Here Are The 40 Famous Asian Actors Of All Time

Jackie chan by Nsbsksk from Wikimedia Commons

Here Are The 40 Famous Asian Actors Of All Time

Originally published by  Beatrice W on November 3rd  2023 and Updated by Beatrice J on May 2024

Hollywood used to be a place where only a few could become successful and now other communities have managed to get through this harsh industry and are prospering. Currently, Asian actors from  all over the world including but not limited to China, Japan, Korea and India, like Simu Liu, Henry Golding, Kelly Marie Tran and Daniel Kim are always adding flavor to the acting scene.

Asian actors and actresses have managed to break impossible stereotypes because they’ve always been seen through a narrow lens where they seemed to be in their own world. However, actors like Jackie Chan, Michelle Yeoh, Bruce Lee and Anna May Wong have set the stage for these movie stars. So many shows and movies have been promoted on platforms like Netflix that have allowed us to truly appreciate the impact these actors and actresses have had on Hollywood and the world. Here are 40 famous Asian actors of all time.

1. Henry Golding

Henry Golding by David Seow from Wikimedia Commons

Do you remember “Crazy Rich Asians”? the movie that was packed with laughter and a lot of talented Asian actors and actresses? Henry Golding is a British-Malaysian actor and model who rose to success after his Hollywood debut in this smash film.

When you look at him you can see why he was the perfect fit for the entertainment industry, from his dapper appearance to his interesting charisma everything about him seems to have made him the perfect fit for fame. Before pursuing his career in acting, Golding worked as a travel host and managed to promote the marvels of Southeast Asia to people all over the world. His exposure to different cultures has inspired his acting, and performances and has given him an edge in the industry. 

2. Jackie Chan

You can’t think of Jackie Chan without remembering his legendary movies, in those movies he either acted, directed or played his role as a martial artist. Chan is a 1954 Hong Kong native who started out as a stuntman in Bruce Lee movies before becoming a successful starring man on his own.

Though we’ve all seen him in a number of movies, we’re sure you didn’t know that he’s been in over 150 films and that he’s also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador as well as a philanthropist.  Jackie Chan is a great icon of the entertainment world with his distinctive flair and unmatched talent.

3. Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh by Georges Biard from Wikimedia Commons

Once again, Malaysia gave us a treasure known as Michelle Yeoh. Over the years there’s no debate that Michelle has had a big impact on both Eastern and Western movies, she has acted in over 50 movies and TV shows and has a huge loyal fan base.

She’s starred in movies such as  “Police Story 3: Supercop,” a 1992 Hong Kong action classic, which gave her her breakthrough role and catapulted her to international fame. She’s also had roles in famous Hollywood productions like  “Tomorrow Never Dies” and “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” which clearly showed us her impeccable acting talents and her potential as an action actress. Michelle has also used her influence to advocate for environmental protection and gender equality. 

4. Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee was born in San Francisco in 194-, he spent his childhood in Hong Kong where he studied Wing Chun, a traditional Chinese martial art. We all know him as an actor, filmmaker and legendary martial artist, but did you know that he moved to the United States to open his own martial arts school?

Lee took the time to perfect his craft and his discipline eventually turned him into a true icon, his films, including “Enter the Dragon” and “Fist of Fury,” are still loved by fans around the world. Though he died tragically at the age of 32, Bruce Lee’s legacy lives on as an inspiration to countless martial artists and film lovers.

5. Daniel Dae Kim

Daniel Dae Kim by Rhododendrites from Wikimedia Commons

We know Daniel Dae Kim because of his roles in both television and movies. Daniel was born in South Korea and was brought up in the United States, theatre kickstarted his career in acting before moving on to television in the late 1990s. The popular and personal favourite TV show “Lost” was what really boosted Daniel’s career and shot him to fame.

Kim has starred in many other well-known shows such as  “Hawaii Five-0” and “The Good Doctor.” In addition to his acting skills, Kim is a supporter of increased Asian American presence in Hollywood. Kim has gained popularity in the entertainment industry thanks to his talent and passion for his art, and many people look up to him because of his commitment to social justice.

6. Constance Wu

Making it in a foreign country and especially America is not as easy as we think it is, however, for those who settle and make it, opportunities start opening up. Wu’s parents who were Taiwanese immigrants were able to settle in Virginia where Wu pursued a career in theatre before breaking into the television and movies industries. 

