How to American | Jimmy O. Yang | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Jimmy O. Yang shares his immigrant story and the challenges he faced as an Asian actor in Hollywood, ultimately finding success in stand-up comedy and on the hit show Silicon Valley.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] GRETCHEN HOWARD: All right, welcome, everyone. I am Gretchen Howard. I am one of the partners at CapitalG, which is Alphabet's growth equity investing fund. And I have the privilege and honor of introducing you to my friend, Jimmy O. Yang. Come on down. [APPLAUSE] [DOG BARKING] I'm going to give you a hug. JIMMY O. YANG: Thank you. ... Read More

Key Insights

• 💠 Immigrant experiences can shape one's identity and inspire creative pursuits.
• ❓ Finding a mentor or support system can be crucial in pursuing a career in entertainment.
• 😥 Stereotypical roles may be the starting point for actors, but telling unique and personal stories allows for growth and success.
• 🧑‍🏭 Cultural barriers and discrimination can be obstacles for aspiring actors, but determination and hard work can lead to breakthroughs.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Jimmy O. Yang navigate the language and cultural barriers when he moved to the US?

Jimmy struggled with the language barrier upon arriving in the US, but he learned English by watching BET Rap City and gradually assimilated into American culture.

Q: Did Jimmy O. Yang face any discrimination or racism in both Hong Kong and LA?

Jimmy experienced some discrimination in Hong Kong, as Hong Kong people often looked down on mainland China people. In LA, he faced cultural and language barriers, but ultimately found a supportive community of friends.

Q: How did Jimmy O. Yang's immigrant experience influence his career in comedy?

Jimmy's immigrant experience shaped his comedy material, allowing him to share his unique story and connect with audiences on a personal level. He found the courage to pursue comedy and eventually found success on stage and on television.

Q: How did Jimmy O. Yang transition from stand-up comedy to acting in Hollywood?

Jimmy initially pursued stand-up comedy, but his talent caught the attention of agents. He began auditioning for roles and eventually landed small parts on shows like "Two Broke Girls" and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jimmy O. Yang was born in Hong Kong and moved to LA when he was 13.

• He struggled with assimilation and language barriers, but found solace in watching BET Rap City and developed a love for stand-up comedy.

• After graduating from college, Jimmy pursued stand-up comedy and eventually landed a role on Silicon Valley.

• He uses his immigrant experience to shape his character on the show and reflects on the challenges he faced as an Asian actor in Hollywood.