Boaz Dov Wong was the son of American actor BD Wong and entertainment producer Richie Jackson. He was born on May 28, 2000, alongside his twin brother, Jackson Foo Wong. Sadly, Boaz died shortly after birth.
His story became known because of the difficult journey his family experienced. While Boaz lived for only 90 minutes, his brother survived after months of medical treatment and intensive hospital care.
This article explores Boaz Dov Wong’s family background, premature birth, medical complications, and twin brother’s survival. It also covers his father’s emotional journey, family relationships, and the lasting memories of Boaz.
Who Was Boaz Dov Wong?
Boaz Dov Wong was the late son of BD Wong, a successful American actor, and Richie Jackson, a Broadway producer. He was born through surrogacy in California on May 28, 2000.
Boaz had a twin brother named Jackson Foo Wong. Both babies arrived much earlier than expected because of serious pregnancy complications. Unfortunately, Boaz died about 90 minutes after his birth, leaving his family heartbroken.
Although his life was extremely short, Boaz became an important part of his father’s personal story. BD Wong later shared his experiences of losing one son while watching the other struggle to survive.
Boaz Dov Wong’s Parents and Family Background
Boaz Dov Wong belonged to a family connected with American entertainment. His father, BD Wong, built a successful acting career in television, movies, and theater. His other parent, Richie Jackson, worked in entertainment production.
BD Wong and Richie Jackson had been in a long-term relationship before deciding to become parents. They wanted to raise children together and began exploring different ways to start their family.
Their decision eventually led them to surrogacy. Both men prepared for the arrival of their children and looked forward to becoming fathers. However, their journey into parenthood became much more difficult than they expected.
How BD Wong and Richie Jackson Became Parents
BD Wong and Richie Jackson chose surrogacy to fulfill their dream of having children. They worked with a California agency that helped them arrange the pregnancy and prepare for the twins’ arrival.
BD Wong provided the sperm, while Richie Jackson’s sister donated the eggs. A surrogate named Shauna Berringer carried the pregnancy. This arrangement allowed the couple to create the family they had imagined.
The twins were originally expected in August 2000. Their parents prepared their New York home and made plans for two newborn babies. Unfortunately, unexpected medical problems changed everything before the expected delivery date.
The Unexpected Birth of Boaz Dov Wong
Boaz Dov Wong was born on May 28, 2000, several months before his expected arrival. The premature delivery created serious health concerns because both twins were still developing inside their mother’s womb.
Boaz was delivered first, while his twin brother, Jackson Foo Wong, arrived approximately 15 minutes later. Both babies were extremely small and needed immediate medical attention because of complications during pregnancy.
The joyful moment of welcoming two children quickly became a frightening experience for their parents. Doctors worked to help both babies, but Boaz’s condition was critical, and he died shortly after birth.
What Caused Boaz Dov Wong’s Death?
Boaz Dov Wong died because of complications associated with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, commonly called TTTS. This serious pregnancy condition affects certain twins who share a placenta and experience an unequal distribution of blood.
Boaz and Jackson experienced this medical complication before birth. Boaz was described as the donor twin, meaning he received less blood through the shared circulation. The imbalance created dangerous conditions for both babies.
Despite medical efforts, Boaz survived for approximately 90 minutes after his delivery. He died on May 28, 2000, the same day he was born. His brother continued receiving emergency treatment.
Understanding the Medical Condition That Affected the Twins
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome occurs when twins sharing a placenta experience an abnormal exchange of blood. One baby receives less blood, while the other receives too much. Both situations can cause serious health problems.
The baby receiving less blood may experience poor growth and circulation problems. Meanwhile, the baby receiving too much blood may develop complications involving the heart and other organs.
In Boaz and Jackson’s case, TTTS contributed to a dangerous pregnancy and premature delivery. The condition became central to their family’s experience because one child died while the other required months of intensive treatment.
