Iconic American actor and singer Alvin Ing, known for his performances on Broadway, including his role in the 2014 film The Gambler, passed away as a result of COVID-19 complications. He was 89. Ing breathed his last at the Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, in Burbank, California, his representatives at Mosaic PR said. Remembering and recognizing his contribution to cinema, the Actor’s Equity Association tweeted, "Not only was Alvin Ing a trailblazer, but he was also an inspiration to a generation of performers. He will be missed."

Hailing from Honolulu, Alvin Ing was a U.S. Army veteran and an advocate for the Asian-American Pacific Islander community in the entertainment industry, while also serving actively in the American Asian Performing Arts Theatre. Having attended Columbia, he completed his Master's in Music Education and performed alongside Broadway star Telly Leung, who tweeted, "a generation of Asian performers would not be where are today without his leadership and courage." Ing has portrayed the character of Shogun’s mother in the original Broadway production of Pacific Overtures in 1976, including performing most times in the role of Wang Ta in the productions of Flower Drum Song. He reprised his role from Pacific Overtures once again when it was revived in 2004. Lea Salonga, who starred in Flower Drum Song, said about Ing, "His voice was glorious and filled the room with its flawless sound, but beyond that, his sound was steeped in joy. Alvin was a joyful presence to be around at every rehearsal and performance." 

Some of Alvin Ing's notable film credits include The Final Cutdown, Troop Beverly Hills, Smilla's Sense of Snow and Stir Crazy, while also starring in popular TV shows like The Doctors and Falcon Crest and landing guest roles in Benson, Charlie’s Angels, Quincy, M.E., Fantasy Island, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hawaii Five-0.