Actors With Asian Heritage You Might Not Know About

Keanu Reeves is a highly successful actor known for his roles in major action franchises. He has Chinese and Hawaiian heritage through his father and often identifies with his diverse background. The actor rose to international fame after starring in the science fiction hit ‘The Matrix’ as the protagonist Neo. He continued his career with the popular ‘John Wick’ series where he portrays a retired hitman. Reeves remains a prominent figure in Hollywood while maintaining a reputation for his humility and charitable work.

Ben Kingsley

Ben Kingsley is an acclaimed English actor with a career spanning several decades. He was born Krishna Bhanji to a father of Gujarati Indian descent. The actor won an Academy Award for his portrayal of the title character in the historical drama ‘Gandhi’ in the early eighties. He has since appeared in a wide variety of films including ‘Schindler’s List’ and ‘Iron Man 3’ as the Mandarin. Kingsley was knighted for his services to the British film industry and remains a respected figure in cinema.

Darren Criss

Darren Criss is a versatile performer who gained prominence through his work in television and theater. He is of Filipino descent through his mother and has often expressed pride in his heritage. The actor is well known for playing Blaine Anderson in the musical series ‘Glee’ where he showcased his singing abilities. He received critical acclaim for his performance in ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace’ which earned him several major awards. Criss continues to work across various mediums including voice acting and Broadway productions.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar

Mark-Paul Gosselaar is an American actor who first became a household name as a teen star. He is of Indonesian descent through his mother who was born in Bali. The actor is most famous for his role as Zack Morris in the sitcom ‘Saved by the Bell’ during the early nineties. He later transitioned into more mature television roles including leads in ‘NYPD Blue’ and ‘Franklin and Bash’ for multiple seasons. Gosselaar has maintained a steady career in the television industry for over thirty years.

Rob Schneider

Rob Schneider is a comedian and actor who rose to fame during his time on ‘Saturday Night Live’ as a cast member. He is of Filipino descent through his maternal grandmother and often references his background in his work. The actor starred in several successful comedy films such as ‘Deuce Bigalow Male Gigolo’ and ‘The Hot Chick’ in the late nineties. He is also known for his frequent collaborations with fellow comedian Adam Sandler in various productions. Schneider continues to perform stand up comedy and work on independent film projects today.

Dean Cain

Dean Cain is an American actor best known for his portrayal of a classic superhero on television. He has Japanese heritage through his biological father and has discussed his identity in various interviews. The actor starred as Clark Kent in the popular nineties series ‘Lois and Clark’ for several seasons. He has also hosted the long running television program ‘Ripley’s Believe It or Not’ during the early two thousands. Cain continues to appear in various films and guest star on modern television dramas regularly.

Lou Diamond Phillips

Lou Diamond Phillips is a seasoned actor who achieved breakout success in the late eighties. He was born in the Philippines and has a diverse background that includes Filipino and Cherokee ancestry. The actor played the legendary Ritchie Valens in the biographical film ‘La Bamba’ which launched his career. He also received critical praise for his role in ‘Stand and Deliver’ and his work in the ‘Young Guns’ franchise. Phillips has since become a fixture on television with prominent roles in series like ‘Longmire’ and ‘Prodigal Son’ lately.

Fred Armisen

Fred Armisen is a talented comedian and musician who is recognized for his eccentric characters. He has a unique heritage that includes Japanese and Korean roots through his paternal lineage. The actor was a long time cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’ where he performed various impressions and sketches. He is also the co creator and star of the sketch comedy series ‘Portlandia’ which won several awards. Armisen often integrates his musical skills into his acting roles and television appearances.

Charles Melton

Charles Melton is a rising star in the entertainment industry known for his work in television dramas. He is of Korean descent through his mother and spent part of his childhood living in Asia. The actor gained a large following for his portrayal of Reggie Mantle in the popular series ‘Riverdale’ starting in the second season. He also starred in the romantic drama film ‘The Sun Is Also a Star’ based on a best selling novel. Melton continues to take on challenging roles in both television and feature films today.

Ross Butler

Ross Butler is an American actor who has appeared in several major projects aimed at young adults. He has Chinese and Malaysian heritage and was born in Singapore before moving to the United States. The actor is well known for his role as Zach Dempsey in the drama series ’13 Reasons Why’ on Netflix. He also appeared in ‘Riverdale’ and the superhero film ‘Shazam’ as the adult version of Eugene. Butler is an advocate for better representation of Asian American actors in the industry.

