Top 10 Asian American Actors Shining in TV, Film, and Beyond

Asian American actors have been breaking barriers and reshaping Hollywood with their powerful performances and rich storytelling. While the entertainment industry has long grappled with underrepresentation, these actors rose to the challenge, proving their immense talent and redefining what it means to be a leading star.

From commanding the screen in major films to delivering unforgettable roles on television, their presence has been nothing short of transformative. As trailblazers who bring authenticity, diversity, and emotional depth to their craft, they continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations.

So, let’s get deeper and explore more about the top ten Asian American actors who are shining and shaping the future of entertainment with their incredible artistry and influence.

List of Asian American Actors

1: Will Yun Lee

Date of Birth: March 22, 1971, Arlington, Virginia, U.S

Best Works:

• Danny Woo in Witchblade
• Marcus in Four Assassins
• Kenuichio Harada in The Wolverine
• Takashi in Where the Road Meets the Sun
• Samuel Kim in 5 Star Day
• Joey in Setup

Accolades:

• WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival
• Action on Film International Film Festival

American actor and renowned martial artist Will Yun Lee is hailed for his portrayal of Danny Woo in the supernatural drama Witchblade. Lee has gained widespread recognition for his compelling villainous roles in Hollywood, where his extraordinary talent and captivating presence have made a lasting impact.

With his dynamic performances and undeniable charisma, Lee continues to stand out as one of the top Asian American actors in both film and television, solidifying his place in the entertainment world.

2: Jason Scott Lee

Date of Birth: November 19, 1966, Los Angeles, California, U.S.

Best Works:

• Noro in Rapa Nui
• Oraz in Nomad: The Warrior
• Hades Dai in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny
• Kyle in Ghoulies III: Ghoulies Go to College
• Bori Khan in Mulan

Accolades:

• Chicago Film Critics Association Awards (Nominated 1994)
• MTV Movie and TV Awards (Nominated 1994)
• DVD Exclusive Awards (Nominated 2003)

Jason Scott Lee, a renowned American actor and martial artist, gained international recognition for his portrayal of Bruce Lee in the 1993 martial arts film Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story. A year earlier, in 1992, Lee took on his first role as a main lead in the romantic drama Map of the Human Heart, earning critical acclaim for his powerful performance.

Known for his agility and mastery of martial arts, Lee continues to captivate audiences with his remarkable performances, leaving an inspiring legacy in film and action.

3: Daniel Wu

Date of Birth: September 30, 1974, Berkeley, California, U.S.

Best Works:

• Lu Ren in Tomb Raider
• Prince Wu Luan in The Banquet
• Jack Chen in Naked Weapon
• Jie in Shinjuku Incident
• Lai-fu in One Nite in Mongkok

Accolades:

• Golden Horse Awards
• Hong Kong Film Awards
• Chinese Film Media Awards
• Asian World Film Festival

With an amazing career spanning over 25 years, Daniel Wu has gained recognition for his work in action, martial arts, and drama films, showcasing both his acting prowess and physical agility. Wu made his film debut in Bishonen (1998), and his breakthrough role in Gen-X Cops (1999) marked a pivotal moment in his career.

Since then, Wu has solidified his status as one of the most prominent Asian American actors in the global entertainment landscape, admired for his talent, versatility, and enduring presence on screen.

4: Maggie Q

Date of Birth: May 22, 1979, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.

Best Works:

• Mai Linh in Live Free or Die Hard
• Tori Wu in Divergent
• Priestess in Priest
• Sarah in Pivoting
• Hannah Wells in Designated Survivor

Accolades:

• Asian Excellence Awards
• Hawaii International Film Festival

Maggie Q, a prominent American actress and model, is renowned for her dynamic roles in high-octane action films and captivating dramas. She made her acting debut in 2000 with the Hong Kong film Model from Hell, but it was her breakout performance in the CW’s hit series Nikita that catapulted her to international stardom, earning widespread acclaim for her fierce and commanding presence.

From her early days as a model to her meteoric rise as an action star, Maggie Q continues to break barriers, inspiring audiences worldwide with her talent, dedication, and relentless work ethic.

5: Lucy Liu

Date of Birth: December 2, 1968, New York City, U.S.

Best Works:

• Princess Pei Pei in Shanghai Noon
• Lindsey in Lucky Number Slevin
• Rita Foster in Cypher
• Cee-Cee in Gridlock’d

Accolades:

• Blockbuster Entertainment Awards
• Critics Choice Awards
• Young Hollywood Awards
• Critics Choice Television Awards

With an exceptional career spanning over three decades, Lucy Liu has become a beloved and influential figure in the film industry, particularly known for her compelling villainous roles. She gained international prominence with her performances in iconic films like Charlie’s Angels and Kill Bill, solidifying her status as a trailblazer for Asian American actors in Hollywood.

