Hollywood Actors You Probably Didn’t Know Were Asian

Many Hollywood stars have diverse ancestral backgrounds that fans may not be aware of during their time on screen. While some performers are vocal about their heritage others have lineages that are less frequently discussed in mainstream media. The history of cinema is filled with individuals from varied ethnic origins who have made significant contributions to the industry. Exploring the backgrounds of these famous figures offers a deeper look at the multicultural fabric of the entertainment world. This list highlights several male actors and notable figures with Asian roots who have achieved success in the global spotlight.

Keanu Reeves

This Canadian actor is widely recognized for his roles in major action franchises like ‘The Matrix’ and ‘John Wick’. His paternal grandmother was of Chinese and Hawaiian descent and he has often spoken about his pride in his heritage. He spent his early childhood moving between several countries before settling in Toronto. His diverse background contributes to his unique screen presence and international appeal. He continues to be one of the most beloved figures in Hollywood for both his work and his character.

Fred Armisen

The comedian and actor is best known for his work on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and the series ‘Portlandia’. While many fans assume he has European roots his paternal grandfather was actually a dancer from Korea. Armisen explored this part of his family history during a documentary series and expressed surprise at the discovery. This heritage adds another layer to his versatile career as a writer and performer. He remains a prominent figure in the world of television comedy and independent film.

Darren Criss

Darren Criss rose to international fame for his portrayal of Blaine Anderson on the television series ‘Glee’. He is of mixed heritage with a mother who was born in Cebu in the Philippines. Criss has frequently discussed his Filipino background and his appreciation for the culture during public appearances. He has won multiple awards for his acting and musical performances on both stage and screen. His career continues to expand through voice acting and dramatic television roles.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar

This actor became a household name for his role as Zack Morris on the popular sitcom ‘Saved by the Bell’. His mother is of Indonesian descent and originally worked as a hostess and flight attendant. Gosselaar has spoken about his mixed heritage in interviews and how it influenced his early life in California. He has maintained a steady career in television by appearing in shows such as ‘NYPD Blue’ and ‘Mixed-ish’. His longevity in the industry makes him a familiar face to multiple generations of viewers.

Dean Cain

Dean Cain is most famous for playing the titular superhero in the series ‘Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman’. His biological father was of Japanese descent which the actor has acknowledged throughout his career. Although he was born with the surname Tanaka he eventually took the name of his adoptive father. Cain was a successful athlete before transitioning into a career in film and television production. He remains active in the entertainment industry through hosting and acting in various projects.

Rob Schneider

Rob Schneider is a well known comedic actor and former cast member of ‘Saturday Night Live’. His maternal grandmother was a Filipino woman who met his grandfather during his military service. This heritage makes Schneider part Asian and he has occasionally referenced his background in his stand up routines. He has starred in several successful films such as ‘Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo’ and ‘The Hot Chick’. Schneider continues to work as a comedian and filmmaker within the Hollywood system.

Lou Diamond Phillips

This actor gained significant acclaim for his breakout performance as Ritchie Valens in the film ‘La Bamba’. He was born at a naval station in the Philippines and is of Filipino and European descent. Phillips has portrayed characters of various ethnicities throughout his long and productive career in Hollywood. He is also recognized for his work in ‘Stand and Deliver’ and the television series ‘Longmire’. His ability to transform into diverse roles has made him a respected figure in the acting community.

Charles Melton

Charles Melton is a rising star known for his role as Reggie Mantle on the teen drama series ‘Riverdale’. He is of Korean and European descent with a mother who immigrated to the United States from South Korea. Melton has often shared his pride in his Korean heritage through social media and press interviews. He recently received critical praise for his performance in the dramatic film ‘May December’. His career is currently on an upward trajectory as he takes on more complex and high profile roles.

Enrique Iglesias

While primarily known as a global music superstar Enrique Iglesias has also appeared in films like ‘Once Upon a Time in Mexico’. He is the son of the famous singer Julio Iglesias and the Filipino socialite Isabel Preysler. His Filipino roots are a significant part of his identity despite his heavy association with Spanish language music. He has sold millions of albums and earned numerous accolades throughout his career in the entertainment world. Iglesias remains one of the most successful crossover artists in modern history.

