In the world of Hollywood dynasties, some stories are written in glitz and glamour, while others are written in courage and authenticity. The story of Jackson Foo Wong is one of the latter.
As the son of a trailblazing actor and a powerhouse producer, Jackson represents a new generation of creative soul—one defined not just by his last name, but by the revolutionary way his family came to be. Let’s reveal more about the inspiring journey of Jackson Foo Wong.
Who is Jackson Foo Wong?
Jackson Foo Wong is the son of award-winning actor BD Wong and talent manager/producer Richie Jackson. Born in May 2000, Jackson has spent his life navigating the intersection of art, activism, and identity.
While he isn’t a tabloid fixture, he is a significant figure in the LGBTQ+ community and a subject of profound public discussions about modern fatherhood and queer identity.
How the Popularity Arises
What is Jackson Foo Wong known for?
Jackson became a symbol of hope for queer families globally. He was one of the first children born to a high-profile gay couple via surrogacy at the turn of the millennium, making his very existence a powerful statement on the evolving definition of family.
So, how did BD Wong have kids?
In a move that was pioneering for the year 2000, BD Wong and his then-partner, Richie Jackson, used an egg donor and a surrogate mother. Jackson was actually one of a pair of twins; tragically, his brother Boaz passed away shortly after birth.
His journey of joy and grief was shared openly by BD Wong in his memoir, Following Foo: (Electronic) Adventures in Chestnut Hill, which chronicled the complexities of their path to parenthood.
BD Wong and Richie Jackson’s Relationship
Jackson was raised by two of the most respected men in the industry. BD Wong is a legendary actor (known for Jurassic Park and Mr. Robot), and people often wonder, “What is BD Wong’s ethnicity?” He is of Chinese descent, born in San Francisco, and has been a vocal advocate for Asian-American representation.
His partner at the time, Richie Jackson, is an elite talent agent and producer. If you’re curious about his career, what does Richie Jackson do? He is the president of Richie Jackson Productions and the author of the moving book Gay Like Me. Together, they provided Jackson with a home life that was both unconventional for the time and deeply rooted in unconditional support.
Life After the Split: A Family Beyond the Spotlight
Though BD Wong and Richie Jackson ended their romantic relationship in 2004, they remained remarkably committed co-parents. They pioneered “conscious uncoupling” long before it was a buzzword, staying close friends to ensure Jackson grew up in a stable, loving environment.
Today, Jackson enjoys a large, blended family, including BD Wong’s husband, Richert Schnorr, and Richie Jackson’s husband, Jordan Roth.
Jackson Foo Wong: His Growing Up in New York City
Jackson is a true New Yorker. Growing up in the heart of Manhattan, he found his “backyard” to be the world’s cultural pulse. This urban upbringing allowed him to witness diversity, art, and transformation every single day. The city shaped his worldview, giving him a sophisticated and open-minded perspective on life from a very young age.
A Cultural Immersion of Art, Music, and Theatre
When your parents are Broadway royalty and top-tier producers, your childhood is bound to be artistic. Jackson grew up backstage at some of the world’s most famous theaters. This environment wasn’t just about fame; it was about the craft. He was surrounded by music, literature, and the visual arts, which fostered a deep appreciation for storytelling in all its forms.
Gay Like Me: A Father Writes to His Son
One of the most touching chapters of Jackson’s life is public knowledge thanks to his father, Richie Jackson.
The relationship between Jackson and his father took on a profound public significance with the release of Richie Jackson’s acclaimed book, Gay Like Me: A Father Writes to His Son. This wasn’t just a memoir; it was a “passing of the torch” in literary form. Written as Jackson was preparing to head off to college, the book serves as an essential roadmap for navigating the world as a gay man in the 21st century.
In the book, Richie Jackson addresses the unique reality of raising a child who shares his identity. He asks the poignant question: How do I protect my son while preparing him for a world that isn’t always kind?
Richie chronicles the history of the LGBTQ+ movement, ensuring Jackson understands that the freedoms he enjoys today were won through the sacrifices of those who came before him.
What does Richie Jackson do now? Beyond his role as a high-level producer, Richie uses his platform as an author and activist to bridge the generational gap. He provides Jackson with “the talk” that many queer youth never get—one centered on pride, safety, and the power of the community.
Authenticity as a Superpower
The letter within the book emphasizes that being gay is not a burden to be managed, but a gift to be cherished. By sharing his own experiences of growing up during the AIDS crisis and the fight for marriage equality, Richie gave Jackson a sense of historical context that most young people lack.
Although written specifically for Jackson, the book resonated globally, highlighting the deep bond between a father and son. It reinforced the idea that Jackson’s upbringing—shaped by BD Wong’s ethnicity and cultural heritage, combined with the creative fire of the New York theater scene—prepared him to be a leader in his own right.
This public letter ensured that Jackson’s journey toward adulthood was marked by a clear message: he is loved, he is seen, and he belongs to a long, proud lineage of men who fought for the right to live authentically.
Finding His Voice and Embracing Identity
Jackson eventually came out as gay, a moment that felt like a full-circle realization for his family. Having been raised by two proud gay fathers, his journey toward self-acceptance was supported by a wealth of experience and love. He has embraced his identity with grace, standing as a testament to what happens when a child is given the “permission” to be exactly who they are from day one.
The Takeaway
Jackson Foo Wong’s life is a beautiful blueprint for the modern family. His story teaches us that family isn’t defined by tradition, but by the commitment two people make to a child. From the bustling streets of NYC to the pages of his father’s books, Jackson continues to live authentically, proving that being “Gay Like Him”—just like his dads—is a journey worth celebrating.