LOS ANGELES (AP) — Haing S. Ngor, the Academy Award-winning actor known for his harrowing portrayal of a survivor of the Cambodian genocide in the film “The Killing Fields,” led a life marked by tragedy and triumph. Ngor, the first Asian-American to win an Oscar in the acting category, was murdered outside his Los Angeles home in 1996 at the age of 55.
Born in Cambodia on March 22, 1940, Ngor was a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology before his life took a dramatic turn. In 1975, the Khmer Rouge, a brutal communist regime, overthrew Cambodia’s government and launched a campaign of terror, displacing millions and killing an estimated 1.5 to 2 million people. Ngor and his wife, Chang My Huoy, were forcibly relocated to a labor camp, where Huoy tragically died during childbirth. Ngor himself endured torture, starvation, and had to hide his medical background to survive.
After the fall of the Khmer Rouge, Ngor and his niece fled to a refugee camp in Thailand, and eventually made their way to the United States. Settling in Los Angeles, Ngor worked as a physician and counselor for fellow refugees. It was during this time that he was approached by casting director Pat Golden to play the role of Dith Pran, a journalist who had also survived the Khmer Rouge, in the film “The Killing Fields.” Although Ngor had no previous acting experience, Golden saw his innate talent and convinced him to take on the role.
“The Killing Fields,” released in 1984, received critical acclaim and earned Ngor an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. In his acceptance speech, Ngor dedicated the award to his niece and spoke of his desire to raise awareness about the Cambodian genocide. He continued to act and advocate for justice until his untimely death.
On February 25, 1996, Ngor was shot and killed outside his home. Initially labeled as a botched robbery, doubts began to surface regarding the motive behind the murder. Ngor’s outspoken activism and criticism of the Khmer Rouge raised suspicions that his death may have been politically motivated and possibly tied to former members of the regime. While his killers were eventually convicted, questions still linger about the true nature of the crime.
Despite the mystery surrounding his death, Ngor’s legacy endures. His life story and his tireless efforts to shed light on the Cambodian genocide continue to inspire and educate people around the world. Through his fame and his Oscar win, Ngor used his platform to bring attention to a dark chapter in history and to advocate for human rights. His bravery and resilience serve as an enduring testament to the strength of the human spirit.