Liu’s undeniable charm and captivating portrayals have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Beyond her live-action work, she has lent her voice to animated series like Maya & Miguel and Mulan II, enchanting audiences of all ages with her versatility and talent.

6: Sandra Oh

Date of Birth: July 20, 1971, Nepean, Ontario, Canada

Best Works:

• Ji-Yoon in The Chair
• Stephanie in Sideways
• Veronica in Catfight
• Ava in Meditation Park
• Jenny Yum in Quiz Lady

Accolades:

• Critics’ Choice Movie Awards
• Golden Globe Awards
• Primetime Emmy Awards
• Screen Actors Guild Awards

Renowned Canadian-American actress Sandra Oh is best known for her role as Rita Wu in the series Arliss. Celebrated for her portrayal of strong, dynamic female characters, she has captivated millions of viewers worldwide with her powerful performances.

Oh’s breakthrough role in the medical drama Grey’s Anatomy (2005–2014) catapulted her to international fame. Over the years, she has solidified her reputation as one of the most versatile and respected actors in the industry, continuously leaving a lasting impact on both television and film.

7: John Cho

Date of Birth: June 16, 1972, Seoul, South Korea

Best Works:

• Steve Choe in Better Luck Tomorrow
• Bob McClane in Total Recall
• Dustin Dusty Wong in Big Fat Liar
• Joey in Yellow
• David Kim in Searching

Accolades:

• Boston Society of Film Critics Awards
• Denver Film Critics Society
• American Film Awards

John Cho, a renowned American actor, is best known for his iconic portrayal of Harold Lee in the Harold & Kumar films. With a unique blend of depth, humor, and sincerity, Cho has created unforgettable characters that have resonated deeply with audiences.

His breakthrough role as Hikaru Sulu in the Star Trek film series launched him into international stardom. Beyond his acting achievements, Cho has used his platform to advocate for better visibility and representation of Asian-American actors in the entertainment industry, further cementing his influence and legacy.

8: Ken Jeong

Date of Birth: July 13, 1969, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.

Best Works:

• David Kim in My Spy
• Han in Advantageous
• Angus Tran in All About Steve
• Chris in Killing Hasselhoff
• Felix in Elsewhere

Accolades:

• MTV Movie and TV Awards
• National Board of Review
• TV Guide Awards
• The Streamy Awards
• Gold Derby Awards

Known for his comedic genius and acting prowess, Ken Jeong makes waves in the film industry with his unique blend of humor and undeniable charisma. He gained widespread recognition in the hit comedy film series The Hangover, which showcased his infectious energy and comedic timing.

He consistently brings laughter to audiences, which makes him one of the most demanded comedic actors in Hollywood. His work continues to inspire young artists by breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes.

9: BD Wong

Date of Birth: October 24, 1960, San Francisco, California, U.S.

Best Works:

• Po in Men of War
• Liyuan in Focus
• Oliver Young in White Frog
• Bubba in The Salton Sea
• Ngawang Jigme in Seven Years in Tibet

Accolades:

• Clarence Derwent Awards
• GLAAD Media Awards

John Cho, a renowned American actor, is best known for his iconic portrayal of Harold Lee in the Harold & Kumar films. With a unique blend of depth, humor, and sincerity, Cho has created unforgettable characters that have resonated deeply with audiences.

His breakthrough role as Hikaru Sulu in the Star Trek film series launched him into international stardom. Beyond his acting achievements, Cho has used his platform to advocate for greater visibility and representation of Asian-American actors in the entertainment industry, further cementing his influence and legacy.

10: James Hong

Date of Birth: February 22, 1929, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.

Best Works:

• Gong Gong in Everything Everywhere All at Once
• Wong in Balls of Fury
• Han Jiao in Safe

Accolades:

• Annie Awards
• Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards
• Screen Actors Guild Awards
• Behind the Voice Actors Awards
• Gold Derby Awards

Legendary American actor, producer, and director James Hong is celebrated as one of Hollywood’s most prolific character actors. He first gained international recognition, starring in The New Adventures of Charlie Chan (1957–1958), a detective series that showcased his talent.

In addition to his on-screen performances, Hong has lent his distinctive voice to iconic characters such as Chi-Fu in Mulan, Professor Chang in Teen Titans, and Mr. Ping in Kung Fu Panda. Remarkably, Hong continues to act well into his ninth decade, solidifying his status as one of the most famous and enduring Asian American actors in Hollywood history.