Edward Astor Chin is an actor and adventurer who calls NYC home. He endeavors to help create work with innovative voices while fostering positive representation.
On stage he performed at Lincoln Center in the world premiere of THE HEADLANDS by Obie-award winner Christopher Chen, and at The Public Theater in PLAYS FOR THE PLAGUE YEAR by Suzan-Lori Parks (Drama Desk Award). Previously he had the honor of portraying Vietnam War-era helicopter hero Quang in VIETGONE by Qui Nguyen at The Alley Theatre. He was on the National Tour of SMALL MOUTH SOUNDS by Outer Critics Circle Award winner Bess Wohl (Grand Horizons), directed by Tony Award-winning Director Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown, Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812).
On camera he will recur on Jonathan Tropper's upcoming YOUR FRIENDS and NEIGHBORS on Apple TV. He guest starred on LINCOLN RHYME with Michael Imperioli, and THE EQUALIZER with Queen Latifah. He has worked with Lucy Liu on ELEMENTARY and Kevin Bacon in CITY on a HILL, recurred on MANIFEST and JESSICA JONES. His film debut was opposite Zoe Kazan in Maria Schrader's SHE SAID, following the New York Times investigation exposing Harvey Weinstein’s history of abuse and sexual misconduct against women. It was named one of the best films of the year by the American Film Institute.
On stage he performed at Lincoln Center in the world premiere of THE HEADLANDS by Obie-award winner Christopher Chen, and at The Public Theater in PLAYS FOR THE PLAGUE YEAR by Suzan-Lori Parks (Drama Desk Award). Previously he had the honor of portraying Vietnam War-era helicopter hero Quang in VIETGONE by Qui Nguyen at The Alley Theatre. He was on the National Tour of SMALL MOUTH SOUNDS by Outer Critics Circle Award winner Bess Wohl (Grand Horizons), directed by Tony Award-winning Director Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown, Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812).
On camera he will recur on Jonathan Tropper's upcoming YOUR FRIENDS and NEIGHBORS on Apple TV. He guest starred on LINCOLN RHYME with Michael Imperioli, and THE EQUALIZER with Queen Latifah. He has worked with Lucy Liu on ELEMENTARY and Kevin Bacon in CITY on a HILL, recurred on MANIFEST and JESSICA JONES. His film debut was opposite Zoe Kazan in Maria Schrader's SHE SAID, following the New York Times investigation exposing Harvey Weinstein’s history of abuse and sexual misconduct against women. It was named one of the best films of the year by the American Film Institute.
Vietgone by Qui Nguyen
Directed by Desdemona Chiang
www.alleytheatre.org/plays/production-detail/vietgone
Photos by Lynn Lane.
Edward Astor Chin a heroic, self-assured and swoon-worthy helicopter pilot stuck in the camp by accident, is desperate to get back to his wife and two young children in Vietnam... As Quang and Tong, Chin and Wong give us strength, charisma, heat and heart. Whether clothed or semi nude, these two ooze sexual attraction for each other and we’re all here for it... each actor peels back their character’s thick skin and lets us wander around in their pain long enough to root hard for their eventual happiness.
- HoustonPress
The Protagonist Quang (a chiseled, charming Edward Astor Chin) is Nguyen’s answer to history, an archetype of masculinity... a war hero and fighter pilot. He’s brooding, masculine and handsome. With his leather jacket and motorcycle, he’s none other than James Dean... Because the final scene is one of the best single scenes I’ve seen in American theater for a long time.
- Houston Chronicle
Edward Astor Chin invests his character with heroism, anguish, sex appeal, and humanizing weaknesses. He gives a balanced and energetic performance—especially in the final scene when, as an aging father, he allows his Americanized son to interview him about the war.
- The Courier
Vietgone raises basic questions about identity, family and finding home. Near the end of the performance, Chin gives a riveting, quiet lecture to his American-born Playwright son about seeing the Vietnam War from his perspective... Chin and Wong have enough chemistry to fuel a gang of motorcycles…
- Paper City Mag
It has been a long time since a play has truly surprised me, and this one did in spades…. Don’t miss the cinematic fight scene, the cute choreography to groovy music, and the psychological insights that Ngyuen gives us regarding life and loss. But mostly, don’t miss the last scene, in which an older Quang tells his son about Vietnam, and gives a completely unexpected take on his experiences after surviving such a terrible war. You won’t forget it.
- Houstonia Mag