She rose to fame thanks to her depiction of Jessica Huang on the popular TV show “Fresh Off the Boat,” which ran from 2015 to 2020. Wu has also played leading roles in a number of praised movies, such as “Crazy Rich Asians,” which made history as the first entertaining Hollywood production to have an all-Asian cast in 25 years. 

7. James Hong

James Hong by Carter McKendry from Wikimedia Commons

James Hong is a gifted actor and a Hollywood legend with over 500 credits under his belt. Hong has had a career spanning more than six decades and has starred in many classic movies, such as “Blade Runner,” “Big Trouble in Little China,” and “Kung Fu Panda.” Avatar: The Last Airbender, Mulan, and World of Warcraft are just a few of the animated television shows and video games he has voiced.

Hong is not just an actor but is also a skilled engineer and inventor he has been awarded multiple patents for his ground-breaking works. Despite his impressive record, Hong maintains a humble demeanour and is devoted to his profession, serving as an example to many actors and actresses throughout the years.

8. Jimmy O Yang

The realm of action cinema has been greatly influenced by the famed martial artist and actor Jet Li. Li, a Chinese citizen who was raised in Beijing, started learning wushu at an early age and finally rose to the position of national champion.

He eventually made the switch to acting, appearing in enduring martial arts films including “Once Once a Time in China,” “Fist of Legend,” and the “Expendables” series. Together with his amazing martial arts prowess, Li is a social activist and philanthropist who supports education and disaster relief initiatives both in China and abroad. Despite recent health issues, Li is still a well-liked and motivational personality in the entertainment world.

9. Jet Li

Jet Li by Gavatron from Wikimedia Commons

Jet Li is a Chinese citizen who was raised in Beijing and started learning wushu at an early age before rising up to the position of national champion. Jet managed to switch to acting and appeared in martial arts films including “Once Once a Time in China,” “Fist of Legend,” and the “Expendables” series.

 Jet is not only a skilled actor but is also a social activist and philanthropist who supports education and disaster relief initiatives both in China and abroad. Despite recent health issues, Li is still a well-liked and motivational personality in the entertainment world.

10. Jessica Henwick

Jessica Henwich is a gifted actress who is known for her fascinating roles in both movies and TV shows. Her acting skills have led to a devoted fan base that constantly heaps praise on her acting skills. Henwich outdid herself in the wildly popular HBO series “Game of Thrones,” when she portrayed the tough and talented warrior Nymeria Sand.

Since then, she has gone on to feature in more well-known productions, like the Netflix series “Iron Fist,” the blockbuster movie “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” and the upcoming “Matrix 4.” Jessica Henwick is unquestionably a rising star in Hollywood thanks to her outstanding talent and alluring personality.

11. Ken Jeong

Known for his brilliant comic performances on both the big and small screens, multi-talented entertainer Ken Jeong is a worldwide favourite. He’s a well-known figure who is known for his distinctive combination of wit, humour, and physical appearance.

He played the outlandish mobster Leslie Chow in the “The Hangover” film series and since then we’ve seen him take up different roles that are always comical and easy to relate with.  He has since starred in a number of other successful films, such as “Crazy Rich Asians” and “The Duff,” among others. Apart from acting Ken is also a qualified doctor with a medical degree from the University of North Carolina.

12. Lucy Liu

If there’s anyone who has managed to gracefully appear in the entertainment industry, it has to be Lucy Liu. We’ve seen her play different roles that have just shown us how talented she really is and especially after playing in popular TV shows such as “Ally McBeal,” which was where she got her big break.

She went on to star in a number of popular movies and TV shows, such as “Charlie’s Angels,” “Kill Bill,” and “Elementary,” since that time. Liu has also worked as a talented director who has worked on multiple episodes of acclaimed TV shows like “Marvel’s Luke Cage” and “Elementary.” 

13. John Cho

John Cho by Charlie Nguyen from Wikimedia Commons

Chan is an absolute fan favourite and a revered figure in the business because of his wonderful performances. He’s taken up the humourous role in comedies like  “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle,” where he played the adorable Harold Lee, and he received his breakthrough role.  Since then, he has acted in a number of popular movies and TV episodes, such as the “Star Trek” reboot series and the well-regarded Netflix series “The Expanse.” 

14. Kelly Marie Tran

Kelly Marie Tran was the first Asian-American woman to hold a key position in the film industry and her breakthrough role in Star Wars helped her become well-known. She received a lot of backlash and criticism from toxic followers which sent her on a downward spiral and almost ended her career. 

