Ke Huy Quan Reflects on Impactful $100K Check From Spielberg

WHO:

Deadline - Ke Huy Quan, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg

Variety - Ke Huy Quan, Short Round, Indiana Jones

The Hollywood Reporter - Ke Huy Quan, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas

WHAT:

Variety - Ke Huy Quan received a $100,000 residual check for his role in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom."

The Hollywood Reporter - Quan described the check as a "life-changing" moment and expressed disbelief at the amount.

The Hollywood Reporter - Quan stated that the residuals clause was a "quiet gesture" from Spielberg and Lucas.

WHERE:

The Hollywood Reporter - Quan found the check at his home, where his parents were present.

WHEN:

The Hollywood Reporter - Quan was 12 years old when he filmed "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," which was released in 1984.

The Hollywood Reporter - Quan's memoir "Never Say Die" was released on a Tuesday.

WHY:

The Hollywood Reporter - Quan noted that it was uncommon for child actors to receive a share of a movie's profits, making the gesture from Spielberg and Lucas particularly generous.

HOW:

The Hollywood Reporter - Quan explained that he did not initially understand how he could receive additional money after being compensated for his work on the film.

(UPDATED September 21, 2026 02:10 UTC)

Ke Huy Quan recently received a $100,000 residual check for his role as Short Round in "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," a moment he described as "life-changing" and expressed disbelief over the amount. Quan found the check at home while his parents were present, and he noted that it was rare for child actors to receive a share of a movie's profits, making this gesture from Steven Spielberg and George Lucas especially generous. In his memoir "Never Say Die," he reflected on how he initially didn't understand how he could receive additional money after being compensated for his work on the film.