Exclusive Interview: Jimmy O. Yang on Interior Chinatown, Collaborating with Author and Showrunner Charles Yu, and Shattering the Invisible Ceiling

Jimmy O. Yang’s career is a testament to his passion for storytelling and his drive to push boundaries through authentic and relatable performances. From his breakout role in Silicon Valley to his standout work in Crazy Rich Asians and Love Hard, Jimmy has built a diverse body of work that resonates deeply with audiences. While he’s quick to focus on the craft rather than his impact, his contributions have undeniably shattered ceilings for a new generation of Asian creatives.

Now, Jimmy takes on his most ambitious role yet in Hulu’s Interior Chinatown. Based on Charles Yu’s award-winning book of the same name, the series tells the story of Willis Wu, a background character trapped in a police procedural called Black & White. Relegated to the sidelines, Willis dutifully plays his on-screen role, waiting tables and dreaming of a world beyond Chinatown, all while aspiring to be the lead in his own story. But when he inadvertently witnesses a crime, Willis begins to unravel a criminal web in Chinatown, uncover his family’s buried history, and experience what it truly means to step into the spotlight.

Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of catching up with Jimmy to discuss Interior Chinatown, his collaboration with author and showrunner Charles Yu, and the impact his career has had on the Asian American community.

PC: Interior Chinatown is not only entertaining but also empowering, especially for Asian Americans and anyone who’s ever felt like a background character in someone else’s story. In embodying Willis, you’re bringing humanity to roles that might otherwise be tropes or stereotypes. As a journeyman who has experienced the realities of this industry, what was it about Charles Yu’s story that resonated so deeply with you? And what does it mean to you to know that you’ve helped open so many doors for young Asian creatives who won’t have to face as many invisible ceilings as you have?
Jimmy: Wow, thank you so much. When I first read the book, I couldn’t put it down. I read it in half a day, in one sitting. I just couldn’t believe that someone had captured the Asian-American experience—and my own career—so well. I started off as a background character, and I felt like I had to sneak in just to get a two-line part. I was “Chinese Teenager #2,” “Person in Line,” and then “Tech Guy,” which the book talks about. I was like, “Oh my God, this is so wild.” But of course, the book isn’t based on me; it’s based on the experiences and psychology of being an Asian American in this industry and in this country. We often feel like background actors in someone else’s story. It’s really cool to tackle this role. With each episode, I feel like I have to go back to a certain time in my life to inform what Willis is going through. It’s not just me as an actor—everyone has felt this at some point, especially as an Asian American: being invisible, being the underdog, being in the background.

To answer the second part of your question, thank you. I don’t think about that day to day. I’m just trying to do the best I can. If I don’t nail an audition, I never blame it on the lack of Asian representation. That might be a factor, but I don’t blame it on that. My mindset is always: “I’m going to be a better actor for the next audition. I’m going to be a better comedian or tell a better joke next time.” That’s always my focus, whether it’s reading for the role of Willis or showing up to work every day. It’s about the work. It’s almost like a blind, sometimes foolish belief that I can do it—even though there weren’t many examples of success growing up.

Thank you for saying that, but it’s not just me. It’s everyone around me. I’m so proud of everyone—from Crazy Rich Asians to everyone here on this project. We’ve got Ronny [Chieng], Chloe [Bennet], Tzi Ma, Diana Lin—they’re all legends. Being able to share the screen with them is incredible. I hope that now, when a kid tells their parents they want to be an actor or a writer, instead of hearing, “That’s not possible. What are you talking about? Do you see anyone like you up there?” they can say, “Look at Charles Yu or someone like him.” It’s just the beginning of us trying to open the door a little wider. But first and foremost, it has to be entertaining. It has to be good. Then you can capture the deeper themes that resonate with people. I hope we accomplished that.

PC: You definitely did. It’s going to mean so much to so many people. Charles wrote Interior Chinatown and serves as the showrunner. He’s made it very clear that this is inspired by the source material but is its own living, breathing thing. As you brought your interpretation of Willis to life, what’s something you wanted to make sure was translated from page to screen? And how did you put your own creative stamp on him?
Jimmy: It was such a blessing to have Charlie on set every day. That’s so rare. George R.R. Martin wasn’t the showrunner for Game of Thrones. It’s almost unheard of to write the book, create the story, run the show, and write the scripts. Charlie is amazing.

For me, the show is so complex. There are so many moving parts and things that are different from a regular TV show. It’s very ambitious. I let Charlie handle that world. My job was to focus on Willis’ journey. It’s a very human journey, right? He has a complicated relationship with his father. He’s trying to move past the grieving process with his brother. He and his best friend may not see eye to eye. Then there’s this new girl who comes into his life. These are all deeply human relationships and stories.

As an actor, I just focused on those elements. Whatever mystery or otherworldly experiences Willis is going through in this strange world of his, I’m experiencing them at the same time as the audience. A lot of the time, I don’t even know the answers—and I’m not supposed to. My goal was to keep everything grounded in a very human way for Willis.

Make sure to follow Jimmy on Instagram. Season 1 of Interior Chinatown is available on Hulu today.

Photo Credit: Disney/Mike Taing