Asian Actresses Who Are Finally Getting Lead Roles

The landscape of global entertainment is undergoing a significant transformation as more Asian actresses transition from supporting characters to leading roles. Historically underrepresented in Western media, these talented performers are now headlining major films and television series across various genres. This shift reflects a growing demand for diverse storytelling and authentic representation in Hollywood and beyond. From breakout stars to seasoned veterans, these women are proving their ability to carry complex narratives and captivate international audiences. The following list highlights actresses who have successfully claimed their place at the center of the frame.

Anna Sawai

Anna Sawai achieved major recognition for her role in the historical drama series ‘Shōgun’. Before this lead performance she appeared in ‘Pachinko’ and the blockbuster film ‘F9’. Her portrayal of Lady Mariko earned her significant critical acclaim and an Emmy Award. This success has solidified her position as a major talent in international television productions.

Greta Lee

Greta Lee transitioned from comedic supporting roles to a powerhouse lead in the film ‘Past Lives’. She previously gained attention for her work in ‘Russian Doll’ and ‘The Morning Show’. Her performance as Nora in ‘Past Lives’ garnered multiple award nominations and widespread praise for its emotional depth. Lee continues to be a sought after actress for complex and nuanced roles in Hollywood.

Stephanie Hsu

Stephanie Hsu became a household name after her breakout performance in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’. Her dual role as Joy Wang and Jobu Tupaki earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Since then she has taken on lead roles in projects like the comedy film ‘Joy Ride’. Hsu brings a unique energy and versatility to every character she portrays on screen.

Ashley Park

Ashley Park is widely known for her role in the hit series ‘Emily in Paris’. She starred as a lead in the R rated comedy ‘Joy Ride’ which highlighted her comedic timing and musical talents. Park has a strong background in Broadway theater with performances in ‘Mean Girls’ and ‘The King and I’. Her career has expanded significantly as she takes on more prominent roles in major film and television projects.

Ali Wong

Ali Wong transitioned from a successful career in stand up comedy to leading major television and film projects. She starred in and executive produced the critically acclaimed series ‘Beef’ which earned her several major awards. Her previous work includes the lead role in the romantic comedy ‘Always Be My Maybe’. Wong has demonstrated her range as both a dramatic and comedic actress in the entertainment industry.

Sonoya Mizuno

Sonoya Mizuno is known for her collaborations with director Alex Garland in projects like ‘Ex Machina’ and ‘Annihilation’. She took on a central lead role in the science fiction miniseries ‘Devs’. Her work has expanded to include major roles in ‘House of the Dragon’ and ‘Maniac’. Mizuno continues to take on diverse and challenging characters in the television industry.

Jessica Henwick

Jessica Henwick has moved from supporting roles in major franchises to leading her own projects. She gained recognition for her work in ‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Iron Fist’ before starring in ‘The Matrix Resurrections’. Henwick also appeared in the ensemble cast of ‘Glass Onion’ and has transitioned into writing and directing. Her career reflects a steady rise to leading status in Hollywood.

Maya Erskine

Maya Erskine is the co creator and star of the hit comedy series ‘PEN15’. She recently took on a major lead role in the television reboot of ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’. Her performance in the series has been praised for its blend of action and emotional vulnerability. Erskine continues to develop and star in projects that highlight her unique creative voice.

Midori Francis

Midori Francis has established herself as a leading actress in several popular television series. She starred in the romantic comedy series ‘Dash and Lily’ and the drama ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’. Her career also includes roles in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and the film ‘Good Boys’. Francis is recognized for her ability to bring relatability and charm to her leading characters.

Leah Lewis

Leah Lewis gained widespread attention for her lead role in the Netflix film ‘The Half of It’. She also stars as the title character in the mystery series ‘Nancy Drew’. Lewis has lent her voice to lead characters in animated projects like ‘Elemental’. Her career showcases her ability to lead both live action and animated narratives.

