Early Life and Family Background
Jackson Foo Wong was born into a family that has become a symbol of love, diversity, and acceptance. He is the son of actor BD Wong and producer Richie Jackson. His story began in New York City, surrounded by art, creativity, and a strong sense of family. From birth, his life was both extraordinary and deeply human, shaped by challenges that would test the strength of any family.
Jackson was born through surrogacy, a journey that his fathers openly shared as part of their story of love and determination. His twin brother, Boaz Dov Wong, sadly passed away due to a rare medical condition known as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Jackson became the surviving twin, a living symbol of resilience and hope for his parents.
A Difficult Beginning: The Birth Story
The story of Jackson’s birth is both emotional and inspiring. He was born prematurely and had to spend his first days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). For BD Wong and Richie Jackson, it was a time filled with fear and uncertainty, but also a deep sense of love and commitment. They stood by their newborn son, determined to give him every chance to survive and thrive.
The loss of twin brother Boaz Dov Wong deeply affected the family. It shaped their understanding of life and love. This loss became a source of strength, teaching them about resilience and the preciousness of every moment together. Jackson’s survival story remains a profound reminder of courage and hope.
Growing Up in a Creative Household
Jackson was raised in the artistic community of New York City, specifically in the West Village. His home was filled with creativity, theatre, and art, a reflection of his fathers’ passions. BD Wong, known for his roles in films and TV shows like Jurassic Park and Law & Order: SVU, and Richie Jackson, an accomplished producer, ensured that their son grew up in a stimulating environment.
Living in such an atmosphere encouraged Jackson to develop an appreciation for music, art, and theatre. His creative upbringing helped him see the world through a unique lens. The household encouraged open dialogue, self-expression, and acceptance without labels values that became central to Jackson’s identity as he matured.
A Modern Two-Father Family
Jackson’s family of two fathers represented a modern family narrative that challenged traditional norms. Growing up in a same-sex parenting environment gave him a perspective on love that was inclusive and unconditional. BD Wong and Richie Jackson, both openly gay, created a nurturing space where identity and love were celebrated, not questioned.
Their story also contributed to the wider conversation about representation and same-sex marriage households. Jackson’s upbringing became an example of a non-traditional family model that emphasized emotional strength, authenticity, and acceptance.
The Meaning Behind “The Chestnut Man”
Among close friends and family, Jackson earned the nickname “The Chestnut Man.” The nickname reflected both affection and symbolism. In BD Wong’s memoir Gay Like Me: A Father Writes to His Son, he shares how this term represents warmth, strength, and resilience qualities that Jackson embodied from an early age.
The metaphor of chestnut imagery became a recurring theme in their story. It represented survival against odds, the endurance of love, and the beauty of growth after hardship. The nickname carries deep emotional value for his fathers and serves as a reminder of their shared journey through grief and renewal.
The Role of Education in His Journey
Education played a vital role in Jackson’s self-discovery and development. He attended New York University (NYU), an institution known for its diversity and open-minded culture. Being raised in New York City gave him access to a range of experiences and perspectives that shaped his worldview.
His educational journey also allowed him to explore subjects that reflected his creative background. NYU’s emphasis on individuality and artistic freedom aligned perfectly with the lessons he learned at home. This phase of life became a cornerstone for his growth and identity.
Balancing Fame and Privacy
Despite being a celebrity child, Jackson Foo Wong has maintained a quiet life away from the spotlight. Unlike many celebrity offspring, he prefers to keep a low profile. His parents, while public figures, have respected his wish for privacy and supported his decision to live authentically but quietly.
This balance between visibility and privacy highlights the family’s respect for individuality. It also reflects a generational change in how celebrity families navigate public and private life. Jackson’s quiet life demonstrates maturity and independence, a sign of strong family values.
Love, Identity, and Self-Discovery
Growing up in a same-sex marriage household, Jackson was surrounded by examples of courage, openness, and self-acceptance. His fathers encouraged him to explore his identity freely and without fear. This foundation helped him embrace self-discovery as an ongoing process rather than a single moment.
Many reports suggest that Jackson, like his parents, values authenticity and acceptance without labels. His journey mirrors the experiences of an emerging generation of LGBTQ youth who see identity as fluid and deeply personal. This shift represents resilience through adversity and the premium on authenticity that defines his generation.
