Asian actresses have been making waves in Hollywood in recent years. Michelle Yeoh made history in 2023 by winning an Oscar for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. Auli’i Cravalho and Avantika also captivated audiences in the 2024 Mean Girls musical spinoff, showcasing their incredible talent. These Asian actresses are breaking down barriers and leaving a lasting impression on the industry.
AVANTIKA GUSHES ABOUT GLOBAL AUDIENCE’S REACTION AT VARIETY’S POWER OF WOMEN EVENT
Avantika, known for her role as Karen in Mean Girls the musical, recently spoke at Variety’s Power of Women event, where she expressed her excitement about the overwhelmingly positive response from the global audience. While she expected support from the South Asian community, Avantika was pleasantly surprised by the reception from people worldwide. She believes that their appreciation for seeing a brown woman portray Karen is a testament to the audience’s desire for diverse representation in the entertainment industry.
MINDY KALING’S HOLLYWOOD TAKEOVER BEHIND THE SCENES
Mindy Kaling, known for her roles in The Office and The Mindy Project, has made a significant impact in Hollywood not only as an actress but also as a creator and producer. She has been involved in the production of beloved shows and movies such as Sex Lives of College Girls, Never Have I Ever, and Four Weddings and a Funeral, all of which prominently feature AAPI stories. Kaling’s influence behind the scenes has helped pave the way for greater representation and diversity in the industry.
MICHELLE YEOH’S OSCAR WIN AND BUSY SCHEDULE
Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar win in 2023 for Everything Everywhere All at Once was a groundbreaking moment for Asian actresses. Since then, Yeoh has been keeping busy with various projects. Aside from her acting career, she recently tied the knot after a 19-year engagement. Some of her notable works include The Brothers Sun, The Haunting in Venice, and American Born Chinese. Yeoh continues to be a trailblazer in the industry.
STEPHANIE HSU’S IMPRESSIVE PORTFOLIO
Stephanie Hsu, who delivered a remarkable performance as Joy in Everything Everywhere All at Once, has been garnering attention for her acting skills. She has been involved in several notable productions, including Poker Face, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Joy Ride, and The Fall Guy. Hsu’s talent and versatility have solidified her as a rising star in the industry.
CONSTANCE WU’S EXPANDING CAREER
Constance Wu, known for her role in Crazy Rich Asians, has been expanding her career beyond TV and film. She recently starred in Little Shop of Horrors Off-Broadway and released her tell-all memoir, Making a Scene. On the screen, Wu has been involved in projects such as East Bay, The Terminal List, and Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. Her diverse range of work showcases her dedication to her craft.
SIMONE ASHLEY’S RISING CAREER
Simone Ashley’s career has been on the rise since her appearance in Sex Education. She has since starred in The Little Mermaid and gained significant attention for her role in season 2 of Bridgerton. Ashley’s upcoming projects include This Tempting Madness and Picture This, further solidifying her presence in the industry.
LANA CONDOR’S IMPRESSIVE RESUME
Lana Condor, known for her work in the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before series, has an impressive resume beyond that franchise. She has appeared in titles like Boo, B—, Moonshot, and even made a surprise cameo in Abbott Elementary. Condor’s talent and versatility continue to shine in her various roles.
AVANTIKA’S PROMISING CAREER
Avantika, relatively new to the scene, has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with through her portrayal of Karen in Mean Girls the musical. She recently starred in the horror movie Tarot and is set to star in the upcoming series titled Masoom, which is currently in pre-production. Avantika’s talent and dedication indicate a promising future in the industry.
ALI WONG’S AWARD-WINNING ROLE AND STAND-UP SPECIALS
Ali Wong made waves in the 2024 Awards show season with her Emmy-winning role in the limited series Beef, alongside fellow Asian actor Steven Yeun. She has found success in both scripted and non-scripted stand-up specials, including Ali Wong: Baby Cobra and Always Be My Maybe. Wong’s comedic prowess and acting skills have earned her recognition in the industry.
