The 15 Most Famous Asian Actors and Actresses in the World

12. Lucy Liu

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New York-born and bred, Lucy Liu has been a constant on our screens for three decades. She has starred both on the big and small screen. Her most notable television roles include Ling Woo in Ally McBeal and Joan Watson in Elementary. When it comes to film, the two Charlie’s Angeles flicks, Kill Bill Vol. 2, and the Kung-Fu Pana franchise are her best known. 

Off-camera Liu is quite a private person, raising her only son as a solo mother and supporting many multidimensional family organizations.

13. John Cho

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For many, John Cho will always be remembered as MILG Guy #2 in the American Pie franchise. But the South Korean actor has a rich filmography full of dramatic turns and interesting roles. He has appeared in the crime thriller Better Luck Tomorrow, stoner comedy Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle, the Star Trek reboot, and the remake of action flick Total Recall. He also received praise for his role in the live-action version of Cowboy Bebop. 

His most proud moment came in 2014 when Cho was cast as the lead in the sitcom Selfie. While not a huge hit, the show was the first time an Asian actor had played the romantic lead, which is pretty crazy considering the time we live in. Cho continues to fight for the rights of Asian actors and actresses and will next be seen in the coming of age drama Don’t Make Me Go. 

14. Kelly Marie Tran

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Kelly Marie Tran had a tough intuition into the world of fandom. After a standout performance in Satr Wars: The Last Jedi, where she was the first Asian to be cast in the franchise, Tran received a torrent of abuse from people online. It sent her on a downward spiral and nearly ended her career. But with support from her family, other actors, and real fans, Tran returned to acting, featuring in The Last Jedi sequel The Rise of Skywalker, and on the small screen in the series Sorry For Your Loss.