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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Pat Morita
The Karate Kid, MulanAge: Dec. at 73 (1932-2005)
Birthplace: Isleton, USA, California
Noriyuki "Pat" Morita (June 28, 1932 – November 24, 2005) was an American actor and comedian... more on Wikipedia - 2335111
Lucy Liu
Kill Bill: Vol. 1, Lucky Number SlevinAge: 47
Birthplace: Jackson Heights, New York City, New York, USA
Lucy Liu (born December 2, 1968) is an American actress, voice actress, director, and artist... more on Wikipedia - 323663
Daniel 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,... more on Wikipedia - 429997
John 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... more on Wikipedia - 528992
Ken 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... more on Wikipedia - 625876
Randall 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... more on Wikipedia - 722672
Steven 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... more on Wikipedia - 8290117
Constance 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... more on Wikipedia - 922892
Ki 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... more on Wikipedia - 1015964
Harry 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... more on Wikipedia - 1112944
Mako 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... more on Wikipedia - 1216674
Jamie 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... more on Wikipedia - 1314057
Kelly 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;... more on Wikipedia - 14Nora Lum is an American rapper known by the stage name Awkwafina. She originates from the... more on Wikipedia196104
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Maggie 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... more on Wikipedia - 1611749
BD Wong
Jurassic Park, MulanAge: 59
Birthplace: San Francisco, California, USA
Bradley Darryl Wong (born October 24, 1960) is an American actor. Wong won a Tony Award for... more on Wikipedia - 178827
Will 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... more on Wikipedia - 1814977
Brenda 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... more on Wikipedia - 1914677
Mindy Kaling
The Office, Inside OutAge: 36
Birthplace: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Vera Mindy Chokalingam (born June 24, 1979), known professionally as Mindy Kaling, is an... more on Wikipedia - 2012259
Sung Kang
Pearl Harbor, Fast FiveAge: 43
Birthplace: Gainesville, Georgia, USA
Sung Kang (Korean name: Kang Sung-Ho; 강성호; born April 8, 1972) is an American actor. He is... more on Wikipedia - 216413
Ali 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.... more on Wikipedia - 228934
Victor 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... more on Wikipedia - 239438
Lou 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... more on Wikipedia - 249341
James Hong
Blade Runner, Airplane!Age: 86
Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
James Hong (traditional Chinese: 吳漢章; simplified Chinese: 吴汉章; pinyin: Wú Hànzhāng; Jyutping:... more on Wikipedia - 259546
Daniel Wu
Around the World in 80 Days, New Police StoryAge: 46
Birthplace: Berkeley, California, USA
Daniel Wu Yan-Zu (Chinese: 吳彥祖; pinyin: Wú Yànzǔ; born September 30, 1974) is an American-Hong... more on Wikipedia
