Thao Vang Lor

Thao Vang Lor was a friend of Walt Kowalski and the secondary protagonist in the 2008 movie Gran Torino. He was played by Bee Vang.

History
Thao's family were Hmong immigrants who moved in next door to an old veteran named Walt. Trying to find his own courage, he asked to join his cousin Fong's street-gang. In order to test him Fong asked him to steal his neighbor Walt's Gran Torino, a very old and expensive car, but Walt caught him in the act and chased him away. To make amends Thao offered to help Walt with his daily chores, but since the veteran was perfectly capable of taking care of himself he instead ordered the Hmong boy to assist the other families in the neighborhood. Spending a lot of time together, Walt eventually grew a sense of responsibility for the youngster, and helped him aquire a job as a construction-worker. But after Thao was physically abused by a spiteful Fong and his friends, Walt threatened to kill the gang if the hurt Thao or his family again. Seeing this threat as a challenge, Fong took revenge by unloading a barrage of gunfire into Thao's house and brutally beating his sister Sue. Walt and Thao started plotting their payback, but Walt locked his friend up in his cellar to prevent him from being injured. Later, the veteran managed to get Fong and his gang arrested by manipulating them into murdering him completely unprovoked. Thao, Sue and their mother attended Walt's funeral, and They became the ones to inherit his Gran Torino and dog daisy.

Personality
Thao started out as insecure and timid, being torn between his caring sister and supporting cousin wanting to pull him in different directions. He tried to gain confidence by committing crimes with his cousin's gang, but it only left him with regrets.

Though he did demonstrate persistence as he performed all the tasks Walt ordered him to do without complaining or slacking. Walt's strict and fair nature made him the role-model that Thao never had and the more time the two of them spent together, the more confidence, experience and skill Thao gained.

Despite his family often mocking him and pushing him around, he loved them very dearly and was both devastated and enraged when Fong attacked them, enough to want revenge by killing his cousin. However, it was stated by Walt that Thao's blind rage only would amount to him getting killed.