Who Is Jackson Foo Wong? Inside the Life of BD Wong’s Son

Jackson Foo Wong is known by many people because he is the son of famous actor BD Wong, but his own life story is much deeper than just being a celebrity child. From a difficult birth to growing up in a loving family, Jackson’s journey includes challenges, strength, and important personal moments that shaped who he is today.

Born in 2000, Jackson entered the world with a story that changed his family forever. He was born as one of twin boys, but his brother Boaz Dov Wong sadly passed away shortly after birth. Despite this painful beginning, Jackson became a source of hope and love for his parents.

In this article, we will look at Jackson Foo Wong’s early life, family background, childhood, relationship with BD Wong, education, and personal journey. We will also explore how his family experiences and identity helped shape the person he is today.

Who Is Jackson Foo Wong? A Quick Look at His Life

Jackson Foo Wong was born on May 28, 2000, in New York City, United States. He is the son of BD Wong, a well-known Broadway and television actor, and Richie Jackson, a talent agent and producer. Although his father is famous worldwide, Jackson has chosen a much quieter life away from public attention.

Unlike many children of celebrities, Jackson has not tried to build a career in acting or entertainment. Instead, he has focused on his own education and personal growth. He is known mostly because of his family connection, but his life story has also touched many people because of the challenges he faced from the beginning.

Jackson grew up in New York, especially around the Greenwich Village area. Being raised in a creative city and in a family connected to theater gave him a unique childhood. However, his early years were also shaped by a very emotional family experience that started before he was even born.

His story is not only about being BD Wong’s son. It is also about family love, survival, acceptance, and finding his own path while growing up with a famous parent.

Jackson Foo Wong’s Birth and Early Childhood Story

Jackson Foo Wong’s birth was a special moment for BD Wong and Richie Jackson because it was their first experience as parents. In 2000, the couple decided to have children through surrogacy. The process involved BD’s sperm and an egg donated by Richie Jackson’s sister, Sue.

The surrogate became pregnant with twins, and BD and Richie were excited to welcome their children. The babies were named Boaz Dov Wong and Jackson Foo Wong. The name Boaz was chosen partly because it carried the initials “BD,” connecting him with BD Wong’s own family name.

However, the pregnancy became complicated because the twins developed twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). This condition happens when twins share a placenta and do not receive equal blood flow. One twin may receive too much, while the other receives too little.

Because of this condition, Boaz and Jackson faced serious health risks before birth. Boaz was the donor twin, meaning he provided blood flow to Jackson through the shared placenta. The condition made the twins’ arrival much harder than their parents expected.

The Story of Jackson’s Twin Brother Boaz Dov Wong

Boaz Dov Wong was born first on May 28, 2000. Around 15 minutes later, Jackson was born. Sadly, Boaz did not survive for long after birth. Reports explain that he passed away within about 90 minutes to two hours.

The loss of Boaz was heartbreaking for BD Wong and Richie Jackson. They had dreamed of raising their twin sons together, but instead, they had to face grief while also fighting to save Jackson’s life.

Jackson was born very small and fragile. He weighed only about 2 pounds and needed immediate medical care. While the family was mourning Boaz, they also had to focus on helping Jackson survive.

Years later, BD Wong shared that he still thought about Boaz. He described these moments as “Boaz moments,” when he wondered about the life his son could have had. However, he also viewed Boaz’s role in Jackson’s story with love and gratitude.

BD explained that Jackson was alive because of what happened during the pregnancy, and he always felt thankful for the connection between the two brothers. For him, Boaz remained an important part of their family story.

How Jackson Foo Wong Survived His Difficult Start

After birth, Jackson was taken to the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where he stayed for about three months. His early days required constant medical care because he was born too soon and had serious health concerns.

During this difficult time, BD Wong stayed close to his son. He lived in a motel near the hospital before later staying with his own parents in San Francisco. His main focus was supporting Jackson and making sure he had the care he needed.

BD often shared updates about Jackson with friends through emails. These messages included both emotional moments and small funny memories. One example was BD writing about waiting excitedly for Jackson’s first poop, showing how even tiny milestones became special during that time.