Lana Condor

Lana Condor became a global star through her lead role in the ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ film trilogy. She has since starred in and executive produced the series ‘Boo Bitch’. Condor also appeared in major films such as ‘Alita Battle Angel’ and ‘Moonshot’. Her success has made her one of the most recognizable young leads in the industry.

Meng’er Zhang

Meng’er Zhang made her film debut as a lead in the blockbuster ‘Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’. Before her Hollywood breakout she was a seasoned stage performer in China. She followed this success with a role in the television series ‘The Witcher’. Zhang continues to secure prominent roles that showcase her martial arts skills and dramatic range.

Karen Fukuhara

Karen Fukuhara is a series regular and lead character in the hit superhero show ‘The Boys’. She initially gained notice for her role as Katana in the film ‘Suicide Squad’. Fukuhara has also established a successful career as a voice actress in shows like ‘Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts’. Her work in action heavy roles has made her a standout performer in the genre.

Sherry Cola

Sherry Cola transitioned from a career in comedy and radio to leading major film projects. She starred as one of the leads in the 2023 comedy film ‘Joy Ride’. Cola is also well known for her series regular role in the drama ‘Good Trouble’. Her performances often combine sharp comedic timing with authentic emotional beats.

Kimiko Glenn

Kimiko Glenn is a versatile actress known for her roles in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘Waitress’ on Broadway. She has taken on lead voice roles in animated series such as ‘Centaurworld’ and ‘Hazbin Hotel’. Glenn has also appeared in live action films like ‘Nerve’ and ‘The Guest Book’. Her career spans musical theater and television where she often plays central characters.

Shioli Kutsuna

Shioli Kutsuna gained international fame for her role as Yukio in ‘Deadpool 2’. She currently stars as a lead in the science fiction series ‘Invasion’. Kutsuna has a long history of acting in Japanese films and television before transitioning to Hollywood. Her performance in ‘Invasion’ highlights her ability to lead complex and high stakes narratives.

Adeline Rudolph

Adeline Rudolph first gained prominence for her role in ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’. She transitioned to a lead role in the television adaptation of ‘Resident Evil’. Rudolph has also been cast as Kitana in the upcoming ‘Mortal Kombat’ sequel. Her career is quickly moving toward headlining major action and fantasy productions.

Tati Gabrielle

Tati Gabrielle is recognized for her major roles in ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ and the thriller series ‘You’. She starred as a primary antagonist in the action film ‘Uncharted’. Gabrielle has also taken on lead voice work in the animated series ‘The Owl House’. Her consistent presence in high profile projects has solidified her status as a leading talent.

Arden Cho

Arden Cho is best known for her role in ‘Teen Wolf’ and her lead role in the series ‘Partner Track’. She has been a vocal advocate for better representation of Asian actresses in Hollywood. Cho also has a successful career as a singer and songwriter. Her work in ‘Partner Track’ showcased her ability to carry a legal drama as the central protagonist.

Jamie Chung

Jamie Chung has transitioned from reality television to a prolific career as a leading actress. She earned critical acclaim for her role in the series ‘Lovecraft Country’. Chung has appeared in numerous films including ‘The Hangover Part II’ and ‘Sucker Punch’. Her recent work shows a shift toward more dramatic and complex lead characters in prestige television.

Kelly Marie Tran

Kelly Marie Tran made history with her role in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy. She went on to voice the lead character in the Disney animated film ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’. Tran has also starred in the series ‘Sorry for Your Loss’ and various audio dramas. She continues to take on roles that break stereotypes and showcase her range as a performer.

Awkwafina

Awkwafina moved from a music career to becoming a major movie star and lead actress. She received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe for her performance in ‘The Farewell’. She also stars in and co created the series ‘Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens’. Her career includes major roles in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and ‘Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’.

