Jackson Foo Wong is not just the son of the famous actor BD Wong, but a symbol of resilience, love, and the power of self-identity. His life story, while deeply personal, is one that has inspired many due to the immense challenges he has overcome, from the heartbreaking loss of his twin brother to his courageous journey of self-discovery and coming out.
Born in New York City on May 28, 2000, Jackson Foo Wong’s life began with both sorrow and hope. Surviving a rare medical condition as a premature twin, he defied the odds to become the proud, open-hearted individual he is today. This article will explore Jackson’s early life, the struggles he faced, the love that surrounded him, and the impact he continues to have on his family and the LGBTQ+ community.
🌈 Jackson Foo Wong – Quick Bio Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jackson Foo Wong |
| Date of Birth | May 28, 2000 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 25 years old |
| Birthplace | New York City, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Nationality | American |
| Gender | Male |
| Sexual Orientation | Openly Gay |
| Parents | BD Wong (Actor) and Richie Jackson (Producer) |
| Twin Brother | Boaz Dov Wong (Deceased) |
| Half-Brother | Levi Roth |
| Education | Graduated from New York University (2023) |
| Known For | Being the son of actor BD Wong |
| Current Residence | West Village, New York City |
| Relationship Status | Private |
| Social Media | Private Instagram account |
| Nickname | “The Chestnut Man” |
Jackson Foo Wong’s Early Life and Birth Story: A Miracle from Tragedy
Jackson Foo Wong’s early life began with unimaginable heartache. He was born as a premature twin along with his brother Boaz Dov Wong on May 28, 2000, to parents BD Wong and Richie Jackson. The couple had always dreamed of becoming fathers, choosing surrogacy as their path to parenthood. They used BD’s sperm and an egg from Richie’s sister to conceive their twins.
However, their joy was short-lived. Just after Memorial Day weekend, their surrogate went into early labor, and both twins were born three months premature. At birth, Jackson and Boaz each weighed under three pounds. Medical staff quickly identified a rare and dangerous condition known as Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), where blood flow is uneven between twins who share a placenta.
The Heartbreaking Loss of Boaz Dov Wong
Sadly, Jackson’s twin brother, Boaz, passed away only 90 minutes after birth due to the severe complications caused by TTTS. Boaz was the “donor twin,” sacrificing blood to Jackson, the “recipient twin.” It was a heart-wrenching loss for the family, but also a profound testament to the love between the brothers. BD Wong later shared his gratitude, saying, “Jackson is here because of what Boaz did for him. I will always be grateful for that gift.”
Jackson Foo Wong’s Fight to Survive
After birth, Jackson weighed a mere 2 pounds, 13 ounces and was immediately placed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). He spent the next three months fighting for his life. BD Wong, deeply devoted to his son, refused to leave Jackson’s side. He lived in a small motel near the hospital before ultimately relocating with his parents in San Francisco to be closer to the NICU.
Each day was filled with hope, worry, and small victories. BD’s humorous and emotional updates to friends during this time reflected his unwavering optimism, including the excitement he felt when Jackson passed a significant milestone — his first bowel movement.
Surviving this early battle felt like a miracle, and Jackson’s life continues to be a testament to the strength of both his and his father’s resilience.
Growing Up in a Unique Family: Love, Art, and Acceptance
Despite the tragedy Jackson faced early in life, his upbringing was full of love and creativity. Growing up with two fathers in New York City was a unique experience. However, BD Wong often shared that their family life felt normal. “No one cared,” he said, highlighting the city’s open-mindedness and support for LGBTQ+ families.
BD and Richie’s Relationship: Raising Jackson After the Breakup
In 2004, after 18 years together, BD Wong and Richie Jackson parted ways. However, they remained close friends for Jackson’s sake. During the week, Jackson stayed with Richie in uptown Manhattan, while on weekends, he lived with BD downtown. Despite this unconventional setup, Jackson was raised in an environment filled with love and stability.
BD Wong admitted to occasionally feeling sadness that his son came from a “broken home,” but he also knew Jackson was surrounded by people who genuinely cared for him. Both BD and Richie were deeply committed to ensuring that Jackson had a nurturing environment to grow up in, with ample support from their extended families.
The Chestnut Man: A Special Nickname Full of Love
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Jackson Foo Wong’s childhood was the affectionate nickname his father, BD Wong, gave him — “The Chestnut Man.” This nickname came from BD’s memory of the old men who sold roasted chestnuts on New York streets. He felt that Jackson’s tiny face resembled those weathered men who had seen the world, embodying wisdom beyond his years.
The nickname, filled with humor and love, became a symbol of both the challenges Jackson had overcome and the joy he brought into their lives. BD Wong later referenced “The Chestnut Man” in his memoir, Following Foo: The Electric Adventures of the Chestnut Man, where he recounted Jackson’s early struggles, their bond, and the lessons of love, patience, and gratitude that fatherhood had taught him.
Childhood of Creativity: Music, Art, and Imagination
Jackson Foo Wong’s childhood was rich in artistic expression. BD Wong’s social circle consisted of actors, musicians, and artists, and their home was frequently filled with music, performances, and creativity. Jackson loved joining in these creative activities, often pretending to drive his friends around in a bed shaped like a subway car, offering them snacks, and engaging in the lively arts-filled atmosphere of his home.
For Jackson, these early experiences helped shape his love for creativity and his sense of wonder. BD would cook dinner while friends played music or put on spontaneous performances. These moments were filled with laughter and joy, providing Jackson with a childhood steeped in imagination and love.
