvel Universe. His fan-favorite character Jimmy Woo again made an appearance in the critically acclaimed show WandaVision (2021), following his debut in The Ant-Man and The Wasp. He also played Dr. Shin in DC’s Aquaman and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Furthermore, 2022 saw Park star as Timmy Yoon in the lead in Netflix’s Blockbuster. Although the show was not renewed for a second season. He also made his directorial debut with the comedy-drama film, Shortcomings. Park has lent his voice to beloved characters in numerous films such as Butch in PAW Patrol: The Movie and Hunter in Strays. He also has several projects in development which will be released in the foreseeable future.
Apart from his acting and filmmaking endeavors, Park returned as a keynote speaker to his alma mater UCLA in 2023.
Constance Wu
Like Jessica Huang, Constance Wu masterfully embodied the no-nonsense, tough-love spirit of her character. Her obsession to shape her kids’ future was both a source of humor and heartfelt moments. However, even as her character thrived on the show and was loved unanimously, Wu was struggling behind the scenes. Much after the show ended, she revealed that she was sexually harassed during the first two seasons but “kept her mouth shut. This instance triggered Wu into a much darker place, mentally.
Professionally, the show had paced her up for success. Wu played the role of Rachel Chu in the blockbuster film Crazy Rich Asians (2018). After taking a break from Hollywood due to being mentally unwell, she ventured into voice acting and lent her voice to projects like Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) and Daphne Blake in the Velma series for HBO Max. She will next be seen in a sci-fi thriller movie, titled Embers Under the Stars (via Deadline).
In July 2023, she announced the birth of her second child, a son, with her partner Ryan Kattner (via People).
Hudson Yang
Edwyn “Eddie” Huang was the heart of the show. The rebellious, hip-hop-loving teenager who charmed his way into people’s hearts shared slight similarities with the person who portrayed him. Since the show concluded, acting seems to have taken a backseat in Hudson Yang’s life. After graduating high school in 2021, Yang was admitted to Harvard where he will graduate this year.
In his busy life as a Harvard student, Yang has managed to do small roles in a couple of movies such as Cal in the movie, Run & Gun. Furthermore, he is quite active on social media and is often seen at fan conventions and panels.
Forrest Wheeler
As the popular and cool middle child, Emery Huang was the least interesting of the Huang family. Good grades, cool friends, love interests; Emery seemed to have it all. Even though he was not particularly relatable; curiosity regarding the whereabouts of Forrest Wheeler, the actor who played him is shared greatly by fans.
Wheeler’s social media activity gives a glimpse into his life. He is an award-winning martial artist. In a 2020 interview with Backstage, he expressed his desire to be an action star, saying:
My dream role is to be in an action-comedy movie because I do martial arts.
He has also hinted at having aspirations to venture into filmmaking. Fans await to see his next move.
Ian Chen
The goody-two-shoes, always adhering to rules; the youngest of the family, Evan Huang brought many laughs to the viewers. And since Fresh Off the Boat went off the air, he has been busy with voice work and other acting projects. Chen followed in the footsteps of his father on the show, Ian Chen also joined the DC Extended Universe. He played the role of Eugene Choi in Shazam! and Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
He graduated high school in 2024 and just like his on-screen older brother, got into Harvard.
Lucille Soong
Grandma Huang’s wisdom and humor delivered with impeccable comedic timing by Lucille Soong were total scene-stealers. Following the show’s coming to an end, Soong voiced Dang Hu in Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon. Apart from that Soong seems to have taken a step back from acting. After her six-decades-spanning career, she is on a well-deserved break.
Chelsey Crisp
Chelsey Crisp played Honey Ellis, the Huangs’ friendly neighbor, and Jessica’s best friend. After the conclusion of Fresh Off the Boat, Crisp was seen in several shows and movies. She portrayed Casey, Dwayne Johnson’s campaign manager on NBC’s Young Rock. She also appeared in two episodes of the first season of CSI: Vegas and was a series regular in Prime Video’s Ten Percent.
Crisp is married to screenwriter Rhett Reese, and is focusing on having a happy family life with their two children.
Ray Wise
As a cherished veteran actor, Ray Wise brought a unique comedic flair to Fresh Off the Boat. He played Honey’s loving husband and since the show ended, he has been a steady presence in TV and films. He appeared in films like The Wolf in the Well and God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust.
The show gave a boost to the careers of all the actors who were part of it. Even as they continue to advance in the world of entertainment and do several other projects, they will be recognized as their Fresh Off the Boat characters for a long time.