If you’ve watched Silicon Valley, you know Jian-Yang as the guy who makes life a living hell for Erlich Bachman. But the real-life comedy behind the actor is much more wholesome—and honestly, kind of weird. Jimmy O. Yang dad, Richard Ouyang, isn’t just a regular immigrant parent who wanted his son to be an economist. He’s actually a Hollywood actor himself now.
It started as a classic "disappointing your parents" story. Jimmy was born in Hong Kong and moved to Los Angeles when he was thirteen. His parents, Richard and his mother, were from Shanghai and moved the family to the States for one reason: education. They wanted the American Dream. They wanted a stable, boring, high-paying career for their son. Instead, they got a stand-up comedian who spent his early twenties as a strip club DJ.
The Man Behind the Legend: Who is Richard Ouyang?
Richard Ouyang didn't start out wanting the spotlight. In fact, he was pretty vocal about Jimmy's career choices early on. Jimmy even titled his memoir How to American: An Immigrant's Guide to Disappointing Your Parents. That tells you basically everything you need to know about their early dynamic.
Richard was a businessman. He was practical. When Jimmy turned down a stable job in finance to do open mics, Richard thought it was a disaster. But then, something shifted.
Jimmy got cast in the film Patriots Day (2016). The production needed someone to play the father of Jimmy’s character, Dun "Danny" Meng. Jimmy suggested his own dad. Most people would be terrified to act in a Mark Wahlberg movie with zero experience. Not Richard. He auditioned, got the part, and suddenly, the "disappointed" father was his son's coworker.
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When the Critic Becomes the Actor
It’s hilarious how quickly the tables turned. Once Richard got a taste of the industry, he didn't just stop at one movie. He signed with the same talent agency as Jimmy. Think about that for a second. You spend years telling your kid that acting isn't a "real" job, and then you're calling your agent to check on your own headshots.
Richard has since appeared in:
- Space Force: He played a scientist (and shared scenes with his son again).
- Love Arcadia: A 2015 indie film.
- The Joker: No, not the Joaquin Phoenix one, but he’s been working steadily in commercials and smaller projects.
He’s become a bit of a scene-stealer. Jimmy often jokes in his stand-up about how his dad is now "more Hollywood" than he is. Richard will go to Jimmy's shows and, instead of just being a proud parent, he’ll stand in the lobby and tell people, "I'm Jimmy's father," basically waiting for fans to ask for a photo.
The Immigrant Perspective on Success
We have to talk about the cultural layer here. In many immigrant households, the "arts" are seen as a hobby for rich people, not a career for survival. Jimmy’s dad wasn't being mean; he was being protective. He moved his entire life from Hong Kong to California so his kids wouldn't have to struggle.
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When Jimmy started making real money—HBO money—Richard’s tune changed. It wasn't just about the fame. It was about the "Good Deal." Jimmy’s first stand-up special is literally called Good Deal because that is the ultimate praise from a Chinese parent. If you can make a living doing something "easy" like talking, and you're getting paid well for it, that's a good deal.
Language and Connection
One of the coolest things about their relationship is how they communicate. Jimmy speaks Shanghainese, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Richard’s English is good, but they still have that classic generational gap. Jimmy has mentioned that his dad doesn't always "get" the jokes in the stand-up sets, but he loves the attention they bring.
It’s a bizarre form of bonding. They went from Richard criticizing Jimmy's "homeless" haircut to the two of them walking red carpets together. It’s a complete 180.
Why We Love the Richard Ouyang Cameos
There is something deeply relatable about seeing a parent join their child’s world. In Space Force, Richard plays Dr. Chan’s father. The chemistry is effortless because, well, it’s not acting. When you see them on screen together, you’re seeing the result of years of tension, growth, and eventually, mutual respect.
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Richard is now in his late 70s and still taking roles. He’s listed on IMDb with over a dozen credits. He even does commercials. He basically skipped the "starving artist" phase because his son opened the door, and honestly? He’s earned it.
What You Can Learn From Their Relationship
If you're struggling with parents who don't "get" your career, the Jimmy and Richard story is the blueprint. You don't necessarily have to get them a job in your industry, but showing them the results—the stability and the impact—usually wins them over.
Richard Ouyang went from a skeptic to a SAG-AFTRA member. That’s the most American story possible.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to see their chemistry in action, go back and watch the "behind the scenes" features of Patriots Day. Seeing Richard navigate a high-budget film set for the first time is pure gold. You should also check out Jimmy's YouTube channel, where his dad occasionally pops up in cooking videos or vlogs. It's the best way to see the "real" Richard without the script.