MIDORI FRANCIS’ ESTABLISHED CAREER
Midori Francis, known for her role in Netflix’s Dash & Lily, has established herself in Hollywood. She has appeared in various projects such as The Sex Lives of College Girls, Ocean’s 8, and Good Boys. Francis’ talent and versatility have contributed to her success in the industry.
GRETA LEE’S CAPTIVATING PERFORMANCE
Greta Lee, known for her smaller roles, delivered a captivating performance as Nora in Past Lives. Her portrayal earned her nominations for prestigious awards such as the 2024 Critics Choice Awards and the 2024 Golden Globe Awards. Lee’s talent and dedication to her craft continue to impress audiences.
GERALDINE VISWANATHAN’S RISING STARDOM
Geraldine Viswanathan, a rising actress, recently starred in Drive-Away Dolls alongside Margaret Qualley. Her impressive career includes notable works like Blockers, The Broken Hearts Gallery, and 7 Days. Viswanathan’s talent and captivating presence on screen have solidified her as a promising talent in the industry.
SANDRA OH’S VERSATILE CAREER
Sandra Oh, known for her iconic role as Dr. Cristina Yang in Grey’s Anatomy, has expanded her career beyond the medical drama. She has starred in gripping series like Killing Eve, The Chair, Quiz Lady, and Turning Red. Oh’s diverse range of projects showcases her versatility as an actress.
RITU ARYA’S HOLLYWOOD FIRST AND NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Ritu Arya achieved a Hollywood first by becoming an English-Indian Barbie in Barbie! Her performance in the movie garnered significant attention. Arya’s career includes notable works such as Polite Society, The Umbrella Academy, and Red Notice. Her talent and dedication have contributed to her success in the industry.
AULI’I CRAVALHO’S CONTINUOUS SUCCESS
Auli’i Cravalho, known for her role as Moana in Disney’s Moana, has continued to shine onscreen. She recently appeared as Janis in the 2024 Mean Girls musical adaptation. Cravalho’s talent and hard work have propelled her career forward, and fans can anticipate her return as Moana in the highly anticipated Moana 2.
NAOMI SCOTT’S STAR-STUDDED PRODUCTIONS
Naomi Scott has been involved in several star-studded productions in recent years, including Power Rangers, Charlie’s Angels, and her title role as Jasmin in Aladdin. Scott’s upcoming projects include Smile 2, Distant, Eternal Return, and Wizards, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
MAITREYI RAMAKRISHNAN’S PROMISING CAREER
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, known for her role in Netflix’s Never Have I Ever, is just at the beginning of her career. In addition to her acting work, Ramakrishnan has voice-acted in Turning Red, Big Mouth, and My Little Pony. She is set to star in her first-ever movie, titled The Netherfield Girls, where she portrays a modern-day Lizzie Bennet.
ALIA BHATT’S TRIUMPHANT HOLLYWOOD DEBUT
Alia Bhatt, a household name in Bollywood, made her triumphant debut in Hollywood with her role as Keya Dhawan in the Netflix action series Heart of Stone. Bhatt’s award-winning film career in Bollywood has spanned over a decade, and her venture into Hollywood marks a new chapter in her already successful career.
IMAN VELLANI’S BREAKTHROUGH ROLE AND UPCOMING PROJECTS
Iman Vellani burst into the acting world with her role as Kamala Khan in Marvel’s movie Ms. Marvel. Her performance received critical acclaim, leading to her reprising the role in The Marvels. Vellani is also set to star in Avengers: Secret Wars, solidifying her presence in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
AMBIKA MOD’S IMPACTFUL PERFORMANCE AND UPCOMING SERIES
Ambika Mod’s impactful performance in the series One Day left a lasting impression on viewers. Her talent and emotional portrayal indicate that she is poised to make a significant impact in Hollywood. Mod’s upcoming project, Playdate, promises to showcase her skills once again, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating her next performance.
