Ben Lin was born in Shanghai in 1933. His father was a banker and mother a teacher. They immigrated to the US in 1950. A Penn graduate, he researched with microchemistry at DuPont, where he also had a stint as a marketing executive. Dubbed “The Wonton Wizard” by the Washington Post, he commercialized America’s first packaged won ton soup and sweet and sour pork, was owner-chef of the award-winning Jade Palace in Philadelphia and taught cooking at the China Institute in New York. Holding a master’s degree in journalism from Temple, he contributed occasionally to Philadelphia magazine, wrote for South Jersey’s largest daily, the Courier-Post, and published elsewhere, including in USA Today.
He has been an actor since 1980, having amassed some 80 commercials and dozens of stage, movie and TV credits and acted opposite such luminaries as Robert De Niro and Kathleen Turner. Critically acclaimed for his performances in the plays The Imposter and The Wash, he voiced the Oscar documentary nominee Birdnesters of Thailand. And played the title role of China’s Andy Rooney on Onion News’ video. He is married to Serena, a former graphic arts designer.
My Nine Lives: An Exuberant Adventure
Ben Lin, a senior analytical chemist, entrepreneur, restaurateur, actor, and author, shares the remarkable story of his life. With clear and engaging prose, Lin recounts his entrepreneurial journey, including the commercialization of America’s first packaged won ton soup. He also delves into his d...
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