Dave Bautista

Dave Bautista is a former professional wrestler who transitioned into a highly successful acting career. He is of Filipino descent through his father and has often shared his pride in his roots. The actor is globally recognized for his role as Drax the Destroyer in the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise. He has also appeared in high profile films like ‘Glass Onion’ and ‘Dune’ in recent years. Bautista is known for his physical presence and his ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles.

Andrew Koji

Andrew Koji is a British actor and martial artist who has led several major projects in recent years. He has Japanese heritage through his father and often utilizes his physical skills in his roles. The actor stars as the main character Ah Sahm in the martial arts drama series ‘Warrior’ which is based on an original concept by Bruce Lee. He also appeared in the film ‘Bullet Train’ where he played a key role alongside major Hollywood stars. Koji continues to be a rising talent in the action and drama genres.

Henry Golding

Henry Golding is a Malaysian and English actor who became an overnight sensation in Hollywood. He was born in Malaysia and has Iban heritage through his mother from the Sarawak region. The actor made his film debut as the lead character Nick Young in the blockbuster romantic comedy ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ in twenty eighteen. He has since starred in other major films including ‘A Simple Favor’ and ‘Last Christmas’ opposite prominent actresses. Golding is often celebrated for his charm and his contribution to Asian representation in leading roles.

Avan Jogia

Avan Jogia is a Canadian actor and director who rose to fame as a teenager on television. He is of Indian heritage through his father and has a diverse background that informs his work. The actor is well known for his role as Beck Oliver in the sitcom ‘Victorious’ where he appeared for several seasons. He later took on more serious roles in series like ‘Tut’ and the action horror film ‘Resident Evil Welcome to Raccoon City’ recently. Jogia is also an author and has written about his experiences with mixed identity.

Ryan Potter

Ryan Potter is an American actor and martial artist who started his career at a young age. He has Japanese heritage through his father and spent several years living in Tokyo as a child. The actor provided the voice for Hiro Hamada in the animated film ‘Big Hero 6’ and its subsequent television series. He also portrays the character Beast Boy in the live action series ‘Titans’ based on the DC Comics team. Potter is known for performing many of his own stunts thanks to his extensive background in martial arts.

Booboo Stewart

Booboo Stewart is a multi talented performer who began his career as a child actor and musician. He has a diverse heritage that includes Japanese and Chinese roots from his father’s side of the family. The actor is well known for his role as Seth Clearwater in ‘The Twilight Saga’ film series. He also starred as Jay in the popular ‘Descendants’ franchise on the Disney Channel for several years. Stewart continues to work in both film and television while also pursuing his passion for music and art.

Sung Kang

Sung Kang is an American actor who gained fame for his recurring role in a major action franchise. He is of Korean descent and has been active in the film industry since the late nineties. The actor is most famous for playing Han Lue in the ‘Fast and Furious’ series where he became a fan favorite. He first appeared as the character in the film ‘Better Luck Tomorrow’ which was directed by Justin Lin. Kang has also appeared in various television shows including ‘Power’ and ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ more recently.

Brian Tee

Brian Tee is a versatile actor who has appeared in numerous high profile films and television series. He is of Japanese and Korean heritage and was born in Okinawa before moving to the United States. The actor is well known for his role as Dr. Ethan Choi in the medical drama ‘Chicago Med’ for several seasons. He also played the main antagonist DK in ‘The Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift’ early in his career. Tee has appeared in big budget films such as ‘The Wolverine’ and ‘Jurassic World’ during his lengthy career.

Ian Anthony Dale

Ian Anthony Dale is an American actor who has been a regular presence on television for many years. He is of Japanese descent through his mother and often plays roles that highlight his heritage. The actor is known for his work in the series ‘Hawaii Five-0’ where he played the character Adam Noshimuri. He also had leading roles in projects like ‘The Event’ and the drama series ‘Salvation’ more recently. Dale continues to find success in both network television and independent film projects.

Leonardo Nam

Leonardo Nam is an actor who has built a successful career playing a variety of diverse characters. He is of Korean descent and was born in Argentina before eventually moving to Australia and then America. The actor is well known for his role as Felix Lutz in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’ on HBO. He also appeared in films like ‘The Perfect Score’ and ‘The Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift’ during his early career. Nam is recognized for his range and his ability to bring depth to his supporting roles.

