Dante Basco: Did You Know He's Filipino?
Bangarang! If you grew up in the '90s or 2000s, Dante Basco was part of your childhood — even if you didn't know he was Filipino.
Who he is
Dante Basco was born in Pittsburg, California, to Filipino parents and grew up in the Bay Area and Southern California. He started out breakdancing before acting, and has more than 100 film, TV and voice credits.
Rufio — Hook (1991)
As a teenager, Basco played Rufio, the leader of the Lost Boys, in Steven Spielberg's Hook. "Bangarang" became a catchphrase for a generation. Director Jon M. Chu has said that seeing an Asian American kid as the leader on screen meant a lot to him.
Ben Mercado — The Debut (2000)
Basco starred in The Debut, a story about a Filipino American family and a teenager torn between cultures. It is widely recognized as one of the first Filipino American feature films to get a national theatrical release.
Prince Zuko — Avatar: The Last Airbender
His voice brought Zuko to life, in what many fans call one of the greatest redemption arcs in animation history.
Jake Long — American Dragon: Jake Long
He voiced the title hero of the Disney Channel series, a teenager who could turn into a dragon.
General Iroh II — The Legend of Korra
He returned to the Avatar world as Zuko's grandson — voicing a new generation of the same family.
Still going
From voice work to directing his own projects, Basco keeps creating and keeps showing up for the Filipino American community.
The bigger picture
He didn't wait for permission. He showed up and was undeniable — and a generation of Filipino Americans saw themselves on screen because of it.
Which role is your favorite?
Sources
Shop the story
Wear the history. These Ugat pieces carry the roots behind this post:
Know History, Know Self. No History, No Self.
Ugat means root. We design Filipino streetwear rooted in our history, from Baybayin tees to our oversized barong-style jerseys. Follow us on Instagram at @ugatclothing.
Comments