hardly any asian actors?

Question

I know there are some but why aren't there a decent amount of asians in movies?

Answer 1

Well. let's draw the distinction between Asians and Asian Americans first. I'll refer to Asian Americans as those who are second-generation (English speaking) or have otherwise lived her for most of their lives. We'll look at them first:

It took major movements in Hollywood for African Americans and for Hispanics to get more screen time. Unfortunately, no movement has yet happened for Asian Americans. There's not been a major (there have been some minor) campaign to put more Asian faces in the movies.

Additionally, its got to be bankable in Hollywood if it wants to make it to the movie screen. There have been a number of movies featuring largely Asian American actors and actresses (like Better Luck Tomorrow), but no hit. Meanwhile, the minority quota is being filled when African Americans flock to "black-themed" movies and Hispanics, to a lesser degree, do the same to movies featuring Spanish-speaking casts.

However, the number of Asian American actors is growing. Though most are found on TV or in comedy clubs, I feel they'll eventually start to become movie stars. I can think of some who have been in major motion pictures, like Rick Yune (Die Another Day, Snow Falling on Cedars) and...that guy from Harold and Kumar (Harold and Kumar; American Pie).

Another factor is this: there are a lot fewer Asian Americans actors than actors of other races; I'm sure this applies to percentages as well, as most face tremendous pressure from their parents to have more stable careers than an entertainment one would offer.

Asians, on the other hand, are continuing to grow in their appearances on the big screen - and not just in martial arts (though Jackie Chan and Jet Li have paved the way in recent years). Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was a huge hit and wasn't a simple martial arts flick. The Last Samurai, Letters from Iwo Jima and Memoirs of a Geisha were other major motion pictures (although both were relatively unsuccessful). Chow Yun Fat and Ken Watanabe (star of the three previously mentioned films) are non-action actors who have been in American titles. They'll be joined by another non-action star (albeit, in an action role) soon as Ji-hyun Jun headlines the Blood: The Last Vampire movie, which is now in production.

While Asian-themed films have had some sucess in the past (ex. The Last Emperor), they were seldom made. Also uncommon were Asians with major speaking roles in major movies. The trend has changed in recent years.

So, conclusion? Very small presence for Asian-Americans, but growing slowly. Small presences for Asians, but growing moderately. Well, at least that's something!

Answer 2

There are many Asian actors, but they are primarily in Asian films. Here in the U.S., there aren't a lot of film roles for many Asians though. Some actors, of which I'm sure you're aware, have made the break into American films, but the majority have not. Is this a fault of our culture, or just that Hollywood hasn't created the roles for Asians in our market? Probably a little bit of both.

Answer 3

Maybe most of the Asian actors stay in their native countries to act, instead of coming to the United States to act. Most of the Asian actors in the U.S. are in the Kung-Fu films that Jet Li has starred in or are in films like Memoirs of a Giesha that have a predominately Asian cast.

Answer 4

Ok... I may be white, but let's be honest here...

Hollywood is representative of our American society as a whole. For a very long time, whites were the only ones with real parts on the screen... meaning they treated blacks as second rate citizens (which is very wrong), but did represent how the white public viewed life (again... this is the past). More recently, black America has been coming into its own with regard to Hollywood, entertainment, life as a whole... our society has finally changed and is not as prejudiced as in days past, which is wonderful.

Unfortunately, America was officially founded by whites... and as far as I am concerned, whites and blacks really made this nation what it is today... did the work... laid the groundwork. It wasn't until America was established did other nationalities really get in and establish themselves. So, as wrong as it may be, my opinion is that other nationalities will only ever be as famous or dominant as the percentage they make up in our American culture.

Answer 5

the asian actors mabye actually be asian american born and raised in america etc but still they will be cast as a non english speaking role.. its very very bad sterotyping

Answer 6

most of them dont speak good enough english for people watching the movie to understand them. the ones who do speak good, get jobs as important business men and doctors, they dont have time to do a fun job, they strive on perfection.

Answer 7

Because not enough people write parts for them.

Answer 8

because hollywood sucks!!!! bring on the asians!!!

Answer 9

ummmmmmm heres an idea........ just maybe its because the vast majority of movies are american, and the vast majority of americans are, lets see.........not asian.............and therefore the vast majority of american actors are.......lets see again..........hmmmmmm.........oh yeah.......not asian........that clear it up for you?

Answer 10

thats a good question
i have no clue lol