20 Celebs You Probably Didn’t Know Were Asian

Unveiling the Hidden Asian Roots of Famous Personalities

This compilation highlights notable individuals from various fields such as music, acting, sports, and hosting, who possess Asian heritage that is often overlooked. These personalities hail from diverse backgrounds including Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and more. Each profile offers a succinct exploration of the origin of their Asian ancestry, its impact on their lives, and how it has contributed to their successful careers.

Each entry provides essential details like a parent’s birthplace, ancestral surname, or the nation a grandparent hailed from. Additionally, you may notice brief mentions of significant work, offering quick recognition, accompanied by succinct notes on language, travel, or cultural affiliations to provide valuable context.

Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves, the actor, can trace his ancestry back to Chinese and Native Hawaiian lineage through his father who was born in Hawaii and boasts a diverse heritage including Chinese, Native Hawaiian, English, Irish, and Portuguese roots. Growing up, Reeves was significantly influenced by a Chinese-Hawaiian grandmother, which is why the cultural elements of China played a role in his childhood years spent in Hawaii, as well as his later life in Canada.

Reeves’ global film career took off with hits such as ‘The Matrix’ and ‘John Wick’. His initial years were spent in Toronto where he first tread the boards on stage, eventually landing him early screen parts and leading the way to significant roles in action and science fiction films.

Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo’s dad hails from the Philippines, while her mom has a mix of German and Irish ancestry. In her conversations, Rodrigo has shared about incorporating Filipino traditions into their household, and she’s expressed an appreciation for Filipino cuisine and culture through family get-togethers.

In my perspective as a devoted movie enthusiast, I’d say: From captivating television appearances, I garnered a substantial amount of attention. Then, my melodies resonated worldwide, reaching the top spots on charts globally. Before diving headfirst into pop fame, I honed my craft with roles tailored for younger audiences, gradually cultivating a loyal fanbase that transitioned with me into the realm of popular music.

Darren Criss

Darren Criss identifies as being half Filipino, given that his mother was born and nurtured in the Philippines prior to relocating to the U.S. He has participated in events within the Filipino community and often showcases his roots during interviews and public engagements.

In simpler terms, Criss gained considerable fame due to his work in ‘Glee’, and subsequently received significant accolades for his portrayal in a true crime limited series. With a background in music and theater, he often composes and performs his own songs, and has graced the Broadway stage as well as the silver screen.

Hailee Steinfeld

Hailee Steinfeld traces her Filipino heritage through her maternal grandpa, who was born in the Philippines and moved to the U.S.A. Besides this, she has Jewish and European origins in her family history as well.

Steinfeld gained recognition initially with movies like ‘True Grit’, and later became part of the Marvel TV series, appearing in ‘Hawkeye’. Additionally, she provides the voice for a main character in an animated production and starred in ‘Bumblebee’. Simultaneously, she pursues a concurrent career in music.

Rob Schneider

Rob Schneider’s mom is from the Philippines, and he has traveled to the Philippines for performances and familial ties. His dad hails from Europe, and Schneider often talks about his upbringing in a multi-cultural home in California.

As a die-hard movie buff, I’d proudly recount my journey that saw me shine on ‘Saturday Night Live’, paving the way for leading roles in hilarious films such as ‘The Hot Chick’. I also got the chance to be part of blockbuster ensembles like ‘Grown Ups’. With a knack for comedy, I’ve ventured into producing and starring in my own TV series. And when it comes to making audiences laugh out loud, you can still find me on stage as a stand-up comedian, touring near and far.

Dave Bautista

I, in awe, can’t help but admire Dave Bautista, whose roots trace back to the Philippines through his father. In interviews discussing his lineage, particularly in Washington D.C., he openly acknowledges the significant impact of his Filipino heritage. Before wrestling catapulted him into acting, he had a diverse work history.

Bautista transitioned from boxing to acting, featuring in significant films like ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, ‘Dune’, and ‘Blade Runner 2049’. On-screen, he’s been versatile, taking on roles in action, sci-fi, and drama genres. Off-screen, he passionately champions animal rescue efforts and community programs.

Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens’ mother is of Filipino descent and moved to the U.S., whereas her father’s ancestors were both European and Native American. On her promotional visits, Hudgens has interacted with media from the Philippines.

Known primarily for her role in ‘High School Musical’, Vanessa Hudgens subsequently ventured into movies such as ‘Spring Breakers’ and the film series ‘The Princess Switch’. Besides her acting, she is also active on stage and in music production, crafting a versatile career that encompasses both youth-oriented and mature productions.

Vanessa Lachey

Born in the Philippines at Clark Air Base, Vanessa Lachey hails from a family with roots in the Philippines, as her mother is Filipino. Due to her family’s military background, she lived in various locations during her childhood. Eventually, she found herself in the United States, where she started participating in pageants and working in television.

Over time, Lachey established herself as a well-known figure, primarily through her hosting and interviewing roles. This recognition paved the way for acting opportunities and continuous responsibilities in reality TV series. Currently, she shares hosting duties on ‘Love Is Blind,’ and has graced network television, all while juggling her work with charitable initiatives focused on military families.

Shay Mitchell

As a devoted fan of Shay Mitchell, I’d like to share a bit about her inspiring journey. Born to a Filipina mother who immigrated to Canada, Shay grew up in the vibrant Toronto community. Her teenage years marked the beginning of her modeling career, which later transformed into acting. The rich cultural background she inherited from her roots and the diverse experiences gained from traveling have significantly influenced her perspective and career choices.

