In the early days of Hollywood, Asian people were not even allowed to participate. Even when they made their way into the big screen it was only to play either the exotic female character, being lusted after by men or the unflattering men. These portrayals left much to be desired in the representation of the diversity among Asian people. In modern-day Hollywood the ‘model minority’ have replaced the old stereotype on screen for Asian actors.
Although there seems to be a gradual shift- with more and more Asian actors, writers, producers, and filmmakers taking up their due space. Asian actors in Hollywood are now redefining their careers by seeking and creating better roles that break away from stereotypes. This is helping to create a more inclusive environment for generations to come.
Here is a list of 12 Asian actors in Hollywood defying stereotypes and redefining the Asian image.
12 Asian Actors in Hollywood
1. Dev Patel
The British actor of Indian descent is one of the best Asian actors in Hollywood today. The 34-year-old Dev Patel, started off his career with the television teen drama Skins. He got his big break with the Academy Award winning Slumdog Millionaire (2008). Along with being an exceptional actor, Dev Patel also made his directorial debut with the fantastically bloody action-thriller Monkey Man (2024). The film opened with really good reviews and love from the audience, earning him a standing ovation at the SXSW premiere
2. Greta Lee
The 41-year-old Greta Lee has made headlines with her mesmerizing appearance in Celine Song’s directorial debut Past Lives (2024). But even before her breakout role as Nora Moon in Past Lives, she has been making a mark for herself by playing a wide range of supporting roles in Russian Doll, Girls, and The Morning Show. She is set to appear in the upcoming Tron: Ares alongside Jared Leto to be released in 2025.
3. Steven Yeun
Defying the stereotypical representation of Asian people in Hollywood, Steven Yeun has been able to carve out a way for him to be authentic. He has portrayed versatile characters across TV and Film. Yeun got his breakout role as Glenn Rhee in the series The Walking Dead (2010-2016). He continued his amazing career with various TV-Web series and Movies such as Nope (2022), Minari (2020), Invincible (2021- ). Most recently he appeared in Beef (2023), which earned him an Emmy award.
4. Charles Melton
The 33-year-old got his big break with the superhit show, Riverdale as Reggie Mantle. He recently transformed himself into Joe Yoo for Todd Haynes’ 2023 movie, May December. He appeared opposite Oscar winning stars Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman. He has also starred in the 2019 movie The Sun Is Also a Star.
5. Simu Liu
In the year 2021, Marvel gave its first Asian Superhero in Simu Liu starrer Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings with an all Asian cast. Simu Liu got his first main role in Kim’s Convenience (2016-2021). He also appeared in the star studded Barbie as Rival Ken.
6. Henry Golding
The 37-year-old British-Malaysian actor charmed his way into audiences heart with his amazing performance as Nick Young in the first major studio all-Asian Hollywood movie, Crazy Rich Asian (2018). He has also appeared in A Simple Favor (2018), Last Christmas (2019) alongside Emilia Clark. He has starred in Guy Ritchie’s The Gentleman (2019) and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2023).
7. John Cho
Talking about famous Asian actors in America and not mentioning John Cho will leave the list totally incomplete. John Cho, along with Kal Penn paved the way for Asian actors to strive for non-stereotypical roles in movies with their stoner comedy Harold and Kumar Goes to White Castle (2004). John Cho has maintained a very diverse career – from the beloved Indie film Columbus (2014), mainstream thriller Searching (2018), to Hikaru Sulu in J. J. Abrams’ Star Trek. He has also appeared in the Netflix live-action adaption of the Japanese anime, Cowboy Bebop (2021).
8. Riz Ahmed
Riz Ahmed, the 41-year-old British Actor and Rapper of Pakistani descent is redefining what kinds of roles are appropriate for Muslim people in Hollywood. Ahmed began his acting career with independent films – The Road To Guantanamo (2006), Shifty (2008), Four Lions (2010), The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012). He later moved onto studio films, such as Jason Bourne (2016), Rogue One (2016), Venom (2018). He also starred in the 2019 drama film, Sound of Metal, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor category. He has also voiced the character of the knight Ballister Blackheart in the Oscar nominated animated movie, Nimona (2023).
Riz Ahmed has even inspired the Riz Test, which “measures the portrayal of Muslims on Film and TV.”
9. Simone Ashley
Simone Ashley is primarily known for her role in the second season of Netflix’s Bridgerton. She appeared as the enigmatic love interest of Anthony Bridgerton, Kate Sarma. She has garnered public attention previously as Olivia Hanan in the Netflix comedy-drama series Sex Education. She also appeared briefly in Pokémon Detective Pikachu and the Disney live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. The 29-year-old Ashley is one of the rising stars to look out for!
10. Ken Jeong
Ken Jeong is a familiar face you might have seen around television and movies. The 54-year-old stand-up comedian and actor was originally trained to be a physician. He rose to prominence with his performance of Leslie Chow in the Hangover series and as Ben Chang in the comedy series Community. He plays the titular character in ABC comedy series, Dr. Ken. You can also catch him in Crazy Rich Asians, Knocked Up, Ride Along 2, and many more.
11. Randall Park
Randall Park started as a stand-up comic. He even briefly appeared in shows like The Office US, Neighbors, The Five-Year Engagement at the start of his career. Later, he got his own series with ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat where he starred alongside Constance Wu. The show ran for 6 seasons.
Randall Park has “fought like hell” to make a steady career in Hollywood. Recently he produced, co-wrote and starred in the Netflix original romantic comedy, Maybe Meant to Be with Ali Wong. Park made his directorial debut in 2023 with Shortcomings, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
12. Gemma Chan
Gemma Chan’s career started with appearing for only 2 episodes in The IT Crowd in 2010. But Gemma Chan has been able to quickly define herself as a prominent leading lady in Hollywood. The 41-year old British actress has worked in both Independent films and Studio Blockbusters. She gained attention with Channel 4’s Humans (2015-18), where he played the leading role. She has also appeared in the International hit, Crazy Rich Asians, Mary Queen of Scots (2018), MCU’s Captain Marvel (2019), and Eternals (2021). She was recently seen on the big screen in Gareth Edwards’ sci-fi The Creator (2023).
Conclusion
Through their diligent efforts, these outstanding Asian actors in Hollywood have provided audiences with a range of endearing and perceptive characters that Asian people can identify with, allowing them a platform on larger screens. That being said, more work needs to be done in order to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for aspiring Asian actors in Hollywood.
