Asian Actresses Who Are Finally Getting Lead Roles

The world of entertainment is changing, with more and more Asian actresses taking on leading roles. For a long time, they were often limited to supporting parts in Western films and TV, but now they’re starring in major productions across all kinds of genres. This change shows that audiences are eager for diverse stories and genuine representation. Both new and established actresses are proving they can lead compelling stories and connect with viewers around the globe. Here’s a look at some of the actresses who are now taking center stage.

Anna Sawai

I was absolutely blown away by Anna Sawai in ‘Shōgun’! She was incredible as Lady Mariko, and it’s so well-deserved that she’s getting all this recognition, even an Emmy! I’d seen her before in ‘Pachinko’ and even ‘F9’, but this role really showed what she’s capable of. It’s clear she’s become a huge star, and I’m excited to see what she does next in international TV.

Greta Lee

Greta Lee has quickly become a leading actress, most notably with her powerful performance in ‘Past Lives’. Before this, she was known for her roles in popular shows like ‘Russian Doll’ and ‘The Morning Show’. Her portrayal of Nora in ‘Past Lives’ received critical acclaim and several award nominations for its emotional resonance. Lee is now a highly sought-after actress, consistently choosing challenging and layered characters.

Stephanie Hsu

Stephanie Hsu quickly became well-known after starring in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance playing both Joy Wang and Jobu Tupaki. Since then, she’s taken on leading roles, including in the comedy ‘Joy Ride’. Hsu is known for bringing a special energy and ability to play a wide range of characters.

Ashley Park

Ashley Park became famous for her work on the popular show ‘Emily in Paris’. She recently starred in the comedy film ‘Joy Ride’, where she showcased her talent for both acting and singing. Before her success on screen, Park built a strong foundation performing in Broadway musicals like ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘The King and I’. She’s now taking on bigger and more important roles in film and television.

Ali Wong

Ali Wong started out as a popular stand-up comedian and has since become a leading figure in television and film. She gained widespread recognition for ‘Beef,’ a critically acclaimed show she starred in and helped produce, earning her numerous awards. Before that, she starred in the romantic comedy ‘Always Be My Maybe.’ Throughout her career, Wong has proven she’s a versatile actress, equally comfortable in dramatic and comedic roles.

Sonoya Mizuno

Sonoya Mizuno is a talented actress who has become well-known for her work with director Alex Garland on films like ‘Ex Machina’ and ‘Annihilation’. She’s also starred in the science fiction miniseries ‘Devs’, and has recently taken on prominent roles in popular shows like ‘House of the Dragon’ and ‘Maniac’. Mizuno consistently chooses complex and interesting characters in her television work.

Jessica Henwick

Jessica Henwick is quickly becoming a leading star in Hollywood. After building a strong foundation with memorable roles in popular series like ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Iron Fist’, and films such as ‘The Matrix Resurrections’ and ‘Glass Onion’, she’s now taking on leading roles and expanding her talents into writing and directing.

Maya Erskine

Maya Erskine is known for co-creating and starring in the popular comedy series ‘PEN15’. She recently landed a leading role in the new television version of ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’, where she’s been praised for skillfully combining action-packed scenes with moments of genuine emotion. Erskine consistently works on and appears in projects that showcase her distinctive style and creativity.

Midori Francis

Midori Francis is a rising star known for her work in several hit TV shows. She’s appeared in the romantic comedy ‘Dash and Lily’ and the drama ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls,’ as well as guest roles on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and in the film ‘Good Boys.’ Audiences appreciate her ability to play characters that feel both genuine and endearing.

Leah Lewis

Leah Lewis became well-known for playing the main character in the Netflix movie ‘The Half of It’. She’s also the star of the mystery series ‘Nancy Drew’ and has provided voice work for leading characters in animated films like ‘Elemental’. Throughout her career, Lewis has proven she can successfully lead stories in both live-action and animated formats.