She gained significant recognition from ‘Pretty Little Liars’, which led her to participate in global productions and endeavors in lifestyle. Later, Mitchell expanded into industries such as travel and wellness, leveraging social media platforms to engage with audiences beyond the small screen.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar

Mark Paul Gosselaar hails from Indonesian roots, as his mom originated in Indonesia and possesses a mix of Dutch-Indonesian ancestry. Growing up, he acquired some knowledge of the Dutch language at home, and often shares anecdotes about family trips and cultural customs traced back to his mother’s lineage.

Gosselaar initially gained recognition through his role in ‘Saved by the Bell’, which was followed by appearances in various dramas and comedies on different TV networks. Later, he reappeared in a sequel series and has since continued to feature in ensemble shows and courtroom dramas.

Norah Jones

Norah Jones, a renowned musician, is the offspring of acclaimed Indian sitar maestro Ravi Shankar and American record producer and photographer Sue Jones. She spent her childhood in America but maintained her connection with her father’s rich Indian culture through music and familial bonds.

Jones achieved numerous significant music accolades following the release of her debut album, later venturing into acting with the movie ‘My Blueberry Nights’. She frequently collaborates with a variety of artists in genres such as jazz, country, and folk, and has published works showcasing her skills on both the piano and vocals.

Naomi Scott

Naomi Scott’s mom hails from an Indian Gujarat background and spent her childhood in Uganda prior to relocating to the UK. Scott herself was brought up in London, where she started singing within a local church group, paving the way for early connections in the entertainment industry.

In Disney’s live-action version of ‘Aladdin’, she portrayed Princess Jasmine, and she also appeared in ‘Power Rangers’. Scott consistently produces music and performs in both streaming and stage productions, combining her acting experience with her vocal abilities.

Karrueche Tran

Karrueche Tran’s mom hails from Vietnam, while her dad is of both African American and Caribbean descent. Prior to her rise as a model and later an actress, she spent time working in the fashion and retail sectors in LA.

Transitioning the sentence into a more conversational style, it could be rephrased as: Tran’s acting roles in ‘Claws’ and ‘The Bay’ have brought her acclaim. She’s been accumulating credits across TV, digital series, and continues to collaborate on beauty and fashion projects. In addition, she actively participates in community initiatives within the city where she was raised.

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods is of Thai and Chinese descent on his mother’s side, as she was born in Thailand. His mother’s lineage also includes African-American and Native American roots. Woods often refers to his multiracial background, highlighting his unique mix of Asian, Black, and Indigenous heritage.

His career saw him achieve unprecedented success as a golfer, marked by numerous wining records and extended periods at the pinnacle of the game. Additionally, Woods established a foundation, which aims to promote education and nurture young golfers, carrying out initiatives not just within the US but globally as well.

Steve Aoki

Steve Aoki, born to a Japanese immigrant father (Rocky Aoki, who established the Benihana restaurant chain), hails from Southern California. He later established his own record label, which propelled numerous electronic music artists into prominence.

Globetrotting as both a disc jockey and record producer, Aoki frequently teams up with musicians spanning the realms of popular music and hip hop. He’s also made television appearances, such as on ‘The Masked Singer’, and ventures into technology and cultural investments that center around gaming and collectibles.

Bruno Mars

Bruno Mars was born to a Filipino mother, who spent her childhood in the Philippines but later moved to Hawaii, and a father of both Puerto Rican and European-Jewish heritage. From an early age, he honed his talents as a performer in Honolulu and mastered various instruments within a musical family environment.

Later, Mars also wrote and produced songs for other musicians, eventually achieving success with his own number one albums. In addition to this, he performs regularly in Las Vegas and works on a separate music project. He maintains strong connections with the Hawaiian and Filipino communities by participating in charitable events.

Nicole Scherzinger

Nicole Scherzinger hails from a multicultural background; her father is of Filipino descent, while her mother has roots in native Hawaiian and Ukrainian lineage. Born in Hawaii, she spent her formative years in Kentucky. During this period, she pursued musical theater education before venturing into a pop group.

Later, she made appearances on the West End in the production ‘Cats’ and lent her voice to a character in ‘Moana’. Apart from that, Scherzinger served as a judge for various talent contests, released her own music, and advocated for arts education and youth-focused performance initiatives.

Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury, whose birth name was Farrokh Bulsara, hails from Zanzibar and was brought up by Parsi parents of Indian descent. Later in life, he resided in India for some years before emigrating to England during his teenage years. It was there that he established the band which eventually came to be known as Queen.

In simpler terms, Mercury, a key member of Queen, composed and sang many of their iconic songs. He also built an renowned on-stage persona. His lasting impact includes memorable concerts and albums that continue to be influential, as well as philanthropic endeavors funded through his estate.

Ben Kingsley

Born as Krishna Pandit Bhanji, a child of a Gujarati Indian father and an English mother, Ben Kingsley found his footing in England’s theatrical scene. As his film career flourished, he chose to be recognized by a stage name.

Kingsley excelled, earning significant accolades for his portrayal of Gandhi, and has graced numerous movies, including Schindler’s List. His versatile acting career spans both dramatic and diverse film genres, and he has been recognized with prestigious honors for his contributions to the performing arts.

Charles Melton

Charles Melton’s mom hails from Korea, while his dad has roots in Europe but was born in America. He spent some of his early years on military installations and resided in South Korea temporarily before moving back to the U.S. as a child.

Melton gained prominence through ‘Riverdale’ and ventured into movies, such as ‘The Sun Is Also a Star’ and ‘May December’. He has walked the ramp for various fashion houses and earned praise from critics for his mature acting performances that transcended the boundaries of teenage TV shows.

Share your favorites from the list and tell us who else belongs here in the comments.

2025-08-26 11:17