Patrick Kwok-Choon has soared on both stage and screen, from his debut in the Canadian Stage production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, to his star-making role as Gen Rhys on the top-rated CBS/Paramount+ series Star Trek: Discovery.
Kwok-Choon has previously served as a lead actor and puppeteer in more than 460 performances of War Horse, the award-winning production by the National Theatre of London/Mirvish. In 2022, he voiced Yong Bao in the children’s animated television series Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go!, and is currently a prime time and entertainment announcer for CBC radio, television and web advertisements.
Of his latest role — becoming a father in 2023 — Kwok-Choon says: “Raising my child has allowed me to slow down, be in the moment and appreciate everything I’ve accomplished.”
Biggest career moment
“A supporting role in Ari Astor's new film Beau is Afraid starring Joaquin Phoenix. It was wonderful being invited to play in this film by such a visionary director and also to receive praise from Joaquin Phoenix who is one of the greatest actors of our generation.”
Influential professor
“After I did a monologue performance in front of Concordia’s entire theatre school, my professor Bryan Doubt [BA 70, BFA 07] told me, ‘You should really consider doing this as a profession.’ That changed everything. It was the start of my acting journey. Bryan saw something and I’m forever thankful.
“I’m now on the George Brown Theatre School advisory committee as well as its mentorship program. Every year I am paired up with a graduate and I try to guide and help them because the first year out of theatre school is a wild, wild ride.”
Career challenge
“As an artist of colour, you have to work twice as hard in this industry to prove yourself because the playing field is not level. But things are slowly changing.”
Favourite pastime
“I love to garden, bake and cook. I have a black belt in Krav Maga and also used to do a lot of Muay Thai training, but that hasn't been possible while raising a child. Right now I’m just enjoying life with my family.”