Ke Huy Quan’s ‘Never Say Die’ Memoir: Release Date and What to Expect

Oscar-winning actor Ke Huy Quan is ready to tell his remarkable life story in an upcoming memoir, Never Say Die. The book chronicles his journey from Vietnamese refugee to beloved 1980s child star, through years of obscurity, and ultimately to a historic Hollywood comeback. Readers can expect a deeply personal account of resilience, identity, and second chances when the book hits shelves on September 15, 2026.

What Ke Huy Quan’s Never Say Die Memoir Is About

Never Say Die offers an intimate look at Quan’s extraordinary life. The memoir begins with his family’s escape from communist-ruled Northern Vietnam and their resettlement in Los Angeles’ Chinatown. Just five years later, a twelve-year-old Quan attended an open casting call on a whim, landing his first acting role in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

The book details his early rise to fame, working alongside icons like Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg. It also covers the roles that made him a household name, including Data in The Goonies. However, the narrative does not shy away from his subsequent struggles. After a few years, acting opportunities dried up, forcing Quan to leave the spotlight and work in behind-the-scenes jobs for directors like Wong Kar Wai.

The memoir culminates in his triumphant return to acting at age 49 with the critically acclaimed film Everything Everywhere All at Once, which earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2023. According to the publisher’s synopsis, Quan paints a vivid self-portrait, sharing both heart-wrenching and funny stories of his early rise, slow fall from the spotlight, the resilience that kept him going through his darkest times, and his eventual “resurrection” in Hollywood.

The Meaning Behind the Title: Never Say Die

The title Never Say Die is a poignant homage to Quan’s career. The name is a direct reference to a famous line from The Goonies, the beloved 1985 cult classic in which he starred. For Quan, the phrase encapsulates the perseverance and refusal to give up that defined his journey. The title serves as a powerful testament to the memoir’s central theme: never giving up on your dreams, even when the path is not straight.

Ke Huy Quan’s Memoir Release Date

The release date for Ke Huy Quan’s memoir, Never Say Die, has been confirmed for September 15, 2026. The book will be published by Grand Central Publishing, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, in the United States. It is now available for preorder wherever books are sold.

What Ke Huy Quan Has Revealed About the Book

Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event on August 14, Quan shared what motivated him to write the memoir. He expressed a desire to connect with people who feel they have missed their chance. “One of the reasons why I wanted to write this memoir is that I think a lot of people have dreams that they feel they have missed a chance at,” he said. “And I hope that my story reminds them that the path is not always straight. And sometimes the things that they love will find their way back to them.”

Quan admitted that writing the book was a difficult but necessary process. “I’m very excited and also very nervous at the same time because writing this book was really difficult,” he continued. “It’s not something that I’m comfortable with, but hopefully the readers know it.” He also explained that he was inspired to share his story after seeing a powerful image on social media.

“I saw this image of a crowded intersection on Instagram once, showing thought bubbles of what each person is going through beneath the surface,” he explained. “It made me think about how little we know about each other. Writing this book is my way of sharing what was happening in my life when I stayed quiet. I hope it helps someone see their own story more clearly and with greater compassion.”

His Career Journey and Why the Memoir Matters

Ke Huy Quan’s story is one of the most inspiring in recent Hollywood history. His journey, from a refugee camp to the Oscars stage, is a testament to resilience. Never Say Die matters because it is a story of survival, identity, and the courage to keep going when the world tells you to quit. As he hopes, the memoir will remind readers that every person has a story and to be a little kinder because of it.

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FAQ

What is the title of Ke Huy Quan’s upcoming memoir?

The memoir is titled Never Say Die.

When is Ke Huy Quan’s memoir coming out?

The book is scheduled for release on September 15, 2026.

What will Ke Huy Quan’s memoir cover?

The memoir covers his journey from Vietnamese refugee to 1980s child star, his years away from acting, and his Oscar-winning comeback in Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Why is the memoir called Never Say Die?

The title is a homage to a famous line from The Goonies, the 1985 film in which Quan starred, and reflects his message of perseverance.