A recent Lunar New Year celebration, hosted by Gold House, became the vibrant backdrop for actor Hudson Williams' 25th birthday. The star, known for 'Heated Rivalry', marked the occasion with his mother by his side, expressing deep gratitude for her presence. Alongside 'Bridgerton's' Yerin Ha and 'SNL' alumnus Bowen Yang, Williams co-hosted the festive gathering at Chinese Tuxedo, heralding the Year of the Horse, which officially commenced on February 17th.
The multi-level venue, once New York City's first Chinese theater, was adorned with traditional red paper lanterns and fish-shaped ornaments, symbolizing protection and prosperity for the new year. More than 200 guests from the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, dressed in elegant attire, enjoyed exquisite dishes like hamachi crudo, oysters, spring rolls, and exclusive Hennessy cocktails. Yerin Ha shared her personal connection to the New Year's culinary traditions, highlighting the importance of food in her Korean heritage, and later delivered heartfelt remarks on the significance of cultural legacy, wishing everyone a joyful and prosperous New Year in Korean, with Williams supporting her.
As the evening progressed, Williams captivated attendees, graciously engaging with fans for selfies before making his way to the dance floor. He enthusiastically led the crowd, eventually being joined by 'The Summer I Turned Pretty's' Lola Tung, who admired his dancing. His mother, Sunny, later joined them as the DJ played Robyn's 'Dancing on My Own,' and the atmosphere became even more electric when t.A.T.u's 'All the Things She Said,' the unofficial theme song of 'Heated Rivalry,' filled the room. Meanwhile, guests also enjoyed competitive mahjong games, with Bowen Yang sharing his dream of playing with notable figures like Michelle Yeoh and Padma Lakshmi, who was also present. The event saw the attendance of other prominent personalities, including designer Prabal Gurung, who dressed Ha and Williams, and actress Supriya Ganesh, who emphasized the importance of mutual support within the AAPI artist community for increased representation. The night concluded with a special birthday surprise for Williams, a plate of pastries with a candle, as the crowd cheered for his future endeavors.
This gathering beautifully illustrated the power of community and cultural celebration, bringing together diverse talents to honor heritage and acknowledge the growing influence of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. It was a testament to the joy of shared traditions, the strength found in collective support, and the bright future that unfolds when individuals come together to celebrate their identity and achievements. Such events foster a sense of belonging and inspire continued progress towards greater representation and understanding.