Asian actors have long been underrepresented on the silver screen, often relegated to playing characters predominantly informed by racist stereotypes (Long Dong Duk, anyone?). But over the past few years, the topic of representation has finally entered the industry, and with that, more stories have come out of Hollywood that champion the depth and nuance of America’s largest-growing minority group. Thanks to the widespread success of projects like Netflix’s Kpop Demon Hunters and the Oscar-winning film Everything Everywhere All At Once, there are now so many incredible films and TV shows that have opened the door for Asian actors to shine as leading roles, and launch their careers as movie stars in their own right.
It’s not even just about the participation trophy of tokenized representation anymore, but about subverting what is traditionally depicted of minorities in America by highlighting them as whole people with their own individual experiences in mass media, the way that their white peers are casted. Asian actors are breaking ceilings and being seen as action heroes, rom-com protagonists, supervillains and iconic comedians. And while there is still a long way to go for equitable representation of Asian and Pacific Islander people in America, it seems that Hollywood is finally realizing the importance of appealing to all viewers, and sharing all different kinds of stories.
Ahead, read about some of the young Asian actors and actresses who are paving the way for this new era of storytelling, and what they’re up to now.
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