7 Asian Actresses That Are Changing the Face of Hollywood

Diversity in Hollywood is an important issue. As America becomes increasingly diverse, it is only logical that this be reflected movie casting decisions. With that in mind, let’s talk about seven actresses of Asian persuasion who have made a huge impact both on the big screen and off it.

1. Arden Cho

A Korean-American born in Texas and spending her teenage years in Minnesota, Cho encountered a lot of bullying, even being hospitalized twice as a result of physical assaults. As a college student at the University of Illinois, she began to connect with her Asian heritage for the first time, winning Miss Korea Chicago and competing in the Miss Korean Pageant in Seoul. Upon graduation, she pursued an acting career, landing bit roles on TV shows and commercials before finally making it big on the MTV series Teen Wolf. Her most recent role was in the movie The Honor List, in which she plays the main character Honor Liang. In discussing her role, she has stated that the emphasis was on her aspirations and needs as a human as opposed to just being a token Asian character.

2. Liu Yifei

Although Yifei introduced herself to American audiences when it was announced that she would play the titular character in the upcoming live action remake of Mulan, this Chinese actress who spent her middle and high school years in New York has been a relatively popular star in China for more than a decade. Add to this a singing career, and an endorsement deal with luxury brands like Dior, and you’re looking at somebody who has the potential to become a legitimate international star.

3. Shiva Kalaiselvan

Born in Malaysia and residing in New York City, Kalaiselvan got her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and her master’s from Columbia while pursuing her dream of becoming an actress. She reportedly spent 18 months auditioning for roles before getting her break, but all the hard work paid off when she was cast as a recurring character Ivy on the Netflix series The Originals and Lelia on the hit FOX show Gotham.