An underdog story unfolds as Jimmy O. Yang, born in Hong Kong and now a renowned comedian, steps into the spotlight with his first leading role in "Interior Chinatown" on Disney+. This 10-episode original series, executive-produced by Taika Waititi, marks a significant milestone in his career.

Discover Jimmy O. Yang's Journey from Humble Beginnings to Stardom

From Background Character to Leading Man

Jimmy Yang plays Willis Wu, a background character trapped in a police procedural drama, constantly waiting tables in Chinatown. His life takes a dramatic turn when he witnesses a peculiar crime, setting him on a path to uncover secrets about his community and family. This journey mirrors his own rise from humble roots to comedy stardom. Moving to the US at 13 with little English, he pursued an economics degree before changing careers and working in stand-up comedy. Years of hard work led to a massive following and roles in major TV shows and films like "Crazy Rich Asians" and "Silicon Valley".Now, as the Los Angeles Times notes, he is "finally No.1 on the call sheet", proving that determination and talent can lead to great success.

The Unlikely Partnership

In "Interior Chinatown", Willis Wu forms an unlikely partnership with Detective Lana Lee (played by Chloe Bennet) in a fateful investigation. One of Yang's first roles was "Chinese Teenager #1" in Marvel's "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D" in 2013, coincidentally starring his scene partner Chloe Bennet. Bennet plays the enigmatic Detective Lana Lee, engaging Wu in the investigation. Yang's father is brought to life by fellow Hong Kong-American actor Tzi Ma. The majority Asian American cast delivers heartfelt performances, delving deep into issues of representation and asking the question: who gets to write your story?This series showcases Yang's talent and the power of diverse casts in telling important stories. It is a testament to his perseverance and the opportunities that come with hard work and determination.