Daniel Dae Kim Learned to ‘Make Room’ for Himself in Hollywood — and Made Tony History in the Process (Exclusive)

Daniel Dae Kim Makes History with Tony Award Nomination

Daniel Dae Kim, known for his roles in popular TV shows such as “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-0,” has recently made headlines with his Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play. Kim’s nomination for his portrayal in David Henry Hwang’s play, “Yellow Face,” marks a significant moment in the history of Asian American representation in Hollywood.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Kim shared his thoughts on the historic nomination, stating that while it is a personal achievement, it also carries a deeper meaning in terms of representation and diversity in the entertainment industry. The actor expressed his gratitude for the recognition and acknowledged the importance of breaking barriers for future generations of Asian performers.

“Yellow Face,” the play that earned Kim his Tony nomination, explores themes of identity, representation, and the challenges faced by Asian actors in the industry. Inspired by real-life events, the play sheds light on the complexities of casting and the impact of racial stereotypes on performers.

For Kim, taking on the role in “Yellow Face” was a risk worth taking. The actor, who had not been on Broadway for a decade, found the experience both challenging and rewarding. He noted that the opportunity to delve into comedy and showcase a different side of his acting abilities was a liberating experience.

Throughout his career, Kim has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. The actor highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for oneself in an industry that may not always provide them. By championing projects like “Yellow Face,” Kim hopes to pave the way for more diverse storytelling and representation in entertainment.

In addition to his Tony Award nomination, Kim has been actively involved in bringing “Yellow Face” to a wider audience. The filmed version of the play will be airing on PBS’ Great Performances, allowing viewers to experience the powerful storytelling and themes explored in the production.

Looking ahead, Kim is excited about his upcoming projects, including the Amazon Prime spy series “Butterfly,” which features a diverse cast and explores themes of identity and culture. The actor sees these projects as an opportunity to bridge the gap between different cultural perspectives and tell stories that resonate with audiences around the world.

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, actors like Daniel Dae Kim are breaking barriers and reshaping the narrative on representation and diversity. With his Tony Award nomination and commitment to telling meaningful stories, Kim is a shining example of the power of representation in storytelling.

In a time where diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of industry conversations, Daniel Dae Kim’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of making room for oneself in Hollywood and paving the way for a more inclusive and representative future.