Edward Chin-Lyn is an actor and adventurer who calls NYC home. He endeavors to help create work with innovative voices while fostering positive representation.
In 2020 he performed in the world premiere of THE HEADLANDS at Lincoln Center by Obie-award winner Christopher Chen. This past fall he had the honor of portraying Vietnam War-era helicopter hero Quang in VIETGONE by Qui Nguyen at The Alley Theatre. He was on the National Tour of SMALL MOUTH SOUNDS by Outer Critics Circle Award winner Bess Wohl (Grand Horizons), directed by Tony Award-winning Director Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown, Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812).
His first TV role was on Elementary, directed by Lucy Liu. He recently guest starred in Lincoln Rhyme on NBC. Other credits include: Manifest, Set It up, Jessica Jones, Limitless, Person of Interest, Feed the Beast, and The Mysteries of Laura.
In 2020 he performed in the world premiere of THE HEADLANDS at Lincoln Center by Obie-award winner Christopher Chen. This past fall he had the honor of portraying Vietnam War-era helicopter hero Quang in VIETGONE by Qui Nguyen at The Alley Theatre. He was on the National Tour of SMALL MOUTH SOUNDS by Outer Critics Circle Award winner Bess Wohl (Grand Horizons), directed by Tony Award-winning Director Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown, Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812).
His first TV role was on Elementary, directed by Lucy Liu. He recently guest starred in Lincoln Rhyme on NBC. Other credits include: Manifest, Set It up, Jessica Jones, Limitless, Person of Interest, Feed the Beast, and The Mysteries of Laura.
Vietgone by Qui Nguyen
Directed by Desdemona Chiang
www.alleytheatre.org/plays/production-detail/vietgone
Photos by Lynn Lane.
Edward Chin-Lyn a heroic, self-assured and swoon-worthy helicopter pilot stuck in the camp by accident, is desperate to get back to his wife and two young children in Vietnam... As Quang and Tong, Chin-Lyn and Wong give us strength, charisma, heat and heart. Whether clothed or semi nude, these two ooze sexual attraction for each other and we’re all here for it... each actor peels back their character’s thick skin and lets us wander around in their pain long enough to root hard for their eventual happiness.
- HoustonPress
The Protagonist Quang (a chiseled, charming Edward Chin-Lyn) is Nguyen’s answer to history, an archetype of masculinity... a war hero and fighter pilot. He’s brooding, masculine and handsome. With his leather jacket and motorcycle, he’s none other than James Dean... Because the final scene is one of the best single scenes I’ve seen in American theater for a long time.
- Houston Chronicle
Edward Chin-Lyn invests his character with heroism, anguish, sex appeal, and humanizing weaknesses. He gives a balanced and energetic performance—especially in the final scene when, as an aging father, he allows his Americanized son to interview him about the war.
- The Courier
Vietgone raises basic questions about identity, family and finding home. Near the end of the performance, Chin-Lyn gives a riveting, quiet lecture to his American-born Playwright son about seeing the Vietnam War from his perspective... Chin-Lyn and Wong have enough chemistry to fuel a gang of motorcycles…
- Paper City Mag
It has been a long time since a play has truly surprised me, and this one did in spades…. Don’t miss the cinematic fight scene, the cute choreography to groovy music, and the psychological insights that Ngyuen gives us regarding life and loss. But mostly, don’t miss the last scene, in which an older Quang tells his son about Vietnam, and gives a completely unexpected take on his experiences after surviving such a terrible war. You won’t forget it.
- Houstonia Mag