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Alvin Ing

Alvin Ing was an American actor and singer whose career moved comfortably between musical theatre, television and film. Born in Honolulu in 1932, he studied music at the University of Hawaii and Columbia University in New York City, and also served in the United States Army. Ing was particularly closely connected to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song. He played Wang Ta in numerous touring and stock productions, performing in the musical more than any other actor, and later joined its 2002 Broadway revision. Another defining work was Stephen Sondheim’s Pacific Overtures. Ing made his Broadway debut in the original 1976 production, which was recorded and broadcast on Japanese television. When the musical returned to Broadway in 2004, so did Ing, again playing the Shogun’s Mother. His stage career extended well beyond those two shows. He appeared in Chu Chem, Sing to the Dawn and tours of Two Gentlemen of Verona, City of Angels and The World of Suzie Wong. During the 1990s, he became a frequent presence at East West Players, with credits including Sweeney Todd, Cabaret, Follies, Canton Jazz Club and Beijing Spring. On television, Ing held recurring roles on The Doctors and Falcon Crest, while his guest appearances ranged from Charlie’s Angels, Dallas and Dynasty to Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hawaii Five-0. His film credits included The Final Countdown, Stir Crazy, Troop Beverly Hills and Smilla’s Sense of Snow. His largest movie role came as Mr. Lee, a primary antagonist opposite Mark Wahlberg in The Gambler. Singing remained a continuing part of Ing’s work. He recorded Swing with Ing with Betty Loo Taylor and released Broadway is Still Calling in 2020, featuring a collaboration with Yuka Takara. He was also active in advocacy for Asian American performers, challenging stereotyping and supporting greater opportunities onstage. His final performance, an open-mic rendition of “You’ve Got to Be Carefully Taught,” protested the rise in violence against Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.