The Special Meaning Behind Boaz Dov Wong’s Name
Boaz Dov Wong received a name that connected him with previous generations of his father’s family. His initials, B.D., were especially meaningful because they continued an existing family naming tradition.
His father was known professionally as BD Wong, while his grandfather was named Bill D. Wong. Giving Boaz the same initials created a connection between the three generations.
Although Boaz lived only briefly, his carefully chosen name remained meaningful to his family. It represented his place in their family history and became an important part of how his father remembered him.
Jackson Foo Wong’s Difficult First Months
Jackson Foo Wong survived the premature delivery, but his medical condition remained serious. He weighed approximately 2 pounds and 13 ounces at birth and required immediate treatment in neonatal intensive care.
Doctors monitored his condition closely because he faced complications related to his early arrival and TTTS. His treatment included medical procedures, specialized care, and continuous observation throughout his hospital stay.
Jackson remained in intensive care for approximately three months. His parents experienced many difficult days while waiting for improvements. Eventually, his health became stable enough for him to leave the hospital.
How BD Wong Managed Fatherhood During the Crisis
BD Wong faced an emotionally challenging situation after the twins’ birth. He was grieving the death of Boaz while spending long hours worrying about Jackson’s condition and chances of survival.
During Jackson’s hospitalization, Wong stayed in San Francisco to remain near his son. He initially lived in a motel before staying with his parents, who helped support him during this period.
Wong also continued managing his professional responsibilities. He was working on the film The Salton Sea during the family crisis. Balancing acting commitments with hospital visits made an already difficult experience even more demanding.
The Emotional Impact of Losing Boaz Dov Wong
Losing Boaz affected BD Wong and Richie Jackson deeply. They had spent months preparing to welcome twins, but their plans changed when one child died and the other required intensive medical care.
The experience brought together two very different emotions. They were grieving Boaz while hoping Jackson would recover. Every improvement in Jackson’s condition offered encouragement during an otherwise painful period.
As time passed, BD Wong continued remembering his late son. He sometimes wondered what Boaz might have looked like as he grew older and how family life might have been different with both boys.
How Boaz Dov Wong Inspired His Father’s Writing
BD Wong began writing emails while Jackson was receiving hospital treatment. He wanted to keep relatives and friends informed about his son’s medical condition and the family’s daily experiences.
His messages included updates about Jackson’s progress, difficult moments, and encouraging developments. What began as personal communication gradually became a detailed account of an extraordinary period in his life.
These emails later helped form the foundation of his memoir, Following Foo: The Electronic Adventures of the Chestnut Man. The book preserved the family’s experience of welcoming twins, losing Boaz, and caring for Jackson.
Following Foo: The Book That Preserved Boaz’s Story
BD Wong published Following Foo: The Electronic Adventures of the Chestnut Man in 2003. The memoir explores his early experiences as a father and the emotional challenges surrounding his sons’ premature birth.
The book developed from messages he originally shared with family members and friends. Through these accounts, readers learn about the uncertainty surrounding Jackson’s treatment and the grief caused by Boaz’s death.
The title refers to Jackson’s nickname, the Chestnut Man. Wong associated the nickname with the baby’s appearance and the chestnut sellers he remembered from New York. The memoir became a lasting record of this family experience.
Why BD Wong Continued Remembering Both Sons
BD Wong consistently recognized Boaz and Jackson as his two sons. Although only Jackson survived, Wong considered Boaz an important part of his family and his experience of becoming a father.
He also reflected on the unusual connection between the twins before birth. Their shared circulation and the complications surrounding their pregnancy shaped how he understood Boaz’s place in Jackson’s life.
Rather than allowing Boaz’s short life to disappear from the family story, Wong included him in his memories and writing. This helped preserve the identity of both brothers.
BD Wong and Richie Jackson’s Relationship After the Loss
BD Wong and Richie Jackson had been together for many years before becoming parents. Their relationship experienced significant challenges following Boaz’s death and Jackson’s prolonged hospitalization.
