Barney Cheng (born February 1, 1971) is a Chinese actor.
He was born in Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China, and speaks Mandarin fluently. His family emigrated to the United States when he was 12-years-old and he grew up in Brea, California. After graduating from Brea Olinda High School, Cheng attended Stanford University and received a degree in political science in 1993. His focus was initially on a career in law and he studied political philosophy at Oxford University in England. While at Oxford, he was attracted to the famed West End stage and spent nights and weekends in London, where he decided to pursue an acting career.
In 1994, Cheng moved to New York City, where he studied at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute. He was featured in two Off-Broadway plays by playwright Prince Gomolvilas, Donut Holes in Orbit and Big Hunk o’ Burnin’ Love, and was a big hit with the audience. He appeared in a variety of stage and television roles, including Shakespeare’s Puck, Bill Clinton’s political adviser on Saturday Night Live and George W. Bush’s voice on Late Night with David Letterman.
After four movie appearances, Cheng played a translator for a washed-up movie director, played by Woody Allen, and his Chinese cinematographer in Allen's Hollywood Ending (2002). Although the movie received a mixed reception from critics, Cheng was lauded as being hilarious.
Cheng lives in West Hollywood, California.
Grew up in Los Angeles, attended Stanford University and read political philosophy at Oxford University.