Coming Out: Jackson Foo Wong’s Journey to Self-Discovery
At the age of 15, Jackson Foo Wong came out as gay to his family. For both BD Wong and Richie Jackson, it was a significant and emotional moment, reflecting the loving, open environment in which Jackson had been raised. The journey was not only important for Jackson but also for his parents, who had always advocated for LGBTQ+ rights but found this moment to be deeply personal.
Jackson has openly expressed that, for his generation, being gay is not seen as a big deal, signifying the progress society has made. His coming out marked a powerful moment in their lives, showing how the world has evolved to offer more acceptance and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
The Book Inspired by Jackson Foo Wong’s Journey: “Gay Like Me”
Jackson’s coming out inspired his father Richie Jackson to write a powerful book titled Gay Like Me: A Father Writes to His Son. This book aimed to provide Jackson — and other LGBTQ+ youth — with a guide to understanding the history and significance of being gay in today’s world. Filled with personal stories, history, and lessons, the book served as both a reflection of Richie’s journey as a father and an invaluable resource for young people.
The book was born from a deeply emotional realization that the new generation of LGBTQ+ individuals sees the world with hope and optimism. It became a tool for parents to better understand their LGBTQ+ children, while also serving as a guide for those navigating the complexities of their own identities.
Jackson Foo Wong’s Education: A Path of Personal Growth
Jackson Foo Wong attended New York University (NYU), following in his father Richie’s footsteps. Graduating in 2023, Jackson’s educational journey was one of self-discovery and growth. He stayed away from the public spotlight, focusing instead on academics and forging his own path.
Despite being the son of a famous actor, Jackson chose to live a quieter, more private life. His time at NYU allowed him to explore his passions, build relationships, and define his own identity outside of his father’s fame. His story shows that success and fulfillment don’t always come from fame but from personal growth and staying true to oneself.
A New Chapter: Jackson Foo Wong’s Family Today
As of 2025, Jackson Foo Wong continues to live in New York City’s West Village, where he enjoys a quiet, private life. His Instagram account is private, and he rarely appears in public. However, his presence is still felt, especially in the photos shared by his fathers during family events or special moments.
Jackson has grown up surrounded by a large, loving family. BD Wong’s marriage to Richert Schnorr in 2018 and Richie Jackson’s marriage to Broadway producer Jordan Roth in 2012 have only expanded Jackson’s circle of love. He became a big brother to Levi Roth in 2016, and his bond with both his fathers and his extended family is incredibly strong.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Jackson Foo Wong
The story of Jackson Foo Wong is one of resilience, hope, and unconditional love. From a premature birth that defied the odds to a life filled with creativity, love, and acceptance, Jackson’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. His story is a reminder that strength comes in many forms and that true courage lies in living authentically and embracing who you are.
Jackson Foo Wong’s life may be private, but the love and lessons he shares with his family will continue to inspire generations. His story of overcoming adversity, embracing his identity, and living a life full of love is a legacy that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human.
FAQs
1. Who is Jackson Foo Wong?
Jackson Foo Wong is the son of actor BD Wong and Richie Jackson. He is best known for being the son of BD Wong, famous for his roles in Jurassic Park, Law & Order: SVU, and Mr. Robot. Jackson was born on May 28, 2000, in New York City and is known for his inspiring story of survival after being born prematurely and losing his twin brother, Boaz Dov Wong, shortly after birth.
2. What happened to Jackson Foo Wong’s twin brother?
Jackson Foo Wong was born as a twin, but tragically, his brother Boaz Dov Wong passed away only 90 minutes after birth. The twins suffered from a rare condition called Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), where blood flow is uneven between twins who share a placenta. Boaz was the donor twin, and his sacrifice of blood helped keep Jackson alive. BD Wong, Jackson’s father, has expressed deep gratitude for the gift that Boaz gave his son.
3. What is the meaning behind the nickname “Chestnut Man” for Jackson Foo Wong?
Jackson Foo Wong was affectionately given the nickname “The Chestnut Man” by his father, BD Wong, when he was a baby. BD was reminded of the old men selling roasted chestnuts on New York City streets, and he thought Jackson’s tiny face resembled the wise, wrinkled expressions of those men. The nickname became a symbol of both Jackson’s survival and the hope that his family felt during his early struggles.
4. When did Jackson Foo Wong come out as gay?
Jackson Foo Wong came out as gay to his family when he was 15 years old. For both BD Wong and Richie Jackson, it was a deeply emotional moment, though they had always supported LGBTQ+ rights. Jackson described how, for his generation, being gay was not a big deal, showcasing the progress society has made in terms of acceptance and openness.
5. Did Jackson Foo Wong’s coming out inspire any significant projects?
Yes, Jackson Foo Wong’s coming out inspired his father, Richie Jackson, to write a book titled Gay Like Me: A Father Writes to His Son. The book provides a heartfelt guide for young LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, exploring the history, struggles, and joys of being gay. It was a way for Richie to give Jackson and other LGBTQ+ youth the tools to understand their identity and feel safe and proud of who they are.
6. Where did Jackson Foo Wong go to college?
Jackson Foo Wong attended New York University (NYU), where he graduated in 2023. Despite growing up with famous parents, Jackson preferred to stay out of the public eye and focused on his education. His time at NYU allowed him to explore his passions and define his identity independently of his parents’ fame.
7. Where does Jackson Foo Wong live now?
As of 2025, Jackson Foo Wong lives in the West Village of New York City. He prefers a private, quiet life away from the public spotlight, with a private Instagram account and a small circle of followers. While he stays out of the limelight, Jackson continues to be a source of inspiration to those who know his story and the challenges he’s overcome.
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