“If you’ve watched the movie Operation Hadal, you may probably recognize me. My character, just like Cao Honglang played by Karry Wang, is a deep-sea sonar operator.”
The 2025 Spring Festival movie Operation Hadal brought the important and mysterious “sonar operator” into the spotlight. The one who plays the enemy sonar operator in the movie is an American young man, Jack.
Jack’s connection with China dates back to a trip in 2017. “In 2017, I traveled to China. In a park, I saw an elderly man practicing Tai Chi. His movements were as smooth as floating clouds and flowing water, so attractive that I couldn’t help but follow him. This experience made me fall in love with traditional Chinese culture. It also allowed me to witness a vibrant and lively China. Then I decided to set foot on this magical land again to explore its unique cultural charm and genuine beauty,” Jack recalled.
Driven by his deep-seated yearning and love for Chinese culture, in 2020, Jack enrolled in Liaoning Communication University in Shenyang City, Liaoning Province to study the major of multimedia. In China, Jack has not only gained profound knowledge, but also managed to fulfill his dreams of making movies and becoming an actor. “One day, a friend told me that a film crew was recruiting foreign actors. I tried the audition on the off chance. But to my great surprise, I got the role,” Jack said excitedly. “I kicked off my acting career right here in Liaoning and became a ‘foreign actor’ in China.”
In China, Jack has been fortunate enough to collaborate with numerous influential film production companies and professional directors. From The Battle At Lake Changjin II, The Volunteers: To the War, The Wandering Earth II, to Operation Hadal and Detective Chinatown 1900 released during the 2025 Spring Festival, he has delivered remarkable performances in many hit films and earned the recognition of both directors and other actors. “Even though most of the time I play relatively minor roles, each performance is a precious opportunity for me to accumulate experience. I’ve learned a great deal of acting skills from Chinese directors and actors, and I’m constantly refining my acting skills,” Jack said.
In the TV series Battle of Shangganling, Jack played the role of an American captain. Despite the stark contrast between this character’s and his own personality, he successfully created an arrogant, conceited, and overbearing character image through his in-depth exploration of the character’s inner world and nuanced emotional portrayals. AJ Donnelly, a British actor, commends on Jack’s performance, “Among all the foreign actors in Battle of Shangganling, Jack’s contribution to this movie is unparalleled. He not only assisted everyone in better shaping their roles, but also presented an unforgettable captain with his remarkable acting skills.”
“It’s the opportunities in China that have truly changed the course of my life. My experience as an actor in China has been like a ray of light, illuminating my artistic journey,” Jack said, “Liaoning Communication University is the starting point of my acting dream. Here, I not only systematically studied the theoretical knowledge of film and television production, but also gained in-depth insights into the operation of the film and television industry through practical courses, which has laid a solid foundation for my future film-making endeavors in China.”
Today, Jack has gained minor fame among foreign actors in China. His goal has always been to become an accomplished actor. “China has provided me with a stage to realize my dreams. I plan to continue my acting journey or pursue a master’s degree in China. On this land full of opportunities, I will continue to improve my acting skills and bring more wonderful works to Chinese audiences.”
