Jimmy O. Yang Stars in ‘Interior Chinatown’ TV Adaptation

The new Hulu series «Interior Chinatown,» adapted from Charles Yu‘s award-winning novel, features actor Jimmy O. Yang in a role that resonates deeply with his personal experiences. Yang, known for his breakout role as Jian-Yang on HBO‘s «Silicon Valley,» portrays Willis Wu, an Asian American waiter who unwittingly becomes part of a crime story.

In an interview, Yang expressed how the role aligns with his feelings of invisibility and being relegated to the background. «I really felt like [the novel] spoke to me as an Asian American, as an actor, as an artist,” said Yang. The actor’s own journey echoes that of his character, having immigrated to Los Angeles from Hong Kong at age 13, and often finding himself cast in background roles.

Yang’s career took a significant turn after his role on «Silicon Valley,» which began as a small part but expanded due to his performance. He recalls the challenges he faced breaking into comedy and acting—with roles often limited to stereotypical characters—but says it was his determination to prove his abilities that enabled him to break free from those confines.

The adaptation of «Interior Chinatown» is described as a comedic and fantastical portrayal of Asian Americans in pop culture. The series’ tagline, «Break out of your role,» reflects Yang’s personal mantra as he continues to defy societal and familial expectations, further showcased by his own book, «How to American: An Immigrant’s Guide to Disappointing Your Parents.»

Expanding on the theme of invisibility, Yang discussed his early days in stand-up comedy, where he felt liberated by the stage’s egalitarian nature. «The thing about standup: There’s no barrier of entry and you don’t have to look a certain way,» he explained.

Adding a personal touch to his narrative, Yang shared an anecdote about purchasing a beat-up car to better understand his «Silicon Valley» character, only to find himself unrecognized on set despite his lead status—a reflection of the obstacles and motivations that have shaped his career.

Yang also addressed his father’s foray into acting following Yang’s success, reflecting on the generational interplay of dreams and opportunities. «At first I found it kind of like … he’s kind of overstepping into my world that I created for myself,» he remarked, but later saw the joy it brought his father.

This adaptation comes at a time of increasing representation in Hollywood, following the success of projects like «Crazy Rich Asians» in which Yang also starred. With «Interior Chinatown,» Yang sees a storyline that mirrors his own career while challenging stereotypes, a significant contribution to the growing visibility of Asian Americans in film and television.