But now, he’s part of Hollywood’s A-listers starring in films featuring some of the industry’s heavyweights, and even getting front row seats at major fashion shows.
Golding’s latest movie, ‘Last Christmas’, recently dropped in time for the festive season.
The movie also stars another fellow Malaysian icon, Michelle Yeoh, so there's plenty of reason for Malaysians to celebrate.
Despite getting mixed reviews (fans loved it but critics hated it), it went on to become the #1 film in UK last weekend, so much so that it even dethroned ‘Joker’ from the top of the box office, according to Screen Daily.
‘Last Christmas’ raked in £2.6 million (RM14 million) during the opening weekend.
Malaysian fans were proud of the news, and some even proclaimed, “Who says Southeast Asians can’t star in romantic Hollywood flicks?”
Here’s what Malaysians had to say following the film’s success:
Can’t believe a Malaysian man plays a romantic role in this, now who says Southeast Asians can’t star in romantic Hollywood flicks??? I wanna know!!! @ me those executives!!! https://t.co/w37TZFRXdH
— nalisa alia amin (@nalisaaa) November 20, 2019
Michelle Yeoh and Henry Golding. Dua dua anak kelahiran Malaysia. So proud ❤️ https://t.co/hHNbZT9rWv
— atiqah (@aishahatiqah_) November 22, 2019
Henry Golding getting all that COIN!!! go malaysia ?? https://t.co/76py9QD0ke
— lys (@alyssadalila) November 20, 2019
Michelle Yeoh AND Henry Golding I- I’m sorry but not one but TWO Malaysian icons???? https://t.co/BwIzWuPYh0
— they call me scar (@sweetpotatopaii) November 21, 2019
seeing Henry Golding and Michelle Yeoh thriving has got to be one of the most satisfying thing in the entertainment industry so far
— Sufiah (@Sufiah_Rahim) November 21, 2019
Michelle Yeoh and Henry Golding in one movie is enough to make Malaysians go wooooooo https://t.co/vn4Ob6S1d2
— Ainur. (@ainnasiha) November 20, 2019
After 'Last Christmas', the Sarawakian lad is set to appear in Guy Ritchie's film 'The Gentlemen' in January 2020.
He'll star alongside Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery, Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant, and Matthew McConaughey.
We guess that's another milestone for Encik Golding!