Lana Condor

Lana Condor first gained international fame as the star of the ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ movies. Since then, she’s acted in and helped produce the series ‘Boo Bitch,’ and has also appeared in popular films like ‘Alita Battle Angel’ and ‘Moonshot.’ These roles have established her as a prominent young actress in Hollywood.

Meng’er Zhang

Meng’er Zhang first gained recognition as the lead in the hit movie ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. Before becoming a Hollywood star, she was already an experienced actress performing on stage in China. She continued her success with a role in the popular TV series ‘The Witcher’. Zhang consistently lands important roles that allow her to demonstrate both her impressive martial arts abilities and her acting talent.

Karen Fukuhara

Karen Fukuhara is well-known for her leading role in the popular superhero series ‘The Boys’. She first became recognized for playing Katana in the movie ‘Suicide Squad’, and has also worked as a voice actress on shows such as ‘Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts’. Thanks to her performances in action-packed roles, she’s become a prominent figure in the action genre.

Sherry Cola

Sherry Cola started her career doing comedy and radio before becoming a leading actress in films. She played a main role in the 2023 comedy ‘Joy Ride’ and is also known for her regular role on the drama series ‘Good Trouble’. Audiences appreciate her ability to deliver both funny and genuinely moving performances.

Kimiko Glenn

Kimiko Glenn is a talented actress who’s worked in a variety of roles. You might recognize her from shows like ‘Orange Is the New Black’ or her Broadway performance in ‘Waitress’. She’s also a voice actor, starring in animated series like ‘Centaurworld’ and ‘Hazbin Hotel’, and has appeared in films such as ‘Nerve’ and ‘The Guest Book’. Throughout her career, she’s consistently played important characters in both musicals and television shows.

Shioli Kutsuna

Shioli Kutsuna first became well-known internationally for playing Yukio in ‘Deadpool 2’. She’s now one of the stars of the sci-fi series ‘Invasion’. Before coming to Hollywood, Kutsuna had a successful acting career in Japan, appearing in many films and TV shows. Her work in ‘Invasion’ demonstrates her skill at taking on leading roles in intense and complicated stories.

Adeline Rudolph

Adeline Rudolph first became well-known for her work on ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’. She then starred in the ‘Resident Evil’ TV series and is now playing Kitana in the next ‘Mortal Kombat’ movie. Rudolph is rapidly becoming a leading actor in big action and fantasy projects.

Tati Gabrielle

Tati Gabrielle is well-known for her roles in popular shows like ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ and the thriller ‘You’. She also played a key villain in the action movie ‘Uncharted’ and has a leading voice acting role in the animated series ‘The Owl House’. With consistent work in prominent projects, Gabrielle has become a highly sought-after actress.

Arden Cho

Arden Cho is an actress and singer known for her roles in shows like ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Partner Track’, where she played the lead. She’s also spoken out about the need for more Asian representation in Hollywood. Her performance in ‘Partner Track’ demonstrated her talent for leading a dramatic series.

Jamie Chung

I’ve been consistently impressed watching Jamie Chung’s career evolve. She really made a name for herself moving from reality TV into some seriously strong acting roles. While she’s been in fun, popular films like ‘The Hangover Part II’ and ‘Sucker Punch’, it’s her work in shows like ‘Lovecraft Country’ that really showcases her talent. Lately, I’ve noticed she’s taking on more leading roles in really compelling, high-quality TV – characters that are much more dramatic and complex, and honestly, it’s a fantastic move for her.

Kelly Marie Tran

Kelly Marie Tran is known for her groundbreaking role in the recent ‘Star Wars’ films. She’s also the voice of Raya in Disney’s ‘Raya and the Last Dragon,’ and has appeared in the series ‘Sorry for Your Loss’ and several audio dramas. Tran consistently chooses roles that challenge expectations and demonstrate her versatility as an actress.

Awkwafina

Awkwafina initially pursued a career in music before becoming a well-known actress. She gained recognition and won a Golden Globe for her work in the film ‘The Farewell’. In addition to acting, she created and stars in the comedy series ‘Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens’. She’s also appeared in popular films like ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’.

