Oct. 10, 2023

Asia Women who Found Success in Hollywood

As Asia’s film market continues to expand and grow through the years, the future of Asia looks bright with real potential to become the world’s leading film industry in the world. We look at young yet talented women actresses that have made waves and impacted the film industry. By: Dylan Low

With the film and entertainment industry continuing to grow and develop, a new era of artists is set to take over the acting scene. We look into top women actresses with potential to become an upcoming star in the filmmaking world.

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (Indian, Canadian)

Only 21 years of age, Maitreyi Ramkrishan is a rising talent known in Hollywood. She is widely acclaimed for her popular role on Netflix’s hit series Never Have I Ever and also featured on the ELLE magazine, on her rise to fame. 

Growing up from humble beginnings, she was born and raised in Mississauga, having moved from Sri Lanka. Responding to a tweet by Mindy Kaling looking for a young South-Asian actress, she submitted an audition for ‘fun’, leading to her beating 15,000 applicants to land the role of Devi Vishwakumar in Netflix’s blockbuster series. 

The series became instantly popular, with fans immersed by the showcase of strength behind race representation and humour. With the show achieving up to 40 million account views worldwide, she became popular on social media with over 3.3 million followers.

As she completes four seasons reprising her role in Never Have I Ever, it has allowed her to grow her reputation in her industry with new roles in Netflix’s The Netherfield Girls and voice acting in animated film Turning Red. We look forward to seeing her future roles in the film industry.

Leah Lewis (Chinese, American)

Having been adopted from China as an infant, Leah Lewis has grown up in Windermere, Florida, where she became a rising star in the film entertainment scene. Since she entered Hollywood, she has made many appearances on television, landing her first role on Disney. She transitioned to bigger roles, featuring in The Good Doctor, Charmed, with her most recent being Pixar’s animated film Elementals where she was the voice of Ember. 

She is also known for her multifaceted talents, such as working out as a fitness enthusiast, advocating for sheltered animals, doing photography and even playing music, having auditioned for The Voice before.

Despite being only 26 years of age, Lewis has spent more than half her life “hustling” for roles in the industry since she began acting at six. As an Asian-American female, she sticks by the advice ‘do not be afraid to dream bigger’, continuously believing in her acting ability to obtain opportunities. 

Currently, she is growing massively in the Hollywood scene, having landed many key roles in recent years such as Nancy Drew, The Half of It and Elementals. Her popular traction over the years has not gone unnoticed as she looks to be an upcoming actress with limitless potential.

"Freen" Sarocha Chankimha (Thai)

Sarocha Chankimha, also known as Freen, is a Thai actress who has gained popularity in the film industry not only in her local country Thailand, as well as in many Asian countries.

Despite being only 25, she has already risen to prominence and gained popularity amongst many fans especially in the local scene, for her portrayal as Sam in Gap: The Series. With Gap known as Thailand’s first GL (Girl’s Love) series, hence it has captured the hearts of many fans leading to her rise to fame.

After achieving multiple awards on Kazz and 9Entertain, we wait expectantly to find out what is next for this promising local actress.

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