Dave Bautista

Dave Bautista transitioned from a successful career in professional wrestling to becoming a major Hollywood actor. He is of Filipino and Greek descent with his father being the son of Filipino immigrants. Bautista has a tattoo of the Philippine flag to honor his heritage and he has visited the country several times. He is widely recognized for playing Drax the Destroyer in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and other Marvel films. His dramatic range has also been showcased in movies like ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’.

Ben Kingsley

Sir Ben Kingsley is an Academy Award winning actor known for his incredible versatility on screen. He was born Krishna Pandit Bhanji and is of Indian descent through his father who was from Gujarat. Kingsley chose a stage name early in his career to avoid potential barriers in the British acting industry. He is most famous for his portrayal of the title character in the epic biographical film ‘Gandhi’. His career spans several decades and includes dozens of prestigious roles in film and theater.

Boris Karloff

Boris Karloff was an English actor who became a legend in the horror genre for his role in ‘Frankenstein’. He was born William Henry Pratt and had significant Indian ancestry through his father. This heritage was not widely publicized during his lifetime but it contributed to his unique and striking features. Karloff appeared in hundreds of films and became synonymous with classic cinema monsters. His legacy continues to influence the horror genre and the art of character acting.

Freddie Mercury

The legendary lead singer of Queen was born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar to Parsi-Indian parents. While he is primarily known as a musician he was also a cinematic figure through his iconic filmed performances. His heritage was a central part of his early life although he became a global icon under his stage name. Mercury is widely regarded as one of the greatest vocalists and performers in the history of rock music. The biographical film ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ brought renewed attention to his fascinating life and cultural background.

Eddie Van Halen

The iconic guitarist and co-founder of the band Van Halen was born in the Netherlands. His mother was of Indonesian descent and her heritage played a role in the family moving to the United States. While he is mostly associated with his revolutionary guitar playing he also contributed to several film soundtracks. Van Halen is frequently cited as one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century. His technical skill and innovative style forever changed the landscape of rock and roll.

Alex Van Halen

Alex Van Halen is the drummer and co-founder of the legendary rock group Van Halen alongside his brother. Like his brother he was born to a mother of Indonesian descent and spent his early years in the Netherlands. The brothers shared a unique cultural background that followed them as they became American music icons. Alex provided the powerful rhythmic foundation for the band through decades of tours and hit records. His contributions to the music industry have made him a respected figure among drummers worldwide.

Ne-Yo

The singer and actor Ne-Yo was born Shaffer Chimere Smith and has a diverse ethnic background. He has revealed in interviews that his paternal grandfather was of Chinese descent which contributes to his heritage. Ne-Yo has appeared in several films including ‘Stomp the Yard’ and ‘Battle Los Angeles’. He is also a highly successful songwriter who has written hits for many other major artists. His career continues to thrive across the music and film industries simultaneously.

Tyga

Tyga is a rapper and actor who has appeared in films such as ‘Dope’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in Venice’. His mother is of Vietnamese descent and his father is of Jamaican heritage. He has often shared photos of his mother and spoken about his background in various media outlets. Tyga has released multiple successful albums and is a prominent figure in the hip hop community. His involvement in the entertainment world extends from music to television and fashion.

Anderson .Paak

The multi-talented musician and performer Anderson .Paak has roots that trace back to South Korea. His mother was born in Korea during the war and was later adopted by an American family. He has spoken about the influence of his heritage on his life and his musical journey. In addition to his music career he has directed and appeared in several film projects. His unique blend of soul and hip hop has earned him multiple Grammy Awards and critical acclaim.

Avan Jogia

Avan Jogia is an actor known for his roles in the series ‘Victorious’ and the film ‘Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City’. He is of Indian and European descent and has been vocal about the challenges of being a mixed-race actor in Hollywood. Jogia has also written a book exploring his identity and the experiences of others with diverse backgrounds. He has transitioned from teen stardom to more mature roles in television and independent cinema. His creative work also includes directing and producing short films.

