My Nine Lives
An Exuberant Adventure
Published on 30. January 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
294 pages
978-1-0358-8999-0 (ISBN)
Description
Ben Lin, a senior analytical chemist, entrepreneur, restaurateur, actor, and author, shares the remarkable story of his life. With clear and engaging prose, Lin recounts his entrepreneurial journey, including the commercialization of America's first packaged won ton soup. He also delves into his diverse roles as an actor, voice-over artist, journalist, pianist, and celebrated restaurateur. Lin's intelligent and expert writing brings even his most embarrassing moments to life, making for an entertaining read. His talent for public speaking shines through as he keeps readers hooked with his stories. Throughout the memoir, Lin offers insightful reflections on racism, the immigrant experience, belonging, heritage, and identity. His extraordinary life is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and resilience, offering hope and inspiration to all who read it.
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Person
Ben Lin was born in Shanghai in 1933. His father was a banker and mother a teacher. They immigrated to the US in 1950. A Penn graduate, he researched with microchemistry at DuPont, where he also had a stint as a marketing executive. Dubbed "The Wonton Wizard" by the Washington Post, he commercialized America's first packaged won ton soup and sweet and sour pork, was owner-chef of the award-winning Jade Palace in Philadelphia and taught cooking at the China Institute in New York. Holding a master's degree in journalism from Temple, he contributed occasionally to Philadelphia magazine, wrote for South Jersey's largest daily, the Courier-Post, and published elsewhere, including in USA Today.
He has been an actor since 1980, having amassed some 80 commercials and dozens of stage, movie and TV credits and acted opposite such luminaries as Robert De Niro and Kathleen Turner. Critically acclaimed for his performances in the plays The Imposter and The Wash, he voiced the Oscar documentary nominee Birdnesters of Thailand. And played the title role of China's Andy Rooney on Onion News' video. He is married to Serena, a former graphic arts designer.