### Jimmy O. Yang's Journey: From the Background to the Spotlight

Actor Jimmy O. Yang's rise to fame has been a tale of determination and resilience. When he first encountered Charles Yu's novel *Interior Chinatown*, he felt an immediate connection. The story, which revolves around an Asian American waiter named Willis who witnesses a crime, resonated deeply with Yang. He related to Willis' sense of being an outsider, always lurking in the shadows. "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," Yang said. He found the novel reflective of his own career struggles.

Born in Hong Kong, Yang moved to Los Angeles with his family at the age of 13. He discovered comedy during his college years and began performing in clubs nightly. However, his initial attempts at acting left him feeling marginalized. He frequently found himself cast in minor roles, playing characters like "Chinese teenager No. 2" or "person in line." His breakthrough came in 2014 when he was cast as Jian-Yang in the HBO series *Silicon Valley*. Initially a minor role, Yang transformed it into a recurring character, setting the stage for more significant opportunities in films like *Crazy Rich Asians* and *Patriots Day*, and culminating in his book *How to American: An Immigrant's Guide to Disappointing Your Parents*.

Yang now stars as Willis in Hulu's adaptation of *Interior Chinatown*. Much like the novel, the series provides a humorous yet insightful look at the roles Asian Americans are relegated to in both pop culture and real life. The show's tagline, "Break out of your role," has a personal significance for Yang. "It's breaking out of the role that society expects you off. It's breaking out of a role that your family expects you of," he noted, referencing societal expectations and his family's initial reluctance towards his unconventional career choice.

Despite his success, Yang faced moments of invisibility even at the height of his career. On his first day at Fox Studios for *Silicon Valley*, he was treated dismissively by a gate guard who didn't recognize him as the lead actor of the show. This moment of being underestimated fueled his determination further, much like it did for his character Willis.

Yang's path to finding his place extended into stand-up comedy, a field where he could create without barriers. "You can literally create something out of thin air without anyone's permission. And I thought that was very liberating," he said. Stand-up comedy became a sanctuary where his background didn't limit him; his humor did the talking.

Interestingly, Yang’s success inspired his father, who always harbored artistic aspirations, to pursue acting. Yang's father, recognizing a shortage of older Asian actors, began to book roles and demonstrated natural charisma and talent. Although Yang initially harbored reservations about this "nepo-daddy" situation, he eventually embraced it, finding joy in sharing the journey with his father.

Yang has continued to advocate for authenticity in his roles. On the set of *Patriots Day*, he insisted on authentic representation when it came to language, resulting in his father being cast as his on-screen dad—a move that earned his father a SAG card.

Yang also offers a nuanced perspective on the portrayal of Asian characters with accents, emphasizing the value of authentic immigrant stories. While acknowledging the stereotypes, he believes in the importance of these roles, particularly when they reflect real experiences.

Throughout his career, Yang has exemplified the determination to break out of the constraints imposed on him by society, profession, and even family expectations. His journey from obscure roles to notable success not only mirrors the story of Willis in *Interior Chinatown* but also reflects the broader challenges and triumphs of Asian American actors in the industry.