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27. Acting Asian in Hollywood
Although Asians have been associated in one way or another throughout Hollywood's history, their roles have rarely been significant. Many Asians were typecast to roles like the weak nerd in glasses who helps out the main protagonist, or as an evil mystical person out to get the protagonist and fail. Either way, they were relegated to second-class roles. That, however is finally starting to change with the advent of Asian movies with a wholly Asian cast. Successes like Crazy Rich Asians, Minari, and Kim's Convenience are starting to cement the Asian presence within Hollywood. But, It's only a start and it's still going to take time, and it also won't make up for all the years where Asians have struggled to get in. Our guest Danny Lam can attest to that. Danny moved from Canada to LA to pursue acting opportunities and discusses his struggle with it. We get into topics like stereotypical roles for Asians, the differences in roles between Asian men and women, lack of Asian role models, and acting as a career path.
As an aside, for the upcoming academy awards this year, Steven Yuen (Minari) and Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal) have become the first Asian American and Muslim actor to be nominated for best actor at the same time, which is also a first. Youn Yuh-Jung (Minari) is the first Korean woman to be nominated for any acting award in America. Chloe Zhao (Nomadland) has become the first Asian woman to be nominated for best director, and along with Lee Issac Chung (Minari), is the first time there are two Asian nominees for best director.
We are always looking to share other people's experiences with us! If you'd like to be a guest on our show, email us at [email protected] and let us know! Give us a follow at offthewokpodcast on Instagram so you don't miss out on any new episodes! Thank you and we appreciate you wok'ing with us.
PS: If you enjoy our episodes, please consider supporting us at ko-fi.com/offthewok, every little bit counts to keep the lights on and to continue providing you with great and awesome material!
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By offthewok
5
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Although Asians have been associated in one way or another throughout Hollywood's history, their roles have rarely been significant. Many Asians were typecast to roles like the weak nerd in glasses who helps out the main protagonist, or as an evil mystical person out to get the protagonist and fail. Either way, they were relegated to second-class roles. That, however is finally starting to change with the advent of Asian movies with a wholly Asian cast. Successes like Crazy Rich Asians, Minari, and Kim's Convenience are starting to cement the Asian presence within Hollywood. But, It's only a start and it's still going to take time, and it also won't make up for all the years where Asians have struggled to get in. Our guest Danny Lam can attest to that. Danny moved from Canada to LA to pursue acting opportunities and discusses his struggle with it. We get into topics like stereotypical roles for Asians, the differences in roles between Asian men and women, lack of Asian role models, and acting as a career path.
As an aside, for the upcoming academy awards this year, Steven Yuen (Minari) and Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal) have become the first Asian American and Muslim actor to be nominated for best actor at the same time, which is also a first. Youn Yuh-Jung (Minari) is the first Korean woman to be nominated for any acting award in America. Chloe Zhao (Nomadland) has become the first Asian woman to be nominated for best director, and along with Lee Issac Chung (Minari), is the first time there are two Asian nominees for best director.
We are always looking to share other people's experiences with us! If you'd like to be a guest on our show, email us at [email protected] and let us know! Give us a follow at offthewokpodcast on Instagram so you don't miss out on any new episodes! Thank you and we appreciate you wok'ing with us.
PS: If you enjoy our episodes, please consider supporting us at ko-fi.com/offthewok, every little bit counts to keep the lights on and to continue providing you with great and awesome material!