Gemma Chan

Gemma Chan has successfully moved from supporting roles to leading a major Marvel film in ‘Eternals’. She previously gained international recognition for her performance in the hit movie ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. Chan has also starred in the television series ‘Humans’ and the film ‘Don’t Worry Darling’. Her presence in Hollywood has grown as she takes on more central characters in high profile projects.

Constance Wu

Constance Wu became a leading figure in film after starring in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. She previously headlined the long running sitcom ‘Fresh Off the Boat’. Wu also starred alongside Jennifer Lopez in the successful drama ‘Hustlers’. Her career has paved the way for more Asian actresses to take on romantic and dramatic lead roles.

Sandra Oh

Sandra Oh has become a prominent lead actress in television through her award winning performances. She headlined the thriller series ‘Killing Eve’ for four seasons and received multiple nominations for her work. Oh also took on the central lead role in the academic drama series ‘The Chair’. Her career continues to flourish as she takes on executive producing and leading roles in major productions.

Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh has been a legend in international cinema for decades but recently reached a new peak in Hollywood. Her lead role in ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. She has since taken on major roles in ‘Star Trek Discovery’ and the upcoming ‘Wicked’ films. Yeoh is now one of the most sought after leading ladies in the global film industry.

Olivia Liang

Olivia Liang is the lead star of the action series ‘Kung Fu’ which reimagines the original show with a female protagonist. Before this breakout role she appeared in ‘Legacies’ and ‘Into the Dark’. Her work on ‘Kung Fu’ involves extensive martial arts training and dramatic storytelling. Liang has become a central figure for representation in contemporary television.

Yvonne Chapman

Yvonne Chapman gained notice for her villainous role in ‘Kung Fu’ before moving into other major projects. She has been cast in the live action adaptation of ‘Avatar The Last Airbender’ as Avatar Kyoshi. Chapman has also appeared in the series ‘Street Legal’ and ‘Family Law’. Her career is on an upward trajectory as she takes on more iconic and central roles.

Han So-hee

Han So-hee has become a major leading actress in South Korea with a growing international following. She starred in the hit series ‘The World of the Married’ and the action thriller ‘My Name’. Her performance in ‘My Name’ showcased her ability to lead a physically demanding and gritty narrative. So-hee is now a prominent figure in global streaming productions.

Park So-dam

Park So-dam gained worldwide fame for her role in the Oscar winning film ‘Parasite’. She has since taken on lead roles in films like the action thriller ‘Special Delivery’. Park is known for her versatility across drama, comedy, and action genres. Her work continues to garner international attention as she headlines new cinematic projects.

Patti Harrison

Patti Harrison transitioned from a writer and comedic performer to a leading actress in independent film. She starred in the critically acclaimed movie ‘Together Together’ alongside Ed Helms. Harrison is also known for her work in ‘I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson’ and ‘Shrill’. Her performance in ‘Together Together’ highlighted her talent for grounded and emotional leading roles.

Megan Suri

Megan Suri is known for her role in the series ‘Never Have I Ever’ and her lead role in ‘It Lives Inside’. The horror film ‘It Lives Inside’ featured her as the central protagonist dealing with supernatural threats. Suri has also appeared in ‘Atypical’ and ‘Fresh Off the Boat’. She is quickly becoming a recognizable face in both television and feature films.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan was chosen from an open casting call to lead the series ‘Never Have I Ever’. Her performance as Devi Vishwakumar made her a household name and a representative for South Asian youth. She has since moved into voice acting as the lead in projects like ‘Turning Red’. Ramakrishnan is now exploring new leading roles as she transitions into the next stage of her career.

Simone Ashley

Simone Ashley became a global star after taking on the lead romantic role in the second season of ‘Bridgerton’. Before this she was a recurring cast member in the series ‘Sex Education’. Her performance in ‘Bridgerton’ was praised for its chemistry and strong characterization. Ashley has since been cast in major film projects and high fashion campaigns.