Raymond Ablack

Raymond Ablack is a Canadian actor who has appeared in popular series like ‘Degrassi: The Next Generation’ and ‘Ginny & Georgia’. He is of Indo-Guyanese descent and represents the South Asian diaspora in North America. Ablack has built a steady career in television by playing relatable and charismatic characters. His performances have garnered a dedicated fan base and more opportunities in major streaming productions. He continues to be a prominent example of South Asian representation in modern television.

Sendhil Ramamurthy

Sendhil Ramamurthy gained significant popularity for his role as Mohinder Suresh on the science fiction series ‘Heroes’. He is of Indian descent and both of his parents are physicians who immigrated to the United States. Ramamurthy has appeared in various television shows including ‘Covert Affairs’ and ‘The Flash’. He has often spoken about the importance of South Asian actors taking on roles that are not defined by stereotypes. His career remains active with roles in both American and international projects.

Kal Penn

Kal Penn is an actor and producer who is widely known for the ‘Harold & Kumar’ film series. He was born Kalpen Suresh Modi and is of Indian heritage with parents who immigrated from Gujarat. Penn took a break from acting to serve in the Office of Public Engagement under the Obama administration. He has since returned to the entertainment industry with roles in shows like ‘House’ and ‘Designated Survivor’. His career is a unique blend of successful acting and significant political engagement.

Kumail Nanjiani

Kumail Nanjiani is a comedian and actor who rose to fame on the series ‘Silicon Valley’. He was born in Karachi and moved from Pakistan to the United States for his university studies. Nanjiani received an Academy Award nomination for writing the film ‘The Big Sick’ which was based on his own life. He recently joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a starring role in the film ‘Eternals’. His work continues to break barriers for South Asian performers in leading Hollywood roles.

Aziz Ansari

Aziz Ansari is a comedian and actor who is best known for his role as Tom Haverford on ‘Parks and Recreation’. He was born in South Carolina to parents who immigrated from Tamil Nadu in India. Ansari is also the creator and star of the critically acclaimed series ‘Master of None’ on Netflix. He has won multiple awards for his writing and acting throughout his career. His comedy often explores themes of identity and the immigrant experience in modern America.

Hasan Minhaj

Hasan Minhaj is a comedian and political commentator who gained fame as a correspondent on ‘The Daily Show’. He was born in California to parents who immigrated from Uttar Pradesh in India. Minhaj is the creator of the Peabody Award winning series ‘Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj’. He has used his platform to discuss global issues and the South Asian American experience. His career includes successful stand up specials and roles in dramatic television series.

Riz Ahmed

Riz Ahmed is a British actor and musician who has starred in films like ‘Nightcrawler’ and ‘Sound of Metal’. He is of Pakistani descent and has been a vocal advocate for better representation in the film industry. Ahmed made history as the first Muslim actor to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor. He is also a successful recording artist who releases music under the name Riz MC. His work often addresses social and political themes related to identity and heritage.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel became an international star following his breakout performance in the Academy Award winning film ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. He was born in London to Indian parents who immigrated to the United Kingdom from Kenya. Patel has received critical acclaim for his roles in ‘Lion’ and ‘The Green Knight’. He recently made his directorial debut with the action thriller ‘Monkey Man’. His career is marked by a selection of diverse and challenging roles in global cinema.

Manny Jacinto

Manny Jacinto is an actor who gained widespread recognition for his role as Jason Mendoza on ‘The Good Place’. He was born in Manila and moved from the Philippines to Canada when he was a young child. Jacinto has appeared in major films such as ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and the series ‘The Acolyte’. He is often praised for his comedic timing and his transition into dramatic and action roles. His success has made him a prominent figure for Filipino representation in Hollywood.

Nico Santos

Nico Santos is best known for his portrayal of Mateo Liwanag on the television series ‘Superstore’. He was born in Manila and moved from the Philippines to the United States during his teenage years. Santos has also appeared in the hit film ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ as part of the ensemble cast. He began his career in stand up comedy before transitioning into successful television and film roles. His work has earned him nominations and praise for his comedic performances.

