Dec. 6, 2023

Thai Superstars Accomplish Hollywood Dreams

Thai actors have been making waves in the international entertainment industry. Some of the most famous Thai actors have even received international recognition. Their strong Pan-Asian look and impressive acting talent has opened the doors to global stardom. By: Dylan Low

The Thai film industry has seen a rise in cinematic productions over the past few years as many film festivals are noticing their films and talents. Many Thai actors have made their way into Hollywood, featuring in multiple mainstreams shows and films.

One such notable actor is Mike Angelo. Also known as Mike Pirat Nitipaisalkul, this Thai-Chinese actor made his Hollywood debut back in 2021, in an action thriller film titled The Misfits. He featured alongside reputable veteran stars Pierce Brosnan and Jamie Chung. Directed by Renny Harlin, the film depicts an internationally renowned thief joining a team of justified thieves, as they attempt the biggest heist of all time. 

His Hollywood debut could come across as unexpected, as Angelo’s film career is largely a composition of Chinese and Thai series. He first started picking up roles in Thai television series, where years later he decided to venture into the Chinese market for more experience and career development. Through his local roles, he has garnered a fanbase from not only China and Thailand, but internationally as well. 

With his rise to global fame, he was signed by Creative Artists Agency in 2018, the leading Hollywood studio which houses popular names such as Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. This gave him a direct pathway to feature in his first ever Hollywood film. A raving success globally, Angelo is currently valued at US$2.5 million to US$5 million through his film career earnings.

Another prominent Thai star in Hollywood is Tatchakorn Yeerum. Known more notably as Tony Jaa, he is a man of many talents - as an actor, stuntman, tracer and martial artist. His Hollywood debut came in the Fast & Furious franchise, as he was featured in 2015’s seventh instalment. Working with both Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson, Jaa obtained worldwide acclaim especially in Europe and Western countries. 

Prior to Hollywood, Jaa rose to fame through his Thai action film Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior, Ong Bak 2: The Beginning, and SPL II: A Time for Consequences. These martial art movies earned him the reputation to be one of Thailand’s most prominent stars. Through his filmography success, he is slated to be worth up to US$5 million today.

Another talented Thai who has featured in Hollywood is none other than Poo Praya Lundberg. She is a mixed Swedish-Thai actress, coming from a multi-racial background. In 2022, she featured in a crime thriller film, Paradise City. It placed her in the spotlight as the main character, alongside John Travolta and Bruce Willis. The movie outlines Ryan Swan undergoing a journey for revenge against a criminal kingpin, following the murder of his father. 

Lundberg started acting at the age of 13. She first signed a deal with Thailand's Channel 7, portraying roles in local television hit shows Chan Ruk Tur Na and Khon La Lok. Following success in the local scene, she ventured into international projects, such as Hollywood blockbuster The Man with the Iron Fists 2, working together with Dustin Nguyen and RZA. Her passion and dedication to acting has also translated into multiple awards, having achieved the Best Actress award at the Thailand National Film Association Awards back in 2016. Her net worth is estimated to be around US$5 million.

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