Get ready to discover the most captivating Asian actresses who have left a lasting mark on American and English-speaking film history. Hollywood has been graced with an abundance of brilliant actors of Asian descent, each bringing their unique talents to a variety of captivating genres. From heart-wrenching dramas to side-splitting comedies and enchanting musicals, these actresses have truly shone on the silver screen. Some have even been recognized with the prestigious Academy Awards for their exceptional contributions.
Prepare to be delighted by Jennifer Tilly, whose Chinese heritage adds an extra layer of intrigue to her performances. She wowed audiences in Bullets Over Broadway, earning a well-deserved nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Another remarkable talent, Lucy Liu, has left an indelible mark on movies such as Kill Bill and the beloved Charlie’s Angels franchise, garnering well-deserved praise along the way.
Miyoshi Umeki stands out as a true gem, having secured an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in her unforgettable role in Sayonara. She later graced our TV screens in beloved series like The Donna Reed Show and Mister Ed. Vanessa Hudgens, with her Filipino and Chinese roots, has also earned her place on this list. Known for her role in Spring Breakers, she continues to captivate audiences with her undeniable talent. And let’s not forget the stunning Tia Carrere, who stole our hearts in Wayne’s World with her irresistible charm.
Now it’s your turn to join in the excitement! Who do you consider the greatest Asian actress in film history? Do our choices align with your favorite East Asian actresses? Share your thoughts and let your voice be heard in the comments section. Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the mesmerizing world of Asian actresses in film!
1. Lucy Liu
Lucy Liu is a super talented actress who has conquered the worlds of film, television, and theatre. You might recognize her as Alex Munday from the awesome Charlie’s Angels movies or as Ling Woo from the hit TV show Ally McBeal. But wait, there’s more! Liu has also lent her voice to some pretty cool animated characters, like Viper from the Kung Fu Panda movies and Silvermist from the Tinker Bell series. This lady’s got serious range!
Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
Actors: Jerry Maguire, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Kill Bill
2. Ming-Na Wen
Ming-Na Wen is a versatile and talented actress who has made her mark in both movies and television. She has impressed audiences with her unforgettable portrayals, such as the character of Dr. Jing-Mei Chen in the widely-loved medical drama ER. Additionally, she has lent her voice to the iconic role of Fa Mulan in Disney’s animated masterpiece, Mulan.
In recent years, Ming-Na has taken on the role of Melinda May in the popular Marvel television series, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Her performance as May has captivated viewers and further showcased her incredible acting skills.
Birthplace: Coloane, Macau
Mulan, Prom Night, The Joy Luck Club
3. Grace Park
Grace Park is a super talented actress, born in Canada but now an American citizen. She’s gained a lot of fame for her amazing acting skills, especially in popular TV shows. One of her most memorable roles was as Sharon ‘Boomer’ Valerii in the awesome sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica. Another big hit for her was playing Kono Kalakaua in the revamped version of Hawaii Five-0. And she’s currently wowing audiences as Katherine Kim in the family drama A Million Little Things.
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
Battlestar Galactica: The Plan, Razor, Romeo Must Die
4. Kelly Hu
Kelly Hu is a seriously talented actress and a former beauty queen who has had an amazing career in both movies and TV. She really made a name for herself with standout performances as Lady Deathstrike in X2: X-Men United and as Sorceress Cassandra in The Scorpion King. But it’s not all about the big screen for Kelly. She’s also made quite the impression on TV, popping up in popular shows like Arrow and Vampire Diaries.
Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension, Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan, X2
5. Michelle Yeoh
Michelle Yeoh is a highly regarded Malaysian actress who has made a name for herself on both the Asian and Hollywood film scenes. She’s known for her incredible martial arts abilities and the captivating characters she brings to life. One of her standout performances was as Wai Lin in the James Bond flick Tomorrow Never Dies, which really put her on the international map. Another memorable role was as Yu Shu Lien in the critically acclaimed film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. But she didn’t stop there – Michelle received heaps of praise for her portrayal of Eleanor Young in the hit movie Crazy Rich Asians.
Birthplace: Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Actors: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Sunshine
6. Zhang Ziyi
Zhang Ziyi is a Chinese actress who is widely acclaimed for her outstanding performances in well-known films. She gained recognition for her role as the strong-willed Jen Yu in the award-winning martial arts film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Audiences were captivated by her talent and she went on to star in other notable movies like House of Flying Daggers and Memoirs of a Geisha.
Birthplace: China, Beijing
Rush Hour 2, House of Flying Daggers, Memoirs of a Geisha
7. Gemma Chan
Gemma Chan, a British actress, has made waves in both film and television with her intelligence and versatility. She caught people’s attention by playing the mysterious android Anita in the highly praised series “Humans.” She then left audiences in awe with her portrayal of Astrid Leong in the hit film Crazy Rich Asians. Recently, Chan showcased her impressive range and talent in the superhero genre with her role as Minn-Erva in Captain Marvel.
Birthplace: London, England, UK
Exam, Submarine, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
8. Claudia Kim
Claudia Kim, or Kim Soo-hyun, is an incredibly talented actress hailing from South Korea. She has managed to make a name for herself not only in her home country but also in Hollywood. Starting off with Korean dramas, Claudia’s talent eventually led her to snag roles in major films like Avengers: Age of Ultron and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Her knack for seamlessly portraying different characters has earned her a devoted fan following from all around the world.
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Movies: The Avengers: Age of Ultron
9. Olivia Munn
Olivia Munn, an accomplished actress and television personality, gained recognition as the host of G4’s Attack of the Show! She effortlessly made the leap into acting, shining in TV series like The Newsroom and films like Magic Mike and X-Men: Apocalypse. Olivia’s sharp wit and undeniable charm have consistently won over both fans and critics alike.
Birthplace: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
Actors: Iron Man 2, Magic Mike, Date Night
10. Liu Yifei
Liu Yifei, or Crystal Liu, is a Chinese-American actress who has made a name for herself in both the Chinese and Hollywood film industries. One of her notable roles was as Golden Sparrow in The Forbidden Kingdom, where she impressed everyone with her amazing martial arts and acting abilities. Recently, Yifei took on the lead role in Disney’s live-action adaptation of Mulan and received a lot of applause for her outstanding performance.
Birthplace: China, Wuhan
Movies: The Forbidden Kingdom, The Four, The Assassins
11. Rosalind Chao
Rosalind Chao is a highly experienced actress who has had a remarkable career in film, television, and stage. She has received a lot of praise for her role as Keiko O’Brien in the beloved sci-fi series Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Additionally, Rosalind has left a lasting impact with her incredible performances in movies like The Joy Luck Club and Memoirs of a Geisha.
Birthplace: Anaheim, California, USA
What Dreams May Come, Freaky Friday, I Am Sam