Gemma Chan

Gemma Chan has become a leading actress, most recently starring in the Marvel film ‘Eternals’. She first gained widespread attention for her role in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and has also appeared in the TV series ‘Humans’ and the film ‘Don’t Worry Darling’. With each new project, Chan is becoming a more prominent figure in Hollywood, taking on increasingly important roles.

Constance Wu

Constance Wu rose to prominence in film after her breakout role in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. Before that, she was the star of the popular sitcom ‘Fresh Off the Boat’, and she also appeared with Jennifer Lopez in the hit movie ‘Hustlers’. Through her work, Wu has helped create more opportunities for Asian actresses to play leading roles in both romantic comedies and serious dramas.

Sandra Oh

Sandra Oh has become a well-known and celebrated lead actress on television. She starred as the main character in the hit thriller ‘Killing Eve’ for four seasons, earning numerous award nominations. More recently, she led the drama series ‘The Chair’ and is now expanding her career by taking on both leading roles and executive producer positions in significant projects.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh is a well-respected actress with a long and successful career, especially in international films. She recently achieved major recognition in Hollywood, winning an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. Since then, she’s continued to take on prominent roles in popular projects like ‘Star Trek Discovery’ and the upcoming ‘Wicked’ movies, solidifying her status as a leading actress in the global film industry.

Olivia Liang

Olivia Liang stars in the action series ‘Kung Fu’, a fresh take on the classic show with a female lead. Before landing this career-defining role, she appeared in ‘Legacies’ and ‘Into the Dark’. Her work on ‘Kung Fu’ requires a lot of martial arts training and strong acting. Liang is now an important voice for diversity and inclusion on TV.

Yvonne Chapman

Yvonne Chapman first became known for playing a villain on ‘Kung Fu,’ and she’s now landed a significant role in the live-action version of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ as Avatar Kyoshi. She’s also been in shows like ‘Street Legal’ and ‘Family Law.’ With these increasingly prominent parts, her acting career is really taking off.

Han So-hee

Han So-hee is a rising star in South Korea, gaining fans around the world. She’s known for her roles in popular shows like ‘The World of the Married’ and the action-packed series ‘My Name,’ where she proved she can carry a challenging, action-driven story. Now, she’s becoming a well-known face in streaming shows watched globally.

Park So-dam

Park So-dam became internationally recognized for her performance in the Academy Award-winning movie ‘Parasite’. Since then, she’s starred in leading roles in films such as the action thriller ‘Special Delivery’. Park is a versatile actress who excels in drama, comedy, and action, and continues to receive global praise for her work in new films.

Patti Harrison

Patti Harrison started her career as a comedy writer and performer, but has quickly become a prominent actress in independent films. She gained recognition for her role in the well-received movie ‘Together Together,’ where she starred with Ed Helms. You might also know her from shows like ‘I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson’ and ‘Shrill.’ Her work in ‘Together Together’ really showcased her ability to play realistic and emotionally resonant leading characters.

Megan Suri

I’ve been really impressed with Megan Suri lately. You might recognize her from ‘Never Have I Ever,’ but she truly shines as the lead in the horror film ‘It Lives Inside,’ where she plays a character battling some seriously creepy supernatural forces. Before that, she had roles in shows like ‘Atypical’ and ‘Fresh Off the Boat.’ Honestly, she’s quickly becoming someone you see everywhere, and for good reason – she’s a really talented actress.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan became the star of ‘Never Have I Ever’ after being discovered through an open casting call. Playing Devi Vishwakumar quickly made her well-known and an important role model for young people of South Asian descent. She’s expanded her talents into voice acting, starring in films like ‘Turning Red,’ and is now taking on new leading roles as she continues to build her career.

Simone Ashley

Simone Ashley quickly rose to international fame after starring as the lead in season two of ‘Bridgerton’. Before that, she was known for her role in the popular series ‘Sex Education’. Critics and viewers loved her performance in ‘Bridgerton’, particularly the strong connection she had with her co-star and the depth she brought to her character. Since then, she’s landed roles in major movies and worked with top fashion brands.

