Who Is Haing S. Ngor? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on March 22, 1940, Haing S. Ngor would have celebrated his 85th birthday in 2025. Ngor was not just an actor; he was also a physician and a survivor of the Cambodian genocide. His experiences during this dark chapter in history profoundly influenced his art. He gained international acclaim for his role as Dith Pran in "The Killing Fields," a performance that earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Ngor’s life is deeply intertwined with the struggles of the Cambodian people, making his contributions to cinema both significant and poignant.
| Occupation | Human Rights Activists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 22, 1940 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Samrong Yong, Cambodia, French Indochina |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Cambodia |
| Date of death | 25 February, 1996 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Haing S. Ngor's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although precise measurements are not always recorded, Haing S. Ngor stood approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. In his prime, his weight was around 150 pounds (68 kg), showcasing a lean physique typical of his active lifestyle as a physician and actor. Physical attributes aside, it was his compelling talent and the depth of his life experiences that truly defined him.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Haing S. Ngor was married to the love of his life, Margaret Ngor, until her tragic death in 1985. Post-marriage, there was little public information regarding his personal dating life. Ngor chose to keep his private relationships out of the public eye, focusing instead on his career and advocacy for human rights. His relationship status as of his passing remains a poignant part of his legacy, reflecting a love story marked by hardship and devotion.
Ngor trained as a gynecologist and obstetrician, practicing in Phnom Penh before the capture of the city by Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge in 1975. He had to conceal his education, medical skills, and even the fact that he wore glasses to avoid the new regime's intense hostility to intellectuals and professionals.
Ngor was expelled from Phnom Penh with the bulk of its two million inhabitants as part of the Khmer Rouge's idea Year Zero and sent to farm rice imprisoned with his wife, Chang My-Huoy, who required a cesarean section and died with the couple's unborn child during labor in 1978 because it was impossible to perform the surgery without risking the wh
ole family's life.
He survived three terms in prison, using his medical knowledge to keep himself alive by eating beetles, termites, and scorpions.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 1996, Haing S. Ngor's net worth was estimated to be around $1 million. While this may seem modest by Hollywood standards, it is important to contextualize it within the frame of his career, which was deeply intertwined with his advocacy work. Given his landmark role in "The Killing Fields," it is likely that his legacy continues to generate royalties and tributes, further perpetuating his impact on the film industry.
Ngor and his close friend Jack Ong established the Dr. Haing S. Ngor Foundation to assist in raising funds for Cambodian aid. As part of his humanitarian efforts, Ngor built an elementary school and operated a small sawmill that provided jobs and an income for local families.
Career, Business, and Investments
Ngor's career began in earnest after the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime, where he sought refuge in the United States. In addition to acting, he was heavily involved in activism, using his platform to raise awareness about the atrocities faced by Cambodian citizens. His career highlights include not only films but also television appearances and authoring his autobiography, "A Cambodian Odyssey." In 2025, his cinematic influence and humanitarian efforts remain revered, inspiring actors and activists alike.
After the fall of the Khmer Rouge in 1979, Ngor and his niece crawled to safety in a Red Cross refugee camp in Thailand, where he subsequently worked as a physician. The next year, they moved to the United States, where they settled in Los Angeles. Later in his life, Ngor was unable to resume his medical practice and did not remarry.
Social Network
Though social media was not a part of Ngor's life, his legacy has been preserved and celebrated through various platforms. Fans and admirers continue to share memories and insights about his contributions online. Various non-profits and humanitarian organizations cite Ngor’s work as influential in their missions to combat genocide and promote human rights.
Dith Pran, whom Ngor portrayed in The Killing Fields, said of Ngor's death, "He is like a twin with me. He is like a co-messenger and right now I am alone."
Education
Haing S. Ngor pursued medicine, obtaining a medical degree in Cambodia before the rise of the Khmer Rouge. He was a qualified physician and actively practiced medicine before becoming an actor. His educational background contributed to his depth as an actor, drawing upon his extensive life experiences to inform his roles.
In conclusion, while Haing S. Ngor may have passed on, his legacy as an actor, humanitarian, and voice for his people endures. In 2025, his story continues to inspire countless individuals across the globe. Through his art and activism, Ngor left a lasting impact that transcends both time and borders.