Steven Yeun

Steven Yeun is an acclaimed actor who first rose to prominence on a hit cable television show. He was born in Seoul and moved to the United States at a young age with his family. The actor is widely known for his portrayal of Glenn Rhee in the horror drama series ‘The Walking Dead’ for many years. He received an Academy Award nomination for his lead role in the film ‘Minari’ which explores the immigrant experience. Yeun has also starred in the thriller ‘Burning’ and the comedy drama series ‘Beef’ recently.

Manny Jacinto

Manny Jacinto is a talented actor who gained critical acclaim for his comedic timing on television. He was born in the Philippines and moved to Canada when he was a young child. The actor is most famous for his role as Jason Mendoza in the sitcom ‘The Good Place’ which ran for four seasons. He has also appeared in the action film ‘Top Gun Maverick’ and the series ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ in recent years. Jacinto is often praised for his versatility and his ability to play a wide range of characters.

Jacob Batalon

Jacob Batalon is an American actor who rose to international fame for his role in a major superhero franchise. He is of Filipino descent and has often spoken about the importance of representation in film. The actor plays Ned Leeds in the ‘Spider-Man’ films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe alongside Tom Holland. He also starred in the lead role of the series ‘Reginald the Vampire’ where he played a reluctant supernatural creature. Batalon continues to be a popular figure among fans of modern blockbusters.

Nico Santos

Nico Santos is a comedian and actor who is best known for his work on a popular television sitcom. He was born in the Philippines and moved to the United States during his teenage years. The actor starred as Mateo Liwanag in the series ‘Superstore’ where he became a standout cast member. He also appeared in the hit film ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ as the character Oliver T’sien. Santos is known for his sharp wit and his ability to deliver memorable comedic performances.

Jordan Fisher

Jordan Fisher is a multi talented entertainer who has found success in acting and music and dance. He has a diverse heritage that includes Cambodian ancestry through his biological father. The actor is known for his roles in the ‘Teen Beach Movie’ franchise and the series ‘The Secret Life of the American Teenager’ early on. He also starred in the Netflix film ‘To All the Boys PS I Still Love You’ as the character John Ambrose McClaren. Fisher has also performed on Broadway in major productions like ‘Hamilton’ and ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ recently.

Lewis Tan

Lewis Tan is a British actor and martial artist who has appeared in several major action projects. He is of Chinese descent through his father who was a well known martial artist and stunt coordinator. The actor played the lead role of Cole Young in the ‘Mortal Kombat’ reboot released in twenty twenty one. He also appeared in the series ‘Into the Badlands’ and the Marvel film ‘Deadpool 2’ as the character Shatterstar. Tan is recognized for his physical athleticism and his dedication to performing his own action sequences.

Daniel Henney

Daniel Henney is an actor and model who has had a successful career in both Asia and the United States. He is of Korean descent through his mother and first gained fame in South Korean television dramas. The actor is well known for his role as Matthew Simmons in the procedural series ‘Criminal Minds’ and its spin off. He also provided the voice for Tadashi Hamada in the popular animated film ‘Big Hero 6’ from Disney. Henney currently stars in the fantasy series ‘The Wheel of Time’ as the character Lan Mandragoran.

Joel de la Fuente

Joel de la Fuente is a seasoned actor who has worked extensively in television and theater. He is of Filipino descent and has been active in the industry for several decades. The actor is most famous for his role as Chief Inspector Kido in the series ‘The Man in the High Castle’ on Amazon. He also played Dr. Johann Pryce in the horror series ‘Hemlock Grove’ for several seasons. De la Fuente is known for his commanding screen presence and his ability to play complex authority figures.

BD Wong

BD Wong is a distinguished actor who has won major awards for his work on stage and screen. He is of Chinese descent and has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for many years. The actor is well known for his role as Dr. Henry Wu in the ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘Jurassic World’ film franchises. He also received critical acclaim for his performance as Whiterose in the drama series ‘Mr. Robot’ recently. Wong is a Tony Award winner and continues to take on diverse and challenging roles in the industry.

Ronny Chieng

Ronny Chieng is a comedian and actor who has gained international popularity for his sharp humor. He was born in Malaysia and raised in Singapore and Australia before moving to the United States. The actor is a senior correspondent on ‘The Daily Show’ where he provides comedic commentary on current events. He also starred in the film ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and the Marvel film ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ recently. Chieng has his own comedy specials on Netflix and continues to perform stand up globally.

