Introduction
Steven Yeun is a Korean-American actor who has made a name for himself in Hollywood. He is best known for his role as Glenn Rhee in the hit TV series, The Walking Dead. Yeun has also appeared in several movies and TV shows, including Minari, Okja, and Burning. In this comprehensive biography, we will explore the life and career of Steven Yeun, including his age, family, movies, characters, and wife.
Early Life and Family
Steven Yeun was born on December 21, 1983, in Seoul, South Korea. His family moved to Canada when he was four years old, and then to the United States when he was five. Yeun grew up in Troy, Michigan, and attended Kalamazoo College, where he studied psychology and theater. His parents, Je and June Yeun, are both South Korean immigrants, and Yeun has a younger brother named Brian.
Yeun has spoken about the challenges of growing up as a Korean-American in the Midwest. He has said that he often felt like an outsider, and that he struggled to fit in with both Korean and American culture. However, he also credits his upbringing for giving him a unique perspective and helping him to develop his sense of humor.
Career Beginnings
After college, Yeun moved to Chicago to pursue a career in improv comedy. He joined the Second City comedy troupe, and also performed with several other improv groups. In 2009, he moved to Los Angeles to try his hand at acting. Yeun landed his first TV role in 2010, when he was cast as Glenn Rhee in The Walking Dead. The show became a massive hit, and Yeun quickly became a fan favorite.
Since then, Yeun has appeared in several movies and TV shows, including I Origins, Okja, and Burning. He has also lent his voice to several animated projects, including Voltron: Legendary Defender and Tuca & Bertie. In 2020, Yeun received critical acclaim for his role in Minari, a drama about a Korean-American family in rural Arkansas.
Notable Characters
Steven Yeun has played a variety of characters throughout his career, but he is perhaps best known for his role as Glenn Rhee in The Walking Dead. Glenn was a fan favorite, and Yeun’s portrayal of the character earned him widespread praise. Yeun has also played a number of other memorable roles, including Ben in Burning, K in Okja, and Jacob in Minari.
Yeun has spoken about his desire to play complex, nuanced characters. He has said that he is drawn to roles that challenge him and allow him to explore different aspects of his personality. He has also expressed a desire to break out of the “Asian best friend” stereotype that is often seen in Hollywood.
Personal Life
Steven Yeun married his longtime girlfriend, Joana Pak, in December 2016. The couple has two children together, a son named Jude and a daughter named Josephine. Yeun has been vocal about his love for his family, and has said that they are his top priority.
Yeun is also active in social and political causes. He has spoken out against anti-Asian racism and discrimination, and has advocated for greater representation of Asian-American voices in Hollywood. He has also been involved in several charitable organizations, including the ACLU and the Trevor Project.
Conclusion
Steven Yeun is a talented actor who has made a name for himself in Hollywood. He has played a variety of memorable characters, and has received critical acclaim for his work in both movies and TV shows. Yeun’s personal life is also notable, as he is a devoted husband and father who is committed to social and political causes. With his talent and passion, it’s clear that Steven Yeun will continue to make an impact in the entertainment industry for years to come.