Charithra Chandran

Charithra Chandran gained international recognition for her lead role as Edwina Sharma in ‘Bridgerton’. She has also starred in the series ‘Alex Rider’ and performed in various stage productions. Chandran is active in promoting South Asian representation in the media. Her career is rapidly developing with new projects in both television and theater.

Ambika Mod

Ambika Mod achieved critical acclaim for her lead role in the limited series ‘This Is Going to Hurt’. She followed this success by starring as the protagonist in the romantic drama ‘One Day’. Mod has a background in comedy and live performance which informs her acting work. Her performance in ‘One Day’ has solidified her status as a leading romantic actress.

Geraldine Viswanathan

Geraldine Viswanathan had a breakout lead role in the comedy film ‘Blockers’. She has since starred in ‘The Broken Hearts Gallery’ and the series ‘Miracle Workers’. Viswanathan also took on a lead role in the film ‘Drive Away Dolls’ directed by Ethan Coen. Her career is characterized by her ability to lead both studio comedies and independent dramas.

Sunita Mani

Sunita Mani is known for her work in the series ‘GLOW’ and her lead role in the film ‘Evil Eye’. She also starred alongside Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell in the musical film ‘Spirited’. Mani has a background in dance and comedy which she brings to her diverse roles. She continues to secure leading and supporting roles in major productions.

Poppy Liu

Poppy Liu has gained attention for her standout roles in ‘Hacks’ and ‘Dead Ringers’. She recently took on more prominent roles in the series ‘American Born Chinese’ and ‘The Afterparty’. Liu is known for her unique screen presence and comedic timing. Her career is moving toward more central and leading characters in television.

Julia Chan

Julia Chan is known for her lead role in the series ‘Katy Keene’ and her work on ‘Saving Hope’. She has also appeared in ‘Archive 81’ and hosted ‘The Great Canadian Baking Show’. Chan has a strong background in theater and has worked extensively in both the United Kingdom and North America. Her career highlights her ability to lead various genres from medical dramas to fashion comedies.

Elizabeth Yu

Elizabeth Yu is a rising actress who has taken on a major role in the live action ‘Avatar The Last Airbender’ series. She plays the iconic character Princess Azula who is a central figure in the narrative. Yu has also appeared in the film ‘May December’ alongside Natalie Portman. Her career is beginning to flourish with these high profile leading roles.

Maria Zhang

Maria Zhang has gained significant attention for her role as Suki in the live action ‘Avatar The Last Airbender’. Her portrayal of the fan favorite character has made her a breakout star of the series. Zhang has a background in short films and is now transitioning into larger television projects. She is recognized for her martial arts training and charismatic screen presence.

Rosalie Chiang

Rosalie Chiang provided the lead voice for the character Meilin Lee in the Disney Pixar film ‘Turning Red’. This role earned her widespread recognition and several award nominations. Chiang began her career in commercials and independent projects before her major breakout. She continues to pursue acting roles that showcase her talent for both voice and live action work.

Rina Sawayama

Rina Sawayama is a successful singer who made her film acting debut as a lead in ‘John Wick Chapter 4’. Her performance as Akira showcased her physical capabilities and dramatic potential. Sawayama has expressed interest in continuing her acting career alongside her music. Her debut role in a major franchise has established her as a talent to watch.

Havana Rose Liu

Havana Rose Liu took on her first major lead role in the thriller film ‘No Exit’. She has also appeared in ‘Bottoms’ and the series ‘The Chair’. Liu has a background in modeling and activist work which she balances with her acting career. Her performance in ‘No Exit’ demonstrated her ability to carry a high tension feature film.

Lola Tung

Lola Tung became a breakout star after being cast as the lead in ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’. The series has become a major hit and has turned Tung into a recognizable leading lady. She has also made her Broadway debut in the musical ‘Hadestown’. Tung is now one of the most prominent young actresses in the young adult genre.

Please share which of these talented actresses you are most excited to see in future lead roles in the comments.