“Not a single lead actor is Asian or Asian American.*
Yes, I am elated that Daniel Dae Kim has found life after Lost, but he’s technically in a supporting role to Alex O’Loughlin.”
from 8 Asians in 2010
I did a little digging to see what regular, recurring roles on television Asian Americans were getting, both today and in years past. I’m happy to say that while there are a lot of techies and doctors not surprisingly played by Asian Americans, there is a widening of “regular joe” roles, particularly for TV geared towards younger audiences. I was actually pleasantly surprised by the roles Asian Americans actors are getting these days. What do you think?
Who did I leave out? Please help.
The Doctors
Sandra Oh, actually Canadian. Role: Dr. Cristina Yang on Grey’s Anatomy. 2005-currently.
Ming Na Wen. Role: Dr. Jing-Mei “Deb” Chen on ER. She was on Season 1, Season 6 through 11. She went on to star in other successful TV shows such as Stargate Universe.
Charlyne Amanda Yi. Role: Dr. Chi Park on House. 2004- currently. She joins House for season 8 in 2011. She had her own show, Inconceivable, in 2005 which lasted 2 episodes. She played Rachel Lu, co-founder of a fertility clinic.
With a Martial Arts Slant
Margaret Denise Quigley or Maggie Q. Role: Maggie Q in Nikita. The series focuses on Nikita (Maggie Q), a woman who escaped from a secret government-funded organization known as Division and, after three-year hiding period, is back with schemes to bring down the organization. 2010-present.
The late Thuy Trang is probably a familiar face to many children and young adults for her role as Trini Kwan, the original yellow ranger, in the hit youth television show Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