BD also gave Jackson a sweet childhood nickname: “The Chestnut Man.” He felt Jackson looked like the wise old men who sold chestnuts on New York streets. The nickname became a loving memory from Jackson’s early days.

Although Jackson started life with many challenges, he continued to grow stronger. His survival became one of the most meaningful parts of BD Wong’s journey as a father.

Growing Up With BD Wong and Richie Jackson

Jackson grew up in a home with two fathers, BD Wong and Richie Jackson. At the time, families with two fathers were less common, but Jackson’s parents worked hard to create a safe and loving environment for him.

BD and Richie were together from 1988 until 2004. During their relationship, they built a family life in New York City. BD later shared that living in New York helped their family feel accepted because many people around them were open-minded and supportive.

When Jackson started preschool, BD noticed that people generally treated their family normally. Their family structure was not seen as unusual in their community, allowing Jackson to grow up feeling loved and supported.

Jackson’s childhood was also filled with creativity because of his father’s theater background. He was surrounded by artists, performers, and people who worked in the creative world.

Even after BD and Richie separated, both fathers remained important parts of Jackson’s life. They continued working together as parents and made sure Jackson always felt connected to both sides of his family.

Jackson Foo Wong’s Family After His Parents’ Separation

After about 18 years together, BD Wong and Richie Jackson ended their relationship. BD later explained that losing Boaz had a lasting effect on their family and relationship. The experience created a pain that stayed with both of them.

Even after their separation, BD and Richie remained connected because of Jackson. They created a co-parenting routine that allowed Jackson to spend time with both fathers.

Jackson lived during the week with Richie and later Richie’s partner, Jordan Roth, while spending weekends with BD. Although the family situation changed, both fathers continued to provide love and support.

BD has spoken about feeling sadness after the breakup because he worried Jackson was experiencing life in a separated family. However, he also recognized that Jackson was surrounded by many people who cared for him.

Over time, their family developed a strong bond. Jackson became part of a larger family when Richie Jackson and Jordan Roth welcomed their son, Levi Roth, in 2016. Jackson became a big brother and continued building relationships within his blended family.

Jackson’s Childhood Around Theater and Creativity

Growing up as BD Wong’s son meant that creativity was always around Jackson Foo Wong. His father built a successful career in Broadway and television, so art, music, and theater were a natural part of their home life.

BD often invited his theater friends to spend time with Jackson. These friends included actors, directors, and musicians who became more than just visitors. They became important people in Jackson’s childhood and helped create a warm and creative family space.

Jackson enjoyed many fun moments with his father’s friends. BD shared that they did not simply spend time around Jackson; they became a real part of his life. They accepted him fully and treated him as a member of their creative family.

One special memory from Jackson’s childhood was his R160 subway car-shaped bed. Jackson would pretend to give his father’s friends subway rides from his room. These small moments showed his playful side and the fun environment where he grew up.

The family also enjoyed music nights at home. There were moments filled with piano playing, singing, and small performances. These experiences gave Jackson a childhood surrounded by imagination, friendship, and love for the arts.

Jackson Foo Wong’s Coming Out Story and Supportive Family

Jackson Foo Wong came out as gay when he was 15 years old. Unlike the struggles many older LGBTQ+ people faced, Jackson grew up during a time when conversations about sexuality were becoming more open and accepted.

When Jackson shared his identity with his fathers, he received love and support. His family made sure he knew that he was accepted for who he was. This support became an important part of his personal journey.

Richie Jackson had a very different experience growing up as a gay man. When Jackson said that being gay was “not a big deal” for his generation, Richie realized how much society had changed.

Jackson’s coming out story inspired Richie to write the book “Gay Like Me: A Father Writes to His Gay Son.” The book shares Richie’s experiences, struggles, and lessons as a gay parent trying to guide his son.

Through the book, Richie wanted younger LGBTQ+ people to understand their history and feel less alone. Jackson’s story became an example of how acceptance and open family support can make a major difference.

