Top 10 Asian American Television Actors

These actors have truly defined modern television. Whether on network, cable, or streaming, each of them has earned acclaim by finding iconic roles while also achieving a lasting cultural impact. These actors haven't just found fame. They’ve genuinely moved the needle for representation on the small screen.

1. Sandra Oh

Golden Globes. Emmy nominations. Sandra Oh has built a career around defining roles, whether as the fierce Dr. Cristina Yang on Grey's Anatomy or the complex Eve Polastri on Killing Eve. Oh has set the standard for critical and commercial success.

2. Ali Wong

While celebrated for her groundbreaking stand-up specials, Ali Wong recently took on a dramatic leading role in the critically lauded series Beef, where she earned an Emmy and a Golden Globe and marking her place as both a dramatic actress and a comedic powerhouse.

3. Riz Ahmed

Riz Ahmed's leading role in the HBO limited series The Night Of was widely lauded, cementing his status as a dramatic powerhouse and earning him the first Emmy awarded to a male actor of South Asian descent.

4. Lucy Liu

Lucy Liu’s role as Ling Woo on Ally McBeal made her a household name, and she later starred as Dr. Joan Watson in the popular and long-running series Elementary. Her amazing career is a true testament to her skill and versatility as an actor.

5. Constance Wu

As Jessica Huang in the sitcom Fresh Off the Boat, Contance Wu’s starring role was significant, making her the first Asian American woman to lead a network sitcom in over 20 years. Wu is outspoken as a champion of representation in Hollywood.

6. Mindy Kaling

One of the first South Asian female writers on a major network show, Mindy Kaling broke through as Kelly Kapoor on The Office. She went on to create and star in The Mindy Project and co-create hits like Never Have I Ever. Writer. Producer. Bad ass.

7. Daniel Dae Kim

Daniel Dae Kim has long been a prominent figure in mainstream television, gaining widespread fame through his roles on the massive hit shows Lost and Hawaii Five-0. Kim is also a fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion.

8. Randall Park

Randall Park always seems to deliver, whether in a comedic or dramatic role. He starred as the dad in the landmark series Fresh Off the Boat and is a highly respected ensemble player across a variety of high-profile projects, including his fantastic turn as Jim Halpert in The Office. "Good on you for not seeing race!" (IYKYK)

9. Aziz Ansari

Who could forget Aziz Ansari as Tom Haverford on the beloved sitcom Parks and Recreation? Then he co-created and starred in the highly personal and critically praised Netflix series Master of None, earning multiple Emmy Awards for writing and acting.

10. Steven Yeun

Steven Yeun has transitioned from a beloved long-running role on the massive hit The Walking Dead to a leading man in prestige drama. His performance in Beef (alongside Ali Wong) was a revelation, sweeping the major acting awards, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe.

Photos: Ally Wong/Netflix, Aziz Ansari/Netflix, Constance Wu/ABC, Daniel Dae Kim/CBS, Lucy Liu/CBS, Mindy Kaling/Hulu, Randall Park/ABC, Riz Ahmed/HBO, Sandra Oh/BBC America, Steven Yeun/Netflix