The couple eventually separated after approximately 18 years together. Wong later discussed how the loss of a child affected their relationship, although their separation involved a broader personal history.
Despite ending their romantic relationship, both men remained involved in raising Jackson. They established parenting arrangements that allowed their surviving son to maintain meaningful relationships with each of them.
Jackson Foo Wong’s Childhood and Education
After recovering from his difficult birth, Jackson Foo Wong grew up in New York. His childhood included the involvement of both BD Wong and Richie Jackson, even after their relationship ended.
Jackson spent time with each father as they developed their separate lives. His family also maintained connections with theater and entertainment, reflecting the professional backgrounds of his parents.
As he grew older, Jackson attended New York University and graduated in May 2023. His educational achievements marked an important chapter in the life of a child who had faced serious medical challenges at birth.
Jackson Foo Wong’s Personal Life and Family Connections
Jackson Foo Wong grew up surrounded by family members who supported him. As a teenager, he came out as gay at approximately 15 years old and received acceptance from his family.
His father, Richie Jackson, later wrote Gay Like Me: A Father Writes to His Gay Son. The book discusses identity, family relationships, and the experiences of different generations of gay men.
Jackson also developed a relationship with Jordan Roth, whom Richie Jackson later married. Richie and Jordan welcomed another son named Levi, giving Jackson a younger brother many years after the loss of Boaz.
How the Wong Family Changed Over the Years
The Wong family’s structure changed as BD Wong and Richie Jackson began new relationships. However, their shared commitment to raising Jackson continued after their separation.
Richie Jackson married Broadway producer Jordan Roth, while BD Wong later married Richert John Frederickson Schnorr. These relationships introduced new family connections as Jackson moved into adulthood.
Boaz remained part of the family’s earlier history despite these changes. His birth and death were connected to the beginning of BD Wong and Richie Jackson’s experiences as parents.
The Importance of Family Support During Jackson’s Recovery
Family support played an important role during Jackson’s hospitalization. BD Wong received help from relatives, including his parents in San Francisco, while he remained close to the hospital.
Richie Jackson also traveled from New York during the medical crisis. Friends and relatives followed Jackson’s progress through Wong’s regular email updates and offered encouragement during difficult moments.
This support helped the family manage the practical and emotional demands of the situation. Their experience demonstrated how important close relationships can become when parents are caring for a critically ill newborn.
Final Thoughts
Boaz Dov Wong was born on May 28, 2000, to actor BD Wong and producer Richie Jackson. His life ended approximately 90 minutes later because of complications associated with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.
His twin brother, Jackson Foo Wong, survived after spending around three months in intensive care. The experience brought enormous challenges to their parents and changed the direction of their family life.
Years later, Boaz’s memory continued through BD Wong’s memoir and personal reflections. Although his life was brief, he remains an important part of his family’s history and the story of his brother’s survival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Boaz Dov Wong?
Boaz Dov Wong was the son of American actor BD Wong and producer Richie Jackson. He was born on May 28, 2000, alongside his twin brother, Jackson Foo Wong.
What happened to Boaz Dov Wong?
Boaz Dov Wong died approximately 90 minutes after birth because of complications associated with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. His twin brother survived after receiving intensive medical treatment.
Who are Boaz Dov Wong’s parents?
Boaz Dov Wong’s parents are actor BD Wong and entertainment producer Richie Jackson. They welcomed their twin sons through surrogacy in May 2000.
Who is Boaz Dov Wong’s twin brother?
Jackson Foo Wong is Boaz’s twin brother. He survived a difficult premature birth, spent approximately three months in neonatal intensive care, and later graduated from New York University in 2023.
How did BD Wong remember his son Boaz?
BD Wong remembered Boaz through personal reflections and his 2003 memoir, Following Foo: The Electronic Adventures of the Chestnut Man. The book describes the twins’ birth, Boaz’s death, and Jackson’s recovery.
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