How Greta Lee Movies and TV Shows Redefined Asian-American Representation on Screen

I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of authentic storytelling in Hollywood, and few actors embody this shift as profoundly as Greta Lee. Her journey from scene-stealing supporting roles to captivating leading performances has not only showcased her immense talent but has also redefined Asian-American representation on screen.

Early Career and Building a Foundation

Greta Lee, born and raised in Los Angeles to South Korean immigrants, began her career with a strong foundation in theater, including a Broadway debut in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in 2007. Her early television roles, such as Heidi in High Maintenance and Soojin in Lena Dunham’s Girls, often highlighted her comedic timing and ability to create memorable, if sometimes quirky, characters.

I remember these roles as glimpses of a unique talent, often challenging the limited scope typically afforded to Asian-American actors at the time. She also appeared in films like Sisters (2015) and Money Monster (2016), further diversifying her resume.

In a 2018 interview, Lee openly discussed the challenges of finding roles that didn’t rely on stereotypical Asian accents, describing how such portrayals often felt like “a cheap laugh” that she didn’t feel great about. This early awareness of representation issues underscored her commitment to seeking out more nuanced narratives.

Breakthrough Performances and Expanding Horizons

As her career progressed, Greta Lee took on roles that brought her wider recognition and significantly contributed to diversifying representation. I believe these roles are pivotal in understanding her impact:

Maxine in Russian Doll (2019-2022)

As Maxine, the eccentric, loyal, and endlessly quotable best friend to Natasha Lyonne’s Nadia in Netflix’s Russian Doll, Lee became a fan favorite. Her iconic “sweet birthday baby!” line resonated widely. Maxine was a character brimming with individuality, existing purely as her authentic self without being defined by her ethnicity.

She was Nadia’s “ride-or-die chick” who offered a unique blend of chaotic energy and unwavering support. Her role expanded in season two, taking her character to Budapest to investigate Nadia’s family roots, further showcasing her versatility.

Stella Bak in The Morning Show (2021-Present)

Lee’s portrayal of Stella Bak, the shrewd and ambitious new president of the UBA news division in Apple TV+’s The Morning Show, marked a significant step forward. Stella is a millennial boss, tasked with modernizing a sprawling media corporation, often challenging the established old guard.

Her character is a powerful woman of color in a leadership position, a rarity in mainstream television, especially in a show that directly addresses workplace power dynamics and diversity. I recall the initial buzz around her character, as she was portrayed as a “take no prisoners kind of boss”.

This role earned her a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 2024, as well as two Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

Nora in Past Lives (2023)

However, it was her starring role as Nora in Celine Song’s critically acclaimed romantic drama Past Lives that truly cemented Greta Lee’s status as a leading actress and a force for redefined Asian-American representation. Playing a Korean-born playwright living in New York who reconnects with her childhood sweetheart from South Korea, Lee delivered a deeply nuanced and emotionally resonant performance.

The film explores themes of love, fate, identity, and the hyphenated experience of being Korean-American, with Nora speaking extensively in Korean, her first language. Lee herself found the process of acting in Korean to be “terrifying” but ultimately a way of reconciling with her own identity that she had “said goodbye to”.

I remember Lee saying that the success of Past Lives, and seeing an Asian woman on screen “15ft high,” felt “radical and really dangerous,” highlighting how new and impactful this level of representation truly is. Her performance earned her numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, a Critics’ Choice Movie Award nomination, and an Independent Spirit Award nomination.

Redefining Asian-American Representation

Greta Lee’s film and television work has been instrumental in redefining Asian-American representation in several key ways:

• Breaking Stereotypes: Her roles consistently defy the stereotypical molds often reserved for Asian-Americans in Hollywood. She portrays multifaceted characters across various genres, dismantling archaic tropes and offering audiences a wider, more authentic lens through which to view Asian-American experiences.
• Authentic Storytelling: Lee actively advocates for authentic storytelling, collaborating with creators who prioritize true representation over cliché-ridden narratives. Her commitment ensures that Asian-American stories are told with depth and accuracy, fostering better understanding among diverse audiences.
• Inspiring Future Generations: Through her work, both on-screen and behind the scenes, Lee inspires aspiring actors from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams without boundaries. Her success story serves as a testament to what can be achieved when one remains true to oneself despite industry hurdles.

I can personally attest to the feeling that her roles, particularly Nora in Past Lives, depict an experience that resonates deeply with those navigating bicultural identities, offering a sense of being seen that was previously uncommon.

Greta Lee’s Vision and Future Aspirations

Greta Lee has expressed a desire to continue pushing boundaries in her career. I recall her mentioning an interest in making an action film, showcasing her ambition to explore new genres and challenge expectations. Beyond acting, Lee is also involved in developing projects. In 2021, it was reported that she was working on a TV adaptation of Cathy Park Hong’s book “Minor Feelings” for A24, a project I’m eagerly anticipating.

Looking ahead, she is set to appear in exciting upcoming films such as Tron: Ares (2025), a sci-fi action film alongside Jared Leto, and A House of Dynamite (2025), a drama thriller. She is also slated for Kent Jones’ Late Fame (2025) with Willem Dafoe. These projects indicate a continued trajectory of diverse and prominent roles.

Key Events and Public Appearances (2024-2025)

The period of 2024 and 2025 has seen Greta Lee’s star continue to rise with significant public recognition and appearances:

• Awards Season 2024: Following her critically acclaimed performance in Past Lives, Lee received numerous nominations. She was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama and a Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Actress in early 2024. She also received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for The Morning Show in 2024.
• Met Gala 2024: Lee made her debut at the prestigious Met Gala in May 2024, wearing Loewe, a brand she has a strong relationship with as an ambassador. Her appearance was noted for assembling a “harem of incredible Asian women” for her beauty team.
• Venice International Film Festival 2025: In September 2025, Lee was a standout at the Venice International Film Festival, attending for the premieres of her new films Late Fame and A House of Dynamite. Her fashion choices, including pieces from Dior and The Row, garnered significant attention.
• New York Film Festival 2025: She continued her busy fall schedule with screenings of Late Fame and A House of Dynamite at the 63rd New York Film Festival in late September 2025.

Must-Watch Greta Lee Movies and TV Shows

For anyone looking to experience Greta Lee’s impactful performances, I recommend the following:

• Past Lives (2023): Her breakthrough leading role, a deeply moving exploration of love, fate, and Korean-American identity.
• Russian Doll (2019-2022): Her iconic role as Maxine, showcasing her comedic prowess and ability to create a truly unforgettable character.
• The Morning Show (2021-Present): As Stella Bak, she delivers a powerful performance as a sharp, ambitious media executive.
• Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023): Lee lends her voice to Lyla, the artificial intelligence assistant to Miguel O’Hara (Spider-Man 2099), demonstrating her versatility in animated roles.
• High Maintenance (2012-2018): Her recurring role as Heidi provides a glimpse into her earlier, compelling comedic work.

Conclusion

Greta Lee’s journey in Hollywood is a compelling narrative of talent, perseverance, and a profound commitment to authentic representation. From her memorable supporting roles to her critically acclaimed leading performance in Past Lives, she has consistently pushed against stereotypical portrayals, offering complex and relatable Asian-American characters to global audiences.

I believe her work has not only expanded the scope of stories told on screen but has also significantly enriched the landscape of modern cinema and television, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse future.