Peter Chao
Davin Tong, better known by his alias Peter Chao (born 1987), is a Canadian actor,[1] comedic vlogger, and YouTube personality known for his unconventional portrayals of Asian stereotypes, which alongside other politically incorrect videos have drawn mixed criticism from several sources. Born and raised in New Brunswick, Canada, Tong is the second son of "Chinese immigrants", while his character Chao was born and raised in Hong Kong. Tong is bilingual, speaking both fluent English and Cantonese.
Peter Chao | |
|---|---|
Tong in 2015 | |
| Born | Davin Tong May 8, 1987 Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada |
| Alma mater | Vancouver Film School |
| Occupation | YouTube personality |
| Years active | 2009-present |
| Spouse | Chelsea McGeachy (2013-present) |
| Website | www |
Early life and education
Davin Tong[2] was born and raised in New Brunswick, Canada, the second son of "Chinese immigrants".[3] He produced an early version of Paper Trail, a minute-long short film pertaining to a neighbor caught stealing newspapers, with director Travis Grant. The film caught the Vancouver Film School's attention and it subsequently issued scholarships to them.[4] Tong graduated in 2008.[5]
Background
Personal life
Tong realised his flair for vlogging when one of his first YouTube uploads, about a Chinese restaurant run by Indians, garnered around 15,000 views.[6] Under the username pyrobooby,[7][8] Tong adopted the guise of "Chinese Guy",[9] and later Peter Chao. Tong described the character as born and raised in Hong Kong,[10] and "a zany Chinese immigrant forced into Canada by his prostitute mother. Instead of listening to his mother to go to school, he decided to pursue comedy on YouTube."[2]
Tong's character Chao has drawn mixed reception, often being mistaken as a real person. As a result for posting racist content, the account had been previously suspended[9] for a period of fourteen days after showing a video deemed to mock African-Americans.[10] Gabriella Nomura of The Vancouver Sun has branded Chao as "a breath of politically incorrect fresh air",[2] while Kevin Tang of Amped Asia has called him "racist, sexist, vulgar, and self-deprecating" but also "one of the most funny Youtube celebrities".[7] However, viewership has been positive. The "Canton Style" music video – a parody of Korean singer-rapper Psy's "Gangnam Style"[11] – amassed 1.1 million views within three days of its uploading.[12] His videos are, as of 2011, the number one and two most watched in Canada.[13] Tong has said, in response to audience comments that his performances are "racist", that everything is "done for comedy. I'm not really racist against anybody. I take stereotypes and I make them outlandish so everybody can laugh."[6]
Creative Content
Chao is seen in almost every video as sporting a pair of sunglasses a habit which kindled viewer interest.[14] Tong attributes the sunglasses as contributing to Chao's "cool factor". In the videos, Chao puts on a "thick, over-the-top Cantonese"[15] and "fresh-off-the-boat" accent.[16] Chao also parodies popular songs, such as the Justin Bieber hits "As Long as You Love Me" and "Boyfriend", as well as criticizing and poking fun at other people, usually with profane language. Fans of Chao are referred to as "Chao Nation".[9] Beth Hong of The Vancouver Observer writes that Chao is an example of a "FOB" or a "Honger". Tong – speaking in character – refutes this, stating that "a FOB is a fresh-off-the-boat immigrant that come [sic] all the way from China to study in North America. Don't look at me, I'm not a FOB. I'm Peter Chao. FOBs can't speak a lick of English."[15]
Professional Wrestling
Chao has appeared frequently in Elite Canadian Championship Wrestling beginning July 6, 2013 in Port Coquitlam, B.C. where Colt Cabana taught him a few things about wrestling. He was a part of ECCW Ballroom Brawl at the Commodore Ballroom in January 2014, the largest attendance for independent wrestling in Vancouver in the last 25 years.
