Top 10 Famous Asian Actors: Celebrating Iconic Stars from Asia

In a world where stories transcend borders, Asian actors have emerged as powerful storytellers, captivating audiences across generations with exceptional talent and versatility. From the silver screen to various platforms, these performers have shattered stereotypes and redefined representation, breathing life into complex characters that resonate deeply with viewers.

Let’s highlight the ten most famous Asian actors who have not only thrilled us with unforgettable performances but also left an indelible mark in the industry, inspiring upcoming generations of artists and fans alike.

List of Famous Asian Actors

1: Jackie Chan

Date of Birth: April 7, 1954, Victoria Peak, Hong Kong

Best Works:

• Senior Inspector Chan Kwok Wing in Police Story
• Wong Fei Hung in Drunken Master II
• Sergeant Dragon in Project A
• Jackie in Armor of God II: Operation Condor
• Thomas in Wheels on Meals

Accolades:

• Academy Awards
• Asia-Pacific Film
• Hong Kong Film Awards
• Hollywood Film Awards
• Taurus World Stunt Awards

Hong Kong actor Jackie Chan has cemented his legacy in the entertainment industry since his debut. Renowned for his acrobatic fighting technique, comic timing, and innovative stunts, Chan has secured his place among the most famous Asian actors.

In 1962, Chan made his film debut in Big and Little Wong Tin Bar. He discovered his unique blend of comedy and martial arts, achieving his first major breakthrough with the action-comedy Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow in 1978.

Throughout his career, Chan has been celebrated for performing his own death-defying stunts, earning him the Guinness World Record for “Most Stunts by a Living Actor.”

2: Michelle Yeoh

Date of Birth: August 6, 1962, Ipoh, Malaysia

Best Works:

• Dai Feng in Boss Level
• Ching in The Heroic Trio
• Florence in Gunpowder Milkshake
• Saiva in Far North
• Tso Ngan Kwan in Master Z: Ip Man Legacy

Accolades:

• Academy Awards
• Critics’ Choice Super Awards
• Golden Globe Awards
• Screen Actors Guild Awards

Malaysian-born actress Michelle Yeoh is renowned for her daring stunts and is considered one of the greatest female action movie stars. She began her acting career in action and martial arts films, with a breakthrough role in Yes, Madam in 1985, which set the stage for her future success. Yeoh’s remarkable physical prowess, combined with her nuanced emotional performances, has made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

With her dedication to her craft and commitment to portraying influential roles, Yeoh continues to influence the global film landscape.

3: Lucy Liu

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

Best Work:

• Pearl in Payback
• Sienna in Stage Mother
• Alex Munday in Charlie’s Angels
• O-Ren Ishii in Kill Bill: Volume 1
• Kirsten Stevens in Set It Up

Accolades:

• Blockbuster Entertainment Awards
• Critics Choice Awards
• Screen Actors Guild Awards
• Teen Choice Awards

Lucy Liu is a talented American actress known for her ability to portray strong villainous roles. With her versatility and skill, Liu has become one of the most famous Asian actors, carving out a distinctive niche in the entertainment industry.

Liu gained international recognition for her role as Ling Woo in the American television series Ally McBeal. In addition to her acting prowess, Liu is also a skilled voice-over artist, lending her voice to Master Viper in the first three episodes of the Kung Fu Panda franchise and Silvermist in the Tinker Bell series.

4: Ken Jeong

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

Best Works:

• Dr. Kuni in Knocked Up
• King Argotron in Role Models
• Venom in Zookeeper
• Jonny Wu in Pain & Gain
• Daro in Vampires Suck

Accolades:

• TV Guide Awards
• The Streamy Awards
• Gold Derby Awards

Ken Jeong is a multitalented American stand-up comedian, actor, and physician renowned for his unique blend of humor. He has captivated audiences worldwide. His breakthrough role as Leslie Chow in The Hangover film series catapulted him to stardom, establishing him as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after comedic actors.

Jeong consistently brings laughter to audiences and continues to create high-quality content, including his Netflix stand-up special, You Complete Me, Ho.

5: Ali Wong

Date of Birth: April 19, 1982, San Francisco, California, U.S

Best Works:

• Amy Lau in Beef
• Bertie in Tuca & Bertie
• Doris in American Housewife
• Ali in Father Figures
• Sasha Tran in Always Be My Maybe

Accolades:

• Critics Choice Awards
• Primetime Emmy Awards
• Golden Globe Awards
• Gotham Awards
• Screen Actors Guild Awards

Ali Wong is a popular American comedian and actress known for her fearless humor and sharp wit. She has charmed audiences with her unique storytelling and unapologetic style. Wong gained international recognition for her Netflix stand-up specials, including Baby Cobra and Hard Knock Wife.