Charithra Chandran

Charithra Chandran became well-known internationally for playing Edwina Sharma in ‘Bridgerton’. She’s also appeared in the series ‘Alex Rider’ and has experience performing on stage. Chandran is a strong advocate for better representation of South Asians in film and television, and her career is quickly gaining momentum with exciting new roles in both TV and theater.

Ambika Mod

I have to say, Ambika Mod is really making a name for herself. After earning rave reviews for her work in ‘This Is Going to Hurt,’ she’s now completely captivating audiences in ‘One Day.’ You can definitely feel her comedic timing and stage presence in everything she does – it adds a unique layer to her performance. Honestly, with ‘One Day,’ she’s cemented herself as one to watch in the romantic lead category. She’s fantastic.

Geraldine Viswanathan

Geraldine Viswanathan first gained widespread recognition for her leading role in the comedy ‘Blockers’. Since then, she’s appeared in films like ‘The Broken Hearts Gallery’ and the series ‘Miracle Workers’. Most recently, she starred in ‘Drive Away Dolls’, directed by Ethan Coen. Throughout her career, Viswanathan has proven she can successfully carry both big-budget comedies and smaller, independent dramas.

Sunita Mani

Sunita Mani is an actress known for her roles in the series ‘GLOW’ and the film ‘Evil Eye’. She also appeared with Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell in the musical movie ‘Spirited’. Her background in both dance and comedy helps her bring a unique energy to all her performances. She consistently lands significant roles in both leading and supporting capacities.

Poppy Liu

Poppy Liu is quickly becoming a recognizable face thanks to memorable performances in shows like ‘Hacks’ and ‘Dead Ringers’. She’s recently been featured in bigger roles on ‘American Born Chinese’ and ‘The Afterparty’. Known for her distinctive personality and knack for comedy, Liu is increasingly taking on lead roles in television series.

Julia Chan

Julia Chan is an actress known for her roles in shows like ‘Katy Keene’ and ‘Saving Hope’. She’s also appeared in ‘Archive 81’ and hosted ‘The Great Canadian Baking Show’. With a strong theater background, she’s worked in both the UK and North America, proving her versatility in everything from serious medical dramas to lighthearted comedies.

Elizabeth Yu

Elizabeth Yu is a quickly rising actress, best known for her role as Princess Azula in the live-action ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ series. She’s also appeared in the film ‘May December’ with Natalie Portman. These prominent roles are helping to launch her career.

Maria Zhang

Maria Zhang is quickly becoming a well-known actress thanks to her role as Suki in the live-action adaptation of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’. Her performance as the popular character has made her a standout in the series. While she previously worked on short films, Zhang is now moving into bigger television roles, bringing her martial arts skills and natural charm to the screen.

Rosalie Chiang

Rosalie Chiang is the voice of Meilin Lee in Disney Pixar’s ‘Turning Red,’ a role that quickly made her well-known and earned her award nominations. Before ‘Turning Red,’ she gained experience in commercials and smaller projects. She’s now continuing to act in both animated and live-action roles, demonstrating her versatility as a performer.

Rina Sawayama

Rina Sawayama, a well-known singer, recently starred as Akira in ‘John Wick Chapter 4’, marking her first major film role. The part highlighted both her athleticism and acting skills. Sawayama hopes to continue acting in addition to making music, and her debut performance has quickly made her an actress to watch.

Havana Rose Liu

Havana Rose Liu recently starred in the thriller ‘No Exit’, marking a significant lead role for her. She’s also appeared in ‘Bottoms’ and the series ‘The Chair’. Beyond acting, Liu has experience as a model and activist, and she successfully balances these pursuits with her growing career. Her work in ‘No Exit’ proved she can powerfully lead a suspenseful film.

Lola Tung

Lola Tung quickly gained popularity after starring in the hit series ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’, becoming a well-known actress. She’s also recently made her first appearance on Broadway in the musical ‘Hadestown’, solidifying her status as a rising star in young adult entertainment.

Let us know in the comments which of these actresses you’re most looking forward to seeing star in future movies or shows!

2026-02-08 00:51