Discography
Music videos
| Year | Title | Record label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | "Harry" | Pyrobooby Records | Lyrics by Peter Chao, parody of Justin Bieber's "Baby". |
| 2011 | "Asian and I Know It" | Peter Chao | Directed by IFHT and produced by JGrammBeats, parody of LMFAO's "Sexy and I Know It". |
| "Mudabitch" | Peter Chao | Directed by IFHT & Van Dinh, produced by Gentleman Vibe, parody of Justin Bieber's "Boyfriend". | |
| "Mudafucka" | Pyrobooby Records | Written and produced by Peter Chao. | |
| "Fuck Christmas" | Gentleman's Vibe | Directed by IFHT, vocals by Gentlemen's Vibe. | |
| 2012 | "As Rong As You Ruv Me" | Peter Chao | Directed by Van Dinh and produced by Gentleman's Vibe, parody of Justin Bieber's "As Long as You Love Me". |
| "Canton Style" | Peter Chao | Directed by Matt Dennison and produced by Justin Villarosa, parody of Psy's "Gangnam Style". | |
| 2013 | "Poop and Fart" | Peter Chao | Written and produced by Peter Chao, parody of will.i.am's "Scream & Shout". |
| "Canton Style" | Peter Chao | Directed by Matt Dennison and produced by Justin Villarosa, parody of Psy's "Gangnam Style". | |
| "Douche" | Peter Chao | Written and produced by Peter Chao, parody of Taylor Swift's "22 (Taylor Swift song)". | |
| "White Man Food" | Peter Chao | Written and produced by Peter Chao. |
Filmography
Commercials
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Campbell's Soup[17] | SOC | North America, 2012 |
| 2013 | Pizza Hut[17] | Principal | North America, 2013 |
| Vote 2013 PSA[17] | Principal | BC Regional, 2013 |
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | The Plastic Protocol (short film)[17] | Yu Wong | Directed by Peter Brown. |
| Paper Trail[17] | Hitman | Directed by Travis Grant and Tong. | |
| Therapy (short film) [17] | Man | Directed by Lisa Newell. | |
| 2012 | Grave Encounters 2[17] | Himself | Directed by John Poliquin. |
| 2013 | The Hangover Part III[17] | Himself - Chao's son (uncredited) | Directed by Todd Phillips. |
| Jackhammer[17] | Hammer's dream nemesis | Directed by Michael Hanus. | |
| 2014 | A Fairly Odd Summer[17] | Researcher | Directed by Savage Steve Holland. |
Theatre and Stage
| Year | Title | Role | Theatre/Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Parlor Live! Club[18] | Headliner | Parlor Live! Club, Bellevue, Washington |
| Peter Chao and Friends[17] | Headliner | Punch Line Comedy Club, Bellingham, Washington | |
| Peter Chao and Friends[19] | Headliner | Punch Line Comedy Club, San Francisco | |
| 2013 | I'm Not Racist[20] | Headliner | Revue Stage, Vancouver |
| 2014 | Peter Chao's Asian Domination Tour[21] | Headliner | National University of Singapore, Singapore |
References
- ^ "Meet Davin Tong | Actor, Comedian and TikTok-er". SHOUTOUT LA. 2021-08-02. Retrieved 2022-04-01.
- ^ a b c Nomura, Gabrielle (December 21, 2010). "Davin Tong – the funny man behind Chao Nation". The Bellevue Scene. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
- ^ Usinger, Mike (August 4, 2010). "Vancouver's YouTube sensation Peter Chao the offender of the realm". straight. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
- ^ "Director's Statement". Gradual Upgrade Productions. Archived from the original on February 16, 2013. Retrieved January 24, 2012.
- ^ "Peter Chao". Principals Talent. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
- ^ a b Keu, Julianne (July 24, 2012). "The real Peter Chao? 1-on-1 with the YouTube comedian". Digital Journal. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
- ^ a b Tang, Kevin (January 6, 2012). "Interview with Peter Chao". Amped Asia. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
- ^ "PSY Gangnam Style Parody By Peter Chao – Canton Style (Video)". Funny and Spicy. October 31, 2012. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
- ^ a b c Van, Adam (August 21, 2012). "PETER CHAO - YOUTUBE COMEDIAN". NMR. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
- ^ a b Laugh Out Loud with Craig Norris. "List of Laughs 2010". CBC Radio. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
- ^ Hsieh, Kevin (October 28, 2012). "Canton Style by Peter Chao (Gangnam Style Parody)". Channel APA. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
- ^ Torrevillas, Phylicia (October 30, 2012). "Gangnam Style gets the Peter Chao touch". Metro News. Retrieved January 21, 2013.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Best of 2010: YouTube Stars". Audrey Magazine. December 26, 2010. Retrieved January 24, 2013.
- ^ "10 Questions With Peter Chao". Vancouver Buzz. September 21, 2009. Retrieved January 23, 2013.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b Hong, Beth (March 23, 2011). "Ethnicity, immigration, and becoming Canadian in Vancouver's high schools". Vancouver Observer. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
- ^ Lang, Wendee (January 27, 2012). "Chinese New Year: YouTube celebs Peter Chao and Bubbi share their favorite memories". Vancouver Observer. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Agent". Principals Talent. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
- ^ "Comedian Peter Chao: YouTube Star at Parlor Live Comedy Club". goldstar.com. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
- ^ "Peter Chao and Friends at Punch Line Comedy Club". sfstandup.com. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
- ^ Carrasco, Ed (June 12, 2013). "Peter Chao's "I'm Not Racist Comedy Show" to Raise Funds for Animal Protection". New Media Rockstars.
- ^ "Peter Chao's Asian Domination Tour!". i-s Singapore. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
External links
- Official YouTube channel
- Second Official YouTube channel
- Peter Chao on Twitter
- Peter Chao at IMDb
- Principals Talent Profile
- Peter Chao at Rotten Tomatoes