Tran eventually made a comeback to acting, appearing in The Last Jedi spinoff The Rise of Skywalker and in the television drama series Sorry For Your Loss.

15. Steven Yuen

Steven was born in South Korea but was raised in Michigan where became well-known in the entertainment industry thanks to his splendid performance as Glenn Rhee in the popular TV series “The Walking Dead”. He was nominated for an Academy Award for the role he played in the famous film “Minari”, since then Steve has been on a roll appearing on television shows and always creating memorable performances in his roles. Yuen is renowned for his talent to give his parts complexity and nuance, and each performance shows his commitment to his craft. 

16. Fan Bingbing

Fan Bingbing is one of the most well-known and important celebrities in China, she’s known as an actress, model and singer. Born in 1981, in Qingdao, China, she became well-known for her parts in several Chinese television dramas in the late 1990s and early 2000s. She later made the switch to film, appearing in a number of well-received films like “Lost in Beijing,” “Buddha Mountain,” and “I Am Not Madame Bovary.”

Fan is famous for her activism and philanthropy in addition to her acting career, particularly in the fields of environmental and educational advocacy. She has received various honours for her accomplishments, including the Huading Awards and the Best Actress trophy from the Tokyo International Film Festival.

17. Song Kang-ho

Song Gangho by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting from Wikimedia Commons

Song Kang-ho has established himself as a household name in Korean cinema, he’s been in the business for the last 20 years and has received acclaim abroad for his performances in movies like “Parasite,” “Memories of Murder,” and “The Host.” Song has managed to play complicated characters and has done so with a lot of sensitivity and depth, his acting has always left a lasting impression. He has become a true icon in the film industry thanks to his talent and commitment to his profession.

18. Ken Watanabe

Ken Watanabe is an accomplished actor from Japan who is well-known across the world. He’s graced screens for more than 30 years and has never failed to give an outstanding performance in a range of genres, from Hollywood to blockbusters to samurai epics. 

Watanabe has received a number of honours, including two Academy Award nominations for his roles in “The Last Samurai” and “Inception.” He is also known for his commanding presence and strong performances. Over time he has truly become a star in the acting profession thanks to his ability to cross cultural barriers and give compelling performances in several languages.

19. Rinko Kikuchi

Rinko Kikuchi has won praise for her great acting skills especially after she made her debut in the 1999 movie “Ikitai” since then, she has acted in other American and Japanese movies, such as “Babel” “Pacific Rim” and “The Brothers Bloom.”  She’s perfected the skill of being able to convey emotions and intensity without using words which have made her a notable performer. 

With her work in “Babel,” she became the first Japanese actress to be nominated for an Academy Oscar in 50 years. Kikuchi continues to wow viewers and serve as an inspiration to actors and actresses across the world with her talent and distinctive presence on screen.

20. Bae Doona

Bae Doona by NewsInstar from Wikimedia Commons

South Korean actress Bae Doona, who possesses exceptional skills is quite famous for her outstanding performances in a number of movies and TV shows. She originally gained popularity for her extraordinary performance in the universally well-liked film “The Host,” which was a huge box office hit in South Korea and brought her a tonne of admiration.

She has since appeared in a number of other noteworthy productions, such as the Netflix series “Sense8,” where she played a key role and dazzled viewers with her powerful acting. 

21.Sushant Singh Rajput

Sushant Singh Rajput was a well-known Indian movie star who made a big impact with his acting skills. He first became famous for his role in a TV show called Pavitra Rishta. This success helped him start a career in movies.

In 2013, he got a lot of praise for his role in the movie Kai Po Che! After that, he acted in different kinds of movies, including M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, where he played the famous cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni. His performance was so good that he was considered for many awards.

22. Kangana Ranaut

Kangana Ranaut is a famous actress and movie director from India. She’s known for playing powerful and different kinds of women in her movies.  Before she became an actress, she was a model and also learned acting from a theatre director named Arvind Gaur.

Her first big movie was Gangster in 2006, which got her an award for being the best new actress. Kangana’s acting career had its ups and downs, but in 2013, she was in Krrish 3, which made a lot of money.

She won two national awards for being the best actress for her roles in Queen and Tanu Weds Manu Returns, with the second movie making a lot of money. Even though not all her movies were hits, she directed a successful movie called Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi in 2019.

23.Anushka Sharma

Anushka Sharma is a well-known actress in Indian movies. She started off as a model and before joining the acting scenes with her first movie back in in 2008. She became more famous with movies like Band Baaja Baaraat and Jab Tak Hai Jaan, which got her an award.

