Aki Aleong was born in Trinidad and Tobago, where his illustrious career spanning over 60 years as an actor, singer, writer, producer, activist, and martial arts and action film star began.
He currently stars as Dr. Yuki Tano in Nico Santucci's feature film "Sarogeto", a story about Japanese American Grace / Minami Stanton's emotional struggle and her journey to find peace for her family and spiritual enlightenment. The film tackles relevant and thought-provoking subjects including depression, anxiety, and suicide, and features a diverse cast including Ikumi Yoshimatsu, Eric Roberts, Winsor Harmon, Ruby Park, Koji Niiya, Aki Aleong, Angelica Bridges, and Nikki Nikita. The movie was shot in various locations including the Aokigahara Forest in Japan, Tokyo, Laguna Beach, Marina del Rey, and Newport Beach, and is set for release in 2021.
Aki's early career began on Broadway in "Teahouse of the August Moon" and "The Interview", before he went on to star in over 50 movies and 150 television shows, working with notable actors and directors such as Frank Sinatra Jr., Marlon Brando, Faye Dunaway, Joanne Woodward, Steve McQueen, Ben Kingsley, John Mills, Ernest Borgnine, Jennifer Connelly, and Martin Landau.
He has also starred in films with renowned martial artists, including Cung Le, Bolo Yeoung, Sammo Hung, Cynthia Rothrock, and Juju Chan. Aki has worked with a range of actors, including Scott Adkins, Darren Shahlavi, Gary Daniels, Al Leong, and Ron Yuan, and has appeared in films such as "Martial Law", "Sci-Fighter", "Savage Dog", "Road to Hell", "Pound of Flesh", "Deadly Target", and "The Force".
Despite being a heroic rights activist in real life, Aki has often played villains in martial arts and action films, including his role as the sadistic Vietnamese General Quoc in "Braddock: Missing in Action III". He has also appeared in TV shows such as "Babylon 5" and "V: The Series", and has had memorable roles in films like "Superhero Movie" and "Farewell to the King".
Aki's musical talent was discovered by Frank Sinatra, who signed him to his Reprise Records Label. Aki became the first Asian American to have a Top 100 record "Trade Winds" on the National Charts in the US, which he wrote and co-produced. He has worked as a record executive, chaired the Fraternity of Recording Executives, and served as President of the Pan World Records and Golden Dragon publishing companies.
Aki has also been involved in various professional organizations, including the National Board of the Screen Actors Guild, where he served as National Chair of SAG'S EEOC, and was a member of the President's Diversity/Affirmative Action Task Force. He has also been Executive Director of AIM (Asians in Media),Vice President of The Media Coalition of Los Angeles, and President of Media Action Network for Asian-Americans (MANAA). In 2013, he received an Honorary Doctorate from New Dimensions University. Aki is currently the President and CEO of Mustard Seed Media Group and the Senior Advisor to Ace Studios in Hong Kong.