Jordan Fisher

Jordan Fisher is a multi-talented actor and singer who has appeared in ‘To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You’. He has a diverse ethnic background that includes Japanese heritage through his maternal side. Fisher has found success on Broadway in productions like ‘Hamilton’ and ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. He has also participated in and won the competition series ‘Dancing with the Stars’. His career spans music and television and live theater performances.

Ross Butler

Ross Butler is an actor known for his roles in the series ’13 Reasons Why’ and ‘Riverdale’. He was born in Singapore to a Chinese-Malaysian mother and a British-Dutch father. Butler has been vocal about his desire to play roles that are not specifically written for Asian actors. He has also appeared in the superhero film ‘Shazam!’ as part of the adult hero cast. His career continues to grow with roles in both television dramas and major film productions.

Harry Shum Jr.

Harry Shum Jr. gained popularity as Mike Chang on the musical series ‘Glee’ and later starred in ‘Shadowhunters’. He was born in Costa Rica to parents of Chinese descent before moving to the United States. Shum is also a highly skilled dancer who has performed in several dance-centric films. He recently appeared in the Academy Award winning movie ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. His versatility as a performer has allowed him to succeed in various genres of entertainment.

Remy Hii

Remy Hii is an Australian actor who has appeared in ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ and ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. He is of Chinese-Malaysian and English descent and has worked extensively in both Australia and Hollywood. Hii is also known for his role in the series ‘Marco Polo’ on Netflix. He has played a variety of characters ranging from romantic leads to action figures. His presence in international productions continues to highlight the global nature of modern acting.

Lewis Tan

Lewis Tan is an actor and martial artist known for his roles in ‘Mortal Kombat’ and ‘Deadpool 2’. He is of Chinese and British descent and often performs his own stunts in action sequences. Tan has appeared in several television series including ‘Into the Badlands’ and ‘Wu Assassins’. He has advocated for more authentic representation of Asian actors in leading action roles. His physical skills and acting ability have made him a sought after talent in the action genre.

Andrew Koji

Andrew Koji is a British actor who stars as the lead character in the action series ‘Warrior’. He is of Japanese and English descent and has a background in martial arts and filmmaking. Koji has also appeared in major films such as ‘Bullet Train’ alongside Brad Pitt. He has spoken about the challenges of finding nuanced roles for East Asian actors in the West. His performance in ‘Warrior’ has been widely praised for its intensity and depth.

Ke Huy Quan

Ke Huy Quan rose to fame as a child actor in ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom’ and ‘The Goonies’. He was born in Vietnam and is of Chinese descent with his family eventually settling in California. After a long hiatus from acting he made a triumphant return in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. His performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and touched audiences worldwide. He is currently involved in several high profile television and film projects.

Benedict Wong

Benedict Wong is a British actor who is well known for his role as Wong in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He was born in the United Kingdom to parents who immigrated from Hong Kong. Wong has a long career in film and television including roles in ‘The Martian’ and ‘Prometheus’. He has also performed extensively on stage in various theatrical productions. His presence in major franchises has made him a familiar face to global audiences.

Randall Park

Randall Park is an actor and director who gained fame for his role as Louis Huang on ‘Fresh Off the Boat’. He is of Korean descent and his parents immigrated to the United States from Seoul. Park has appeared in several blockbuster films including ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’ and ‘Aquaman’. He also co-wrote and starred in the romantic comedy ‘Always Be My Maybe’ on Netflix. His work in both comedy and drama has established him as a versatile talent in Hollywood.

Steven Yeun

Steven Yeun became a household name for his portrayal of Glenn Rhee on the series ‘The Walking Dead’. He was born in Seoul and moved from South Korea to North America with his family as a child. Yeun made history as the first Asian American actor to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in ‘Minari’. He has also received critical acclaim for his performance in the series ‘Beef’. His career is characterized by a commitment to diverse and artistic storytelling.

Daniel Dae Kim

Daniel Dae Kim is a prominent actor known for his roles in the series ‘Lost’ and ‘Hawaii Five-0’. He was born in Busan and moved from South Korea to the United States when he was very young. Kim is also a producer who has worked to bring more diverse stories to television and film. He has appeared in several major film franchises including ‘Hellboy’ and ‘The Divergent Series’. His leadership in the industry has made him a strong advocate for Asian American representation.