She’s also done other movies like NH10, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, and Sultan. After 2018, she stopped acting for a while and started producing shows and movies with her company.

23. Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif started off in the modeling scenes when she was young and later acted in her first movie, Boom, in 2003. She had some trouble with Hindi at first but then got popular with movies like Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya? and Namastey London.

She got a lot of praise for New York and Mere Brother Ki Dulhan. In 2019, she started her own makeup brand and does charity work. She’s married to the actor Vicky Kaushal.

24.Hrithik Roshan

Hrithik Roshan is a famous actor known for his good looks and acting skills. He was born on January 10, 1974, in Mumbai, into a family that was already in the movie business. He started acting when he was just a kid in the 1980s.

But it was in 2000, with the movie Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, that he became a star. This movie won him lots of awards and made him famous. He’s also great at dancing and has been in hit movies like Koi… Mil Gaya, Krrish, and War.  Besides acting, he does charity work and has his own clothing brand.

25.Nana Komatsu

Nana Komatsu, a distinguished Japanese actress and model, is acclaimed for her dynamic roles in The World of Kanako and Silence. Born in Tokyo on February 16, 1996, she embarked on her artistic path early on.

Nana’s cinematic debut with The World of Kanako, garnered her the Best New Actress accolade at the 38th Japan Academy Film Prize. Serving as a Chanel House Ambassador since 2015, Komatsu has been featured in notable movies like Drowning Love and Threads: Our Tapestry of Love.

26.Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt is a leading actress in Indian movies today.  She acted in a movie as a child in 1999, but her big break came with the movie Student of the Year back in 2012. Since then, she’s been praised for her acting in movies like Highway, Udta Punjab, Raazi, and Gully Boy.

Off the screen, she runs her own business for eco-friendly clothes and makes movies and shows. She’s also known around the world as one of the most influential people in 2024.

27.Kim Tae-ri

Kim Tae-ri, a celebrated actress from South Korea, has earned acclaim for her dynamic portrayals in notable works like The Handmaiden, Little Forest, and Space Sweepers.

Born on April 24, 1990, in Seoul, she initially studied Journalism and Communication at Kyung Hee University before making her way into the acting world. Her standout performance in The Handmaiden brought her an award for  Best New Actress honors.

Kim Tae-ri’s achievements go beyond her roles on screen; she has earned accolades for her impact on the arts, including a commendation at the 9th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards.

28.Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan is a big name in Bollywood, often called Mr. Perfectionist because of his attention to detail in his work. He started acting as a kid in Yaadon Ki Baaraat. His big break came with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak in 1988.

He’s won a lot of awards, including four National Film Awards, and Lagaan was even up for an Oscar. Aamir Khan is recognized not only for his cinematic achievements but also for his philanthropic work.

His foundation, Paani aims to address the pressing issue of water shortage. His path in the film industry is marked by continuous growth, creative contributions, and an unwavering commitment to achieving the highest standards.

29.Henry Golding

Henry Golding, the Malaysian actor, has charmed viewers across multiple film genres. Born on February 5, 1987, in Sarawak, Malaysia, Golding’s diverse heritage has played a significant role in shaping his acting.

 His breakthrough came with the blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians, which triumphed at the box office. His notable works include A Simple Favor, The Gentlemen, and the titular role in Snake Eyes.

Additionally, Golding has explored roles beyond acting, such as hosting travel shows and exploring the Iban tradition for Discovery Channel Asia, reflecting his profound ties to his Malaysian heritage.

30.Ranbir Kapoor

Ranbir Kapoor comes from a famous acting family in Mumbai. He had a rough start with his first movie, Saawariya, but soon became popular with movies like Wake Up Sid and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.

He won awards for playing a musician in Rockstar and a cheerful character in Barfi! Even though not all his movies were hits, his role in Sanju got him another award. Ranbir also does charity work, owns a football team, and is married to Alia Bhatt, with whom he has a daughter.

31.Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan’s story is like a movie itself. He was born in Delhi, and went from being a regular Delhi guy to a superstar loved by many. He studied economics and then mass communications before deciding to become an actor.

His big break was in the movie Deewana in 1992. Since then, he’s played all sorts of roles, from a romantic hero in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge to an inspiring coach in Chak De! India.

His latest movies, Pathaan and Jawan, broke records and showed why he’s still the king of Bollywood.