In 2011, Wong made her television stand-up debut on The Tonight Show, marking a significant milestone in her career. Since then, she has continued to inspire audiences and redefine comedy, establishing herself as a notable influence in the entertainment industry.

6: Chow Yun-Fat

Date of Birth: May 18, 1955, Lamma Island, Hong Kong

Best Works:

• Master Huang in Let the Bullets Fly
• Tequila Yuen in Hard Boiled
• Ko Chow in City on Fire
• Gou Fei in Full Contact
• Master Li Mu Bai in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Accolades:

• Asia-Pacific Film Festival
• Golden Horse Film Festival
• Hong Kong Film Awards
• Huabiao Film Awards
• Asian Film Awards

Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-Fat has made his name with versatility, spanning action, melodrama, comedy, and historical drama. He touched the heights of success with his role in A Better Tomorrow, which established him as a box-office superstar in Asia.

In 1998, Chow made his Hollywood debut in The Replacement Killers. He played a pivotal role in bringing Hong Kong gangster films to global prominence and has become synonymous with action-packed cinema, leaving an enduring influence on audiences worldwide. Chow’s dynamic on-screen presence and highly entertaining performances continued to keep him in great demand in the film industry.

7: Jet Li

Date of Birth: April 26, 1963, Beijing, China

Best Works:

• Huo Yuanjia in Fearless
• Nameless in Hero
• Sam Wong in Ocean Heaven
• Wah Sing Ku in Lethal Weapon 4
• Danny in Unleashed

Accolades:

• Hong Kong Film Awards
• Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards
• Shanghai Film Critics Awards
• Golden Koala Chinese Film Festival

Jet Li, a Chinese-born Singaporean star, is a legendary martial artist and actor whose incredible talent, agility, and on-screen presence have captivated audiences worldwide.

Li began his acting career in 1982 with his debut film, Shaolin Temple. The film received critical acclaim and instantly catapulted him to stardom in East Asia, which made him one of the most famous Asian actors. Throughout his career, Li has mesmerized audiences with his lightning-fast martial arts moves, leaving a lasting legacy in the martial arts and film industries.

8: Lana Condor

Date of Birth: May 11, 1997, Can Tho, Vietnam

Best Works:

• Saya Kuroki in Deadly Class
• Koyomi in Alita: Battle Angel
• Sophie in Moonshot
• Lexi in Summer Night
• Allison in High School Lover

Accolades:

• MTV Movie & TV Awards
• Hollywood Critics Association Awards

Lana Condor, a Vietnamese-born American actress and YouTuber, made her debut in 2016 as Jubilee in the superhero film X-Men: Apocalypse. She gained international fame for her charming portrayal of Lara Jean Covey in the romantic comedy To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.

With her talent and undeniable screen presence, Condor has quickly become one of the most promising young actresses, making a significant impact in the entertainment industry.

9: Simu Liu

Date of Birth: April 19, 1989, Harbin, China

Best Works:

• Ken in Barbie
• Jung Kim in Kim’s Convenience
• Gilbert in Women Is Losers
• Casey in Simulant
• Sam in One True Loves

Accolades:

• People’s Choice Awards
• Canadian Screen Awards
• Golden Schmoes Awards
• Hollywood Critics Association

Simu Liu is a renowned Canadian actor best known for portraying Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Liu debuted his feature film in 2015 with Blood and Water, where his talent captivated audiences worldwide.

Being a versatile actor, Liu excels in both television and film roles and has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. In addition to his acting prowess, he is highly trained in martial arts and stunt work, further enhancing his dynamic performances on screen.

10: Andrea Bang

Date of Birth: May 2, 1989, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Best Works:

• Susan Crowe in A Small Fortune
• Evelyn in Dear David
• Stephanie Kim Luce
• Penny in Fresh
• Grace in Stay the Night film

Accolades:

• Leo Awards
• Queen Palm International Film Festival

Andrea Bang is a renowned Canadian actress and screenwriter, best known for her role as Janet Kim in the CBC comedy Kim’s Convenience, where she starred alongside Simu Liu. In 2015, Bang made her film debut as Francesca in the short film Playdate, captivating audiences with her talent and charisma.

She has since established herself as a notable figure in Canadian film and television, making significant contributions to the industry through her outstanding performances and dedication to her craft, cementing her position among the famous Asian actors.