Hasan Minhaj

Hasan Minhaj is a comedian and actor who is known for his political satire and storytelling. He is of Indian descent and often explores his heritage and upbringing in his work. The actor gained fame as a correspondent on ‘The Daily Show’ before creating his own series ‘Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj’ on Netflix. He has also appeared in films like ‘The Spy Who Dumped Me’ and the drama series ‘The Morning Show’ recently. Minhaj is recognized for his ability to blend comedy with informative social commentary.

Utkarsh Ambudkar

Utkarsh Ambudkar is a versatile actor and rapper who has appeared in many popular films and shows. He is of Indian heritage and has been active in the industry since the mid two thousands. The actor is known for his roles in the musical comedy ‘Pitch Perfect’ and the series ‘The Mindy Project’ early in his career. He currently stars in the sitcom ‘Ghosts’ and appeared in the film ‘Free Guy’ alongside Ryan Reynolds. Ambudkar is also a member of the hip hop group Freestyle Love Supreme created by Lin Manuel Miranda.

Danny Pudi

Danny Pudi is an American actor and comedian who is beloved for his quirky characters. He is of Indian heritage through his father and often highlights his multicultural background. The actor is most famous for his role as Abed Nadir in the comedy series ‘Community’ which ran for six seasons. He has also appeared in the series ‘Mythic Quest’ and provided voices for various animated projects like ‘DuckTales’ recently. Pudi is known for his unique comedic delivery and his ability to play highly intelligent characters.

Sendhil Ramamurthy

Sendhil Ramamurthy is an actor who has appeared in several popular television dramas over the years. He is of Indian descent and has worked in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The actor is best known for his role as Mohinder Suresh in the science fiction series ‘Heroes’ which was a global hit. He also appeared in the series ‘Covert Affairs’ and had a recurring role in ‘The Flash’ as the character Bloodwork. Ramamurthy continues to be a regular presence on television in both leading and supporting roles.

Kunal Nayyar

Kunal Nayyar is an actor who became a household name for his work on a long running sitcom. He was born in London and raised in India before moving to the United States for his studies. The actor is most famous for playing Raj Koothrappali in ‘The Big Bang Theory’ for twelve seasons. He has also branched out into dramatic roles in projects like the series ‘Criminal UK’ and the film ‘The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry’ recently. Nayyar also provides the voice for the character Guy Diamond in the ‘Trolls’ film franchise.

Bobby Lee

Bobby Lee is a comedian and actor who is known for his physical comedy and candid personality. He is of Korean descent and began his career in the world of stand up comedy. The actor was a long time cast member on the sketch comedy series ‘MADtv’ where he created many memorable characters. He has also appeared in films like ‘Pineapple Express’ and the series ‘Magnum PI’ as a recurring guest star. Lee hosts a popular podcast where he discusses his life and career in the entertainment industry.

Jimmy O. Yang

Jimmy O. Yang is an actor and comedian who has achieved success in television and film. He was born in Hong Kong and moved to the United States when he was thirteen years old. The actor gained fame for his role as Jian-Yang in the comedy series ‘Silicon Valley’ on HBO. He also starred in the romantic comedy film ‘Love Hard’ and appeared in the blockbuster ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ as Bernard Tai. Yang is also an author who has written about his experiences as an immigrant in Hollywood.

Harry Shum Jr.

Harry Shum Jr. is a talented actor and dancer who has worked on many popular projects. He has Chinese heritage and was born in Costa Rica before moving to the United States. The actor is well known for his role as Mike Chang in the musical series ‘Glee’ where he showcased his dancing skills. He also played Magnus Bane in the fantasy series ‘Shadowhunters’ and appeared in the film ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ recently. Shum Jr. continues to be a prominent figure in both television dramas and feature films.

Chris Pang

Chris Pang is an Australian actor who has found success in international film and television. He is of Chinese descent and has appeared in several high profile action and comedy projects. The actor is best known for his role as Colin Khoo in the hit film ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ which was a major success. He also appeared in ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and the martial arts film ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Sword of Destiny’ during his career. Pang is recognized for his athletic ability and his roles in modern ensemble casts.

Desmond Chiam

Desmond Chiam is an Australian actor who has appeared in several major American television series. He is of Chinese heritage and has a background in law before transitioning into the acting profession. The actor is known for his role as Dovic in the Marvel series ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’ on Disney Plus. He also starred in the series ‘Reef Break’ and appeared in the fantasy show ‘The Shannara Chronicles’ as General Riga. Chiam continues to take on diverse roles in the action and drama genres today.

