Daniel Dae Kim is finally getting his flowers. The Korean American actor has become the first Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) nominee for Best Leading Actor in a Play at the Tony Awards, thanks to his role in the Broadway revival of Yellow Face. While the award ceremony happened already on June 8th, and no, Kim didn’t win, it’s important to note that it’s 2025, and we’ve only recently hit this recognition milestone.

In Yellow Face, written by David Henry Hwang, Kim plays a fictionalized version of the playwright himself, navigating the complicated, often absurd lines between race, representation, and identity in the American theater scene. It’s sharp, satirical, and deeply personal—a perfect fit for Kim’s nuanced style.

While many know him from his TV roles in Lost and Hawaii Five-0, Kim’s career spans decades and genres. He lent his voice to Raya and the Last Dragon, played a badass in Hellboy (2019), and flexed his executive producer muscles on The Good Doctor. But this Tony nod cements his place not just as a screen icon, but as a serious stage contender.

This year’s Tony Awards are already a record-breaker, with seven Asian actors nominated —the most ever. Alongside Kim are Conrad Ricamora (Oh, Mary!), Francis Jue (Yellow Face), and even pop icon Nicole Scherzinger (Sunset Boulevard). It’s a big year for visibility, and a bigger year for overdue recognition. Catch a clip of of Daniel Dae Kim and comedian Ronnie Chieng chatting about Kim’s role in Yellow Face.

Cover image via WGAU.