32.Salman Khan

Salman Khan has had an exciting career in Bollywood, full of ups and downs. The actor became famous with Maine Pyar Kiya in 1989. He’s been in all kinds of movies, like the family-centered Hum Aapke Hain Koun…! and the action-filled Dabangg series.

One of his latest movie, Tiger 3 in 2023, was a big hit. Away from movies, Salman is known for his charity work with Being Human and hosting the TV show Bigg Boss. His life story shows how he’s changed and grown to become one of the most important people in Indian movies.

33.Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan is a star of Indian movies with a career that’s lasted more than 60 years. He started acting when he was just a kid and got famous for his role in the movie Kalathur Kannamma.

He’s known for being a really good actor and for bringing new ideas and technology to Indian films. He’s won a lot of awards, including four National Film Awards and a couple of big honors from the government.

Beyond the camera, Haasan is also celebrated for his charitable activities and his active role in politics. His evolution from a young film talent to an influential figure in cinema is a story of his remarkable skill, creativity, and dedication to both the arts and the community.

34.Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan is a huge name in movie scene and has been for over 50 years. He started his career by doing voice work for a movie and then became famous in the 1970s with movies like Anand and Zanjeer.

 He played tough and angry characters that changed the way heroes were seen in Bollywood. He’s won tons of awards and has been given some of the highest honors in India for his work in movies. Recently, he got the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, which is a really big deal in Indian cinema.

35.Irrfan Khan

Irrfan Khan was a masterful actor whose work resonated globally. Born in Jaipur, he started with a minor role in Salaam Bombay! but gained fame with Haasil.His talent for bringing depth to characters won hearts worldwide, especially with films like The Namesake

 His portrayal in Paan Singh Tomar earned him India’s top acting honor. His final movies, Hindi Medium and Angrezi Medium, were hits and won him awards after his passing in 2020, leaving a lasting legacy.

36.Rajinikanth

Rajinikanth, originally Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, hails from Bangalore and is a legend in Indian cinema. His five decade career spans multiple languages, and his distinctive style has won him fans around the globe.

Honored with top civilian awards and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, his roles in Apoorva Raagangal, Billa, and Moondru Mugam made him a household name. His recent movies keep breaking records, confirming his enduring superstar status.

37.Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone emerged as a Bollywood sensation and quickly became an international star. Born into a sports family, she chose the spotlight of cinema over badminton courts.

Her stellar debut in Om Shanti Om earned her immediate acclaim. Deepika’s journey through various film genres, from the romantic Love Aaj Kal to the action-packed Chennai Express.

She even stepped into Hollywood with XXX: Return of Xander Cage. Beyond acting, Deepika champions mental health awareness and has ventured into fashion entrepreneurship.

38.Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, crowned Miss World in 1994, transitioned from beauty queen to a treasured actress in Indian cinema. Her acting voyage started with Iruvar and reached new heights with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.

Her role in Devdas marked a significant achievement, leading to roles in international films like Bride and Prejudice. Recognized for her artistic contributions with prestigious awards, Aishwarya also dedicates time to humanitarian efforts and has been a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador.

39.Song Hye-kyo

Song Hye-kyo has been a shining star in the entertainment world, both in South Korea and abroad.  From the very beginning, she faced tough times, including a severe sickness as a baby and her parents splitting up when she was young.

But she didn’t let these difficulties stop her. Instead, she became even stronger and more determined to succeed. She the hit TV drama Autumn in My Heart, which launched her into stardom.

Song has since taken on key roles in popular shows like Full House and Descendants of the Sun, and movies including The Grandmaster. Her acting skills have earned her many accolades and a spot on Forbes Korea’s Power Celebrity list.

40.Rain (Jung Ji-hoon)

Rain (Jung Ji-hoon) is a South Korean superstar who wears many hats. He is  a singer, songwriter, dancer, actor, and producer. Rain’s venture into Hollywood was with roles in Speed Racer and Ninja Assassin, earning him an MTV Movie Award.

Named one of Time’s most influential people, Rain is celebrated not just for his entertainment talents but also for his commitment to philanthropy. His discography boasts seven albums, with hits that resonate across borders, reflecting his influence in shaping the K-pop genre

Asian actors have been very important in movies worldwide. They have shown many different stories with their special skills and views. Some were the first to succeed despite challenges, and now many new actors are becoming popular in places like Hollywood.

These 40 actors show the diversity and impact of Asian culture in movies. They are known not only for the characters they played but also for making it easier for new artists to succeed in the changing world of movies.