Remy Hii

Remy Hii is an Australian actor who has appeared in several popular international productions. He is of Chinese and Malaysian descent and has been active in the industry for over a decade. The actor is known for his role as Prince Jingim in the series ‘Marco Polo’ on Netflix. He also appeared in the film ‘Spider-Man Far From Home’ as Brad Davis and the series ‘Harrow’ as Simon Van Reyk. Hii has received awards for his work in Australian television and continues to expand his career globally.

Alex Landi

Alex Landi is an American actor and model who gained fame for his role on a long running medical drama. He is of Korean and Italian heritage and has often spoken about his mixed background. The actor is most famous for playing Dr. Nico Kim in the series ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ starting in the fifteenth season. He has also appeared in the series ‘Insatiable’ and ‘Walker’ in various guest and recurring roles. Landi is recognized as one of the first gay male Asian surgeons depicted on primetime television.

Ki Hong Lee

Ki Hong Lee is an actor who is best known for his role in a successful young adult film franchise. He was born in Seoul and lived in New Zealand before moving to the United States as a child. The actor played the character Minho in ‘The Maze Runner’ film series based on the popular novels. He also appeared as Dong Nguyen in the comedy series ‘Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ on Netflix for several seasons. Lee has been recognized for his performances in both independent films and major studio productions.

Justin H. Min

Justin H. Min is an American actor who has gained a significant following for his work on television. He is of Korean descent and has been active in the entertainment industry for several years. The actor is well known for his role as Ben Hargreeves in the series ‘The Umbrella Academy’ on Netflix. He also starred in the critically acclaimed film ‘After Yang’ where he played the title character. Min continues to take on unique and challenging roles in both the science fiction and drama genres.

Ke Huy Quan

Ke Huy Quan is an actor who recently made a highly successful return to the film industry. He was born in Vietnam and moved to the United States as a refugee when he was a young child. The actor first gained fame as a child star in ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ and ‘The Goonies’ in the eighties. He recently won an Academy Award for his role as Waymond Wang in the film ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ in twenty twenty two. Quan has since appeared in the series ‘Loki’ and the film ‘American Born Chinese’ as well.

Simu Liu

Simu Liu is a Canadian actor who achieved worldwide fame as a superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He was born in China and moved to Canada when he was five years old to join his parents. The actor starred as the title character in ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’ which broke several box office records. He is also well known for his role as Jung Kim in the sitcom ‘Kim’s Convenience’ for five seasons. Liu has since appeared in the ‘Barbie’ movie and hosted various award ceremonies.

Kumail Nanjiani

Kumail Nanjiani is a comedian and actor who has transitioned from television roles to major film projects. He was born in Pakistan and moved to the United States for his university education. The actor starred in the comedy series ‘Silicon Valley’ as Dinesh Chugtai for the duration of the show. He received an Academy Award nomination for co writing the semi autobiographical film ‘The Big Sick’ in which he also starred. Nanjiani joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Kingo in the film ‘Eternals’ and starred in the series ‘Welcome to Chippendales’ recently.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel is an English actor who first gained international recognition for his debut film role. He is of Indian heritage and was born and raised in London by his parents. The actor starred as Jamal Malik in the Academy Award winning film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ in two thousand eight. He received further acclaim and an Oscar nomination for his role in the film ‘Lion’ and starred in ‘The Personal History of David Copperfield’ later. Patel recently made his directorial debut with the action thriller ‘Monkey Man’ which he also starred in.

Riz Ahmed

Riz Ahmed is a British actor and musician who has won several prestigious awards for his work. He is of Pakistani descent and has often advocated for better representation in the film industry. The actor won an Emmy Award for his role in the miniseries ‘The Night Of’ on HBO. He received an Academy Award nomination for his performance as a drummer losing his hearing in the film ‘Sound of Metal’ recently. Ahmed has also appeared in major franchises like ‘Star Wars’ in the film ‘Rogue One’ as the pilot Bodhi Rook.

John Cho

John Cho is a pioneering Korean American actor who has led several major film and television projects. He was born in Seoul and moved to the United States as a young child with his family. The actor is well known for his role as Harold Lee in the ‘Harold and Kumar’ film series. He also played Hikaru Sulu in the ‘Star Trek’ reboot films and starred in the thriller ‘Searching’ which was a critical hit. Cho continues to be a leading figure for Asian American representation in diverse cinematic genres.

Tell us which of these talented actors and their performances surprised you the most in the comments.