John Cho

John Cho is an actor known for his roles in the ‘Harold & Kumar’ series and the ‘Star Trek’ films. He was born in Seoul and moved from South Korea to the United States as a young child. Cho made history as the first Asian American actor to headline a mainstream thriller film with ‘Searching’. He has also starred in the live action adaptation of the series ‘Cowboy Bebop’. His career continues to break new ground for leading men of Asian descent in Hollywood.

Ken Jeong

Ken Jeong is a comedian and actor who became famous for his breakout role in ‘The Hangover’ film series. He is of Korean descent and his parents immigrated to the United States before he was born. Jeong was a licensed physician before he decided to pursue a full time career in entertainment. He has starred in his own sitcom ‘Dr. Ken’ and serves as a judge on ‘The Masked Singer’. His transition from medicine to comedy is one of the most unique stories in Hollywood.

BD Wong

BD Wong is an accomplished actor of stage and screen known for his role in the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise. He is of Chinese descent and was born and raised in San Francisco. Wong won a Tony Award for his performance in the play ‘M. Butterfly’ on Broadway. He has also had long running roles in television series like ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ and ‘Mr. Robot’. His consistent work over several decades has made him a respected figure in the acting world.

George Takei

George Takei is an iconic actor best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu on the original ‘Star Trek’ series. He is of Japanese descent and his family was held in internment camps during World War II. Takei has used his platform to advocate for social justice and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. He has appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his lengthy career. His cultural impact extends beyond acting into activism and social media influence.

James Hong

James Hong is one of the most prolific actors in Hollywood history with over six hundred credits to his name. He was born in Minnesota to parents of Chinese descent and began his career in the early days of television. Hong is known for his roles in ‘Big Trouble in Little China’ and ‘Blade Runner’. He also provided the voice for Mr. Ping in the ‘Kung Fu Panda’ film series. His incredible career was recently honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

This actor is frequently recognized for his roles in action and martial arts films like ‘Mortal Kombat’. He was born in Tokyo and is of Japanese descent with a background that spans both Japan and the United States. Tagawa has portrayed a wide range of characters in films such as ‘The Last Emperor’ and ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’. He is also known for his work in television series like ‘The Man in the High Castle’. His distinctive screen presence has made him a staple in the entertainment industry.

Hiroyuki Sanada

Hiroyuki Sanada is an acclaimed actor and martial artist who has transitioned from Japanese cinema to major Hollywood roles. He was born in Tokyo and began his career as a child actor in Japan. Sanada has appeared in high profile films such as ‘The Last Samurai’ and ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’. He also gained critical praise for his leading role in the television epic ‘Shogun’. His talent and dedication to his craft have made him a respected international star.

Donnie Yen

Donnie Yen is a global action star known for his incredible martial arts skills and his role in the ‘Ip Man’ series. He was born in Guangzhou and moved between Hong Kong and the United States during his youth. Yen has starred in major Hollywood films including ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ and ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’. He is also a director and producer who has influenced the choreography of action cinema. His international success has bridged the gap between Eastern and Western film industries.

Salma Hayek Pinault

This acclaimed actress and producer was born in Mexico and rose to fame in both Spanish and English roles. Her father is of Lebanese descent which connects her heritage to the West Asian region. She often discusses her pride in her roots and how her diverse background has influenced her career in film. Throughout her time in Hollywood she has advocated for better representation of international actors. Her work in films like ‘Frida’ has earned her numerous accolades and established her as a major force in the industry.

Bruno Mars

The singer and performer Bruno Mars was born Peter Gene Hernandez in Honolulu. He is of mixed heritage including Filipino descent through his mother who immigrated from the Philippines. While he is a major music star he has also appeared in and contributed to several film and television projects. Mars has won numerous Grammy Awards and is known for his dynamic stage presence and versatile musical style. He remains one of the most successful and influential artists of his generation.

Please share which of these actors surprised you the most in the comments.