Lessons from His Fathers
Both BD Wong and Richie Jackson have been vocal advocates for LGBTQ+ representation and equality. Their parenting reflects activism through example. BD Wong’s work as an actor and Richie Jackson’s production achievements show that visibility can create understanding and empathy.
Richie Jackson’s book, Gay Like Me: A Father Writes to His Son, is both a father’s memoir and a guide for LGBTQ youth. It highlights the challenges and joys of raising a son in a world that is still learning to accept all forms of love. Through their experiences, Jackson learned the importance of resilience, self-respect, and compassion.
A Family Built on Activism and Love
The Wong-Jackson household is known not just for artistic success but also for its activism. Both fathers have used their platforms to support LGBTQ+ rights, representation, and awareness. They have spoken openly about surrogacy, same-sex parenting, and the evolving meaning of family in modern society.
Their family represents the power of love to overcome prejudice and redefine norms. Jackson’s life embodies this activism in action — a story that celebrates visibility and equality while maintaining the beauty of personal privacy.
The Influence of Art and Theatre
Art and theatre have always played a central role in Jackson’s upbringing. Being surrounded by creative minds, he learned to express himself through music, storytelling, and artistic thought. His exposure to the stage and screen, thanks to BD Wong’s career, gave him an appreciation for creativity as a form of truth.
Art became a bridge between generations in the Wong-Jackson home. It connected family members through shared expression and deep emotional understanding. This creative environment continues to shape Jackson’s perspective on identity and authenticity.
Relationship with Half-Brother Levi Roth
Richie Jackson’s husband, Jordan Roth, is also an influential figure in New York theatre. Through this connection, Jackson shares a blended family relationship with Levi Roth. The family’s structure — with connections to both artistic and theatrical worlds — reflects the evolving landscape of modern families.
This visible family dynamic emphasizes love and acceptance as the foundation of all relationships, regardless of structure. It also highlights the inclusivity and strength that come from embracing difference.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Resilience
Jackson’s early experience with premature birth, time in the NICU, and the loss of his twin brother shaped his understanding of life. Those challenges gave him emotional depth and strength uncommon at a young age. His survival story stands as a testament to resilience through adversity and the importance of family support.
This resilience continues to define him today. Growing up with openly gay parents in a visible family dynamic, he learned that identity and self-acceptance require courage but also bring peace and strength.
Table: Key Elements of Jackson Foo Wong’s Life
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Parents | BD Wong (actor), Richie Jackson (producer) |
| Birthplace | New York City |
| Sibling | Late twin brother, Boaz Dov Wong |
| Education | New York University (NYU) |
| Notable Theme | Resilience and modern family identity |
| Nickname | The Chestnut Man |
| Representation | LGBTQ+ and same-sex parenting visibility |
The Legacy of a Modern Family
Jackson Foo Wong’s life represents more than a celebrity child’s story. It’s a narrative about modern family identity, resilience, and the beauty of love in all forms. His fathers’ openness about surrogacy and same-sex parenting paved the way for conversations about inclusion and equality.
Through his quiet strength and authenticity, Jackson contributes to a larger cultural dialogue about acceptance and modern queer identity. His family’s story continues to inspire those navigating the path of self-discovery and non-traditional family life.
Conclusion
The story of Jackson Foo Wong is one of love, resilience, and identity. From his birth story and survival as a twin to growing up in a creative, two-father household, every chapter reflects courage and authenticity. His life reminds us that family is defined not by convention but by care, compassion, and connection.
Through the example set by BD Wong and Richie Jackson, and through Jackson’s own journey of self-discovery, their story continues to symbolize modern family values. It celebrates diversity, strength, and the idea that love — in any form — has the power to heal, inspire, and transform lives.
FAQs
1. Who are the parents of Jackson Foo Wong?
Jackson Foo Wong is the son of actor BD Wong and producer Richie Jackson, both openly gay and strong advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.
2. What happened to Jackson’s twin brother?
Jackson’s twin brother, Boaz Dov Wong, passed away due to twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a rare medical condition.
3. Where did Jackson Foo Wong grow up?
He was raised in New York City, primarily in the West Village, surrounded by art, music, and theatre.
4. What is the significance of “The Chestnut Man”?
“The Chestnut Man” is a nickname given to Jackson by his family, symbolizing warmth, resilience, and strength.
5. What does Jackson Foo Wong’s story represent?
His story reflects resilience, modern family identity, and the evolving acceptance of LGBTQ+ parenting and representation.
