Jimmy O. Yang Stars in Hulu’s ‘Interior Chinatown’: A Glimpse into Asian American Representation

Actor Jimmy O. Yang takes center stage in Hulu‘s television adaptation of «Interior Chinatown,» based on the National Book Award-winning novel by Charles Yu. In the series, Yang portrays Willis, an Asian American waiter who becomes entangled in a crime story, mirroring themes of invisibility and struggle experienced by many Asian Americans in Hollywood.

Yang, who immigrated from Hong Kong to Los Angeles at the age of 13, found a personal connection to Willis’ journey. Speaking about his own experiences, Yang remarked, «I really felt like [the novel] spoke to me as an Asian American, as an actor, as an artist … who felt like I was always in the background of my life and I always have to find a way to sneak in.»

Born out of roles in stand-up comedy and small parts in television, Yang’s career took a significant turn in 2014 when he was cast in the HBO series «Silicon Valley.» Playing the character Jian-Yang, Yang expanded his initially minor role into a recurring character, gaining prominence and leading him to roles in films like «Crazy Rich Asians» and numerous comedic specials.

«Interior Chinatown,» both the book and the series, provides a satirical yet profound exploration of the roles Asian Americans are often pigeonholed into in popular culture. The series explores themes of identity and expectation, which Yang found personally resonant. «It’s breaking out of the role that society expects… like my family expecting me to be an engineer, a good student, definitely not a comedian and an actor,» he shared.

A reflection of his own life and career, the series gives Yang the opportunity to delve into his own experiences with invisibility and cultural expectations. «A lot of times we feel invisible and that invisibility has been internalized,» Yang explained, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and challenging social stereotypes.

Yang’s portrayal of Willis aims to provide a more nuanced view of the Asian American experience, highlighting the internal and external challenges faced by those in the community. His involvement in «Interior Chinatown» also marks a turning point where he can lead a project that challenges traditional stereotypes and explores deeper human stories.

The series, while fiction, becomes a vessel for Yang and others involved to interrogate and redefine what it means to be a part of Hollywood as an Asian American, a theme poignantly mirrored in both the book and Yang’s personal career trajectory. As the show gains attention, it signifies a growing interest and demand for diverse stories and perspectives in the entertainment industry.