While it has seen some controversy over the years, diversity in Hollywood has long been part of its rich history. And while many other races have left their mark on the film industry, Asian American actors have paved the way for many. Not only that, but they've contributed greatly to a long list of box-office hits.
Of the top Asian actors in Hollywood, a few come to mind quite quickly: Lucy Liu, Lost star Daniel Dae Kim, The Walking Dead's Steven Yeun, etc. Of course, these household names are just a glimpse into the impact Asian Americans have had on the film industry. Take the aforementioned Lucy Liu's performance in Kill Bill, for instance. The film simply wouldn't be the same without her role, and it has fully stood the test of time since its release. This is just the start of the list, too.
From Korean American actors to Chinese, lest you forget Japanese American, Indian, and so on, there's no denying the incredible work of the actors to follow. Take a moment to check out the best Asian American actors, and let your opinion be heard on who should hold the top spots!
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341111Lucy Liu
Kill Bill: Vol. 1, Lucky Number SlevinAge: 51
Birthplace: Jackson Heights, New York City, New York, United States of America
Lucy Liu (born December 2, 1968) is an American actress, voice actress, director, and artist... more2
25372Pat Morita
The Karate Kid, MulanAge: Dec. at 73 (1932-2005)
Birthplace: Isleton, California, United States of America
Noriyuki "Pat" Morita (June 28, 1932 – November 24, 2005) was an American actor and comedian... more3
23466Daniel Dae Kim
Lost, Spider-Man 2Age: 47
Birthplace: Busan, South Korea
Daniel Dae Kim (Korean: 김대현; born Kim Dae-hyun on August 4, 1968) is a Korean-American actor,... more4
29398John Cho
American Beauty, Star TrekAge: 43
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
John Cho (born Cho Yo Han; June 16, 1972) is a Korean American actor known for his roles as... more5
25479Randall Park
Dinner for Schmucks, The InterviewAge: 41
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
Randall Park (born March 23, 1974) is an American actor, comedian and writer. He is best known... more6
28597Ken Jeong
The Hangover, CommunityAge: 51
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
Kendrick Kang-Joh Jeong, M.D. (born July 13, 1969) is an American comedian, actor and... more7
22673Steven Yeun
The Walking Dead, The Legend of KorraAge: 36
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Steven Yeun (born December 21, 1983) is a Korean-American actor and voice actor. He is known... more8
285118Constance Wu
Fresh Off the Boat, Sound of My VoiceAge: 27
Birthplace: Richmond, Virginia, USA
Constance Tianming Wu (born March 22, 1982) is an American actress. She is best known for her... more9
22494Ki Hong Lee
The Maze Runner, All in AllAge: 29
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Ki Hong Lee is a Korean-American actor. He is best known for playing the role of Minho in The... more10
12547Mako Iwamatsu
Pearl Harbor, Avatar: The Last AirbenderAge: Dec. at 73 (1933-2006)
Birthplace: Japan, Kobe, Keihanshin
Makoto Iwamatsu (岩松誠, Iwamatsu Makoto, December 10, 1933 – July 21, 2006) was a Japanese... more11
13858Kelly Hu
X-Men 2, The Scorpion KingAge: 52
Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Kelly Ann Hu (born February 13, 1968 simplified Chinese: 胡凯丽; traditional Chinese: 胡凱麗;... more12
16276Jamie Chung
Big Hero 6, Sucker PunchAge: 32
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, USA
Jamie Jilynn Chung (born April 10, 1983) is an American actress, and former reality television... more13
15370Harry Shum Jr.
Glee, Step Up 2: The StreetsAge: 33
Birthplace: Puerto Limón, Costa Rica
Harry Shum Jr. (born April 28, 1982) is a Costa Rican-American actor, singer, dancer, and... more14
200105Nora Lum is an American rapper known by the stage name Awkwafina. She originates from the... more15
15777Maggie Q
Nikita, Live Free or Die HardAge: 36
Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Margaret Denise Quigley (born May 22, 1979), professionally known as Maggie Q, is an... more16
8728Will Yun Lee
The Wolverine, ElektraAge: 49
Birthplace: USA, Virginia
Will Yun Lee (born March 22, 1971) is an American actor and martial artist. He is best known... more17
14775Mindy Kaling
The Office, Inside OutAge: 36
Birthplace: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Vera Mindy Chokalingam (born June 24, 1979), known professionally as Mindy Kaling, is an... more18
14776Brenda Song
The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, The Suite Life on DeckAge: 27
Birthplace: Carmichael, California, United States of America
Brenda Song (born March 27, 1988) is an American actress. Song started in show business as a... more19
11450BD Wong
Jurassic Park, MulanAge: 59
Birthplace: California, United States of America
Bradley Darryl Wong (born October 24, 1960) is an American actor. Wong won a Tony Award for... more20
9638Lou Diamond Phillips
La Bamba, Courage Under FireAge: 58
Birthplace: U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay, Philippines
Louis Diamond Phillips (born February 17, 1962) is an American actor and director. His... more21
6714Ali Wong
Savages, Super SleuthsAge: 33
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, USA
Alexandra Dawn "Ali" Wong (born April 19, 1982) is an American comedienne, actress and writer.... more22
12058Sung Kang
Pearl Harbor, Fast FiveAge: 43
Birthplace: Georgia, USA, Gainesville
Sung Kang (Korean name: Kang Sung-Ho; 강성호; born April 8, 1972) is an American actor. He is... more23
9640James Hong
Blade Runner, Airplane!Age: 86
Birthplace: Minneapolis, USA, Minnesota
James Hong (traditional Chinese: 吳漢章; simplified Chinese: 吴汉章; pinyin: Wú Hànzhāng; Jyutping:... more24
8735Victor Wong
Tremors, Big Trouble in Little ChinaAge: Dec. at 74 (1927-2001)
Birthplace: California, United States of America
Victor Wong may refer to: Victor Wong (actor born 1927) (1927–2001) Victor Wong (actor born... more25
11364Aziz Ansari
Parks and Recreation, Ice Age: Continental DriftAge: 32
Birthplace: Columbia, South Carolina, USA
Aziz Ismail Ansari (born February 23, 1983) is an American actor, writer, producer, director,... more
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