Jackson Foo Wong’s Education and Life at NYU

Education has always been an important part of Jackson Foo Wong’s life. Like his father Richie Jackson, Jackson attended New York University (NYU), one of the most well-known universities in the United States.

Jackson studied at NYU and graduated in May 2023. While his family has strong connections to the creative world, he chose to focus on his own goals rather than follow directly into acting or entertainment.

His time at university allowed him to build his own identity away from his father’s fame. College gave him the chance to meet new people, explore his interests, and create a path that belonged to him.

Although Jackson grew up around Broadway stars and artists, he has always preferred a quieter lifestyle. He does not seek attention and rarely shares details about his personal life.

His education shows that Jackson has worked to create his own story. He is not only known as BD Wong’s son; he is also a person with his own experiences, choices, and future plans.

Jackson Foo Wong’s Life Away From the Spotlight

Many celebrity children grow up sharing their lives publicly, but Jackson Foo Wong has taken a different approach. He prefers privacy and keeps most details about his daily life away from the public eye.

Jackson’s social media presence is very limited. His Instagram account has been private, and he rarely posts personal updates for the public. Instead, he occasionally appears in family photos shared by BD Wong or Richie Jackson.

His choice to stay private does not mean he is disconnected from his family. Jackson continues to have a close relationship with his parents and remains an important part of their lives.

Being the son of a famous actor could have pushed Jackson into the entertainment industry, but he has chosen to live differently. He appears comfortable building a life outside the constant attention that comes with fame.

This quiet lifestyle allows Jackson to focus on his own interests while still enjoying the strong family connections that have supported him since childhood.

Jackson Foo Wong’s Relationship With BD Wong Today

The relationship between Jackson Foo Wong and BD Wong remains one of the strongest parts of Jackson’s life story. From Jackson’s difficult birth to his teenage years and adulthood, BD has always been present as a supportive father.

BD Wong has often spoken about how becoming a parent changed his life. His experiences with Jackson and the loss of Boaz helped shape his views on family, love, and acceptance.

Even though Jackson grew up with parents who later separated, he continued receiving love from both sides of his family. BD and Richie worked together to make sure Jackson felt supported.

Jackson occasionally appears in BD Wong’s social media posts, showing the close bond they share. Their relationship is built on years of trust, care, and understanding.

Today, Jackson continues living his own life while maintaining a strong connection with his father. Their story shows that family bonds can remain strong even when life changes.

Bottom Line

Jackson Foo Wong’s life is much more than being the son of a famous actor. His journey began with challenges, including the loss of his twin brother Boaz and serious health struggles after birth.

Despite those early difficulties, Jackson grew up surrounded by love from BD Wong, Richie Jackson, and his extended family. His childhood was filled with creativity, support, and meaningful relationships.

Jackson’s story also shows the importance of acceptance. His coming out journey and the support he received from his family became an example of how understanding parents can help children feel confident and valued.

Unlike many people connected to Hollywood, Jackson has chosen a private path. He has focused on education, personal growth, and building a life away from fame.

The real story of Jackson Foo Wong is about strength, family, identity, and finding your own way. While many people know him because of BD Wong, Jackson’s journey is meaningful because of the person he has become.

(FAQs)

Who is Jackson Foo Wong?

Jackson Foo Wong is the son of actor BD Wong and talent agent Richie Jackson. He was born in New York City in 2000 and is known for his unique family story and private lifestyle.

What happened to Jackson Foo Wong’s twin brother?

Jackson’s twin brother, Boaz Dov Wong, passed away shortly after birth due to complications from twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Jackson survived after receiving medical care for several months.

Who are Jackson Foo Wong’s parents?

Jackson’s parents are BD Wong, a Broadway and television actor, and Richie Jackson, a talent agent and producer. They raised Jackson together before later separating.

Did Jackson Foo Wong follow his father into acting?

No. Although Jackson grew up around theater and entertainment, he has chosen a private path instead of becoming an actor like his father.

When did Jackson Foo Wong come out as gay?

Jackson came out as gay when he was 15 years old. His family supported him, and his story later inspired Richie Jackson’s book “Gay Like Me.”