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40 Most Famous Asian People of All Time

Originally published by Gloria N in August 2023 and updated by Ruth in May 2024

Asian famous individuals have played an important role in the entertainment industry and cultural beliefs among others. Among the famous people we have in Asia include actors, actresses, Buddhism, political leaders, etc.

In this article, we have discussed 40 famous people and the amazing work they have done for Asia and globally over the years. As you read you will come across, actresses, politicians, and church leaders among others of all time.

Here are the 40 Most Famous Asian People of All Time;

1. Empress Wu Zetian

Empress Wu Zetian was one of the most Asian famous people remembered to date. In Chinese history, Empress Wu Zetian was the first and only woman emperor.

Wu had many titles during her life such as Lady Wu, Talented Lady, Empress Dowager Wu, Holy Emperor, Heavenly Empress, and Holy Golden Goddess among others.

2. Frida Kahlo

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Frida Kahlo was one of the most famous Asian people to be remembered. She was born on July 6, 1907, and died on July 13, 1954. Frida was a Mexican famously known for her many self-portraits, portraits, etc.

She was married to a fellow Mexican artist known as Diego Rivera. The couple met through Mexican Communist Party and tied the knot in 1929.

3. Gautama Buddha

Gautama Buddha was popularly known as the Buddha. During the 6^th century, he was a religious teacher and lived in South Asia.

He was a wandering ascetic; he left his home life behind for religious purposes. Buddha was born to royal parents who were from the Shakya clan.

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4. Ho Chi Minh

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We can not talk of famous people from Asia and leave Ho Chi Minh behind. He was commonly known as Uncle Ho. The politician was born on May 19, 1890, and died on September 2, 1969.

From 1945 to 1955, Ho Chi Minh served as the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

5. Indira Gandhi

Indira Gandhi is a well-known Indian politician and stateswoman. Indira was the 3^rd prime minister of India and served from 1966 to 1977. She also served as prime minister from 1980 to 1984 when she was assassinated.

She is remembered for being the first Indian woman prime minister, even to date no other woman has served the position. Her father Jawaharlal Nehru, was the first prime minister of India.

6. Jackie Chan

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Jackie Chan is one of the most famous Asian people of all time. He is a well-known Hong Kong filmmaker, actor, martial artist, etc. When it comes to film, Chan is popular and has a worldwide following.

Jackie began acting at an early age, when he was only 5, he started appearing in films acting in small roles. Some of the films he has acted in include Fist of Fury, Big and Little Wong Tin Bar, Enter the Dragon, etc.

7. Joko Widodo

Joko Widodo is also known as Jokowi. He is an Indonesian politician as well as a businessman. Joko is the 7^th and today’s president of Indonesia.

Other presidents of the country emerged from the country’s military elite or political but Joko was the first to break the chain.

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8. Kim Jong-un

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Kim Jong-un is well-known as a North Korean politician. His exact year of birth is not known and is said to be either 1982 or 1983. In 2011, Kim became the Supreme Leader of North Korea to date and he is the leader of the Worker’s Party of Korea since 2012.

He is said to be the first-ever leader of North Korea to be born in the country after its establishment.  Kim Jonh Un was the son of politician Kim Jong II, the second Supreme leader of North Korea ruled from 1994 to 2011.

9. Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka is a professional tennis player born on October 16, 1997. She is popularly known for her good work. Naomi was ranked by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) as the world number 1 in singles. She was as well the first ever Asian to hold the top ranking in singles.

10. Priyanka Chopra

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Priyanka Chopra is a well-known Indian producer and actress. She began acting back in 2002 and she is still active. Chopra is said to be one of the highest-paid actresses in India. Due to her good work, she won several awards including five Filmfare Awards among others.

Time magazine listed Chopra as one of the top 100 most influential people in the world in 2016. She was as well listed as one of the 100 most powerful women in the world by Forbes.

Some of her notable films include

• Andaaz,
• Mujhse Shaadi Karogi
• Thamizhan

11. Ai Weiwei

Ai Weiwei is a Chinese activist, documentarian, and contemporary artist. He was born on August 28, 1957, and grew up in northwest of China. As an activist, Ai has investigated a lot of the Chinese Government’s such as corruption and cover-ups.

12. Shah Rukh Khan

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Shah Rukh Khan is among the most famous Asians of all time. People mostly referred to him as SPK. He is well-known as a film producer and an Indian actor. Shah has worked in many Hindi films and has won several awards such as 14 Filmfare Awards.

Some of his films include Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dil To Pagal Hai, Devdas, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Chak De! India, and My Name Is Khan among others.

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13. Akio Morita

Akio Morita was a Japanese famous entrepreneur born on January 26, 1921, and died on October 3, 1999. Akio’s family was dealing with Miso, Sake, and Soy Sauce production in Kosugaya village.

Akio was the eldest among his four siblings and his father had trained him when he was still a child to take over the family business. However, Akio grew interested in mathematics and physics and he joined Osaka Imperial University and graduated in 1944.

In 1945, Akio co-founded Sony a radio repair shop together with Masaru Ibuka in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. Which later grew and made him popular.

14.  Yoko Ono

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Yoko Ono was born on February 18, 1933, in Tokyo, Empire of Japan. She is famously known as a Japanese singer, songwriter, peace activist, filmmaker, etc. Yoko gained fame in 1969 when she married an English musician known as John Lennon of the Beatles.

Yoko’s popular music career started in 1969 after marrying his musician husband and they formed a rock band together known as Plastic Ono Band and they produced several avant-garde music albums back in the 1970s. The couple was blessed with a son known as Sean before Lennon was murdered and the son later became a musician as well.

15. Jeremy Lin

Jeremy Lin is a famous known Taiwanese-American basketball player. He is the player of the professional basketball team known as Kaohsiung 17LIVE Steelers located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Jeremy was the first Asian American to play in the National Basketball Association as well as the first to ever win the National Basketball Association championship.

16. Lee Kuan Yew

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Lee Kuan Yew was a statesman as well as a barrister and served as the founding Prime Minister of Singapore from 1959 to 1990. He also acted as Secretary General of the People’s Action Party from 1954 to 1992.

Lee Kuan Yew who was mostly referred to using his initials LYK was famously known and recognized as the founding father of Singapore because of his good leadership and he turned Singapore from an undeveloped country to a developed country.

17. Sania Mirza

Sanita Mirza is a former popularly known tennis player from India. Sanita established herself among the highest-paid and famously known in India. When it comes to tennis players, Sania is one of the top-ranked Indian female players, she was listed as number 27 of the best players in the world in 2007.

She has won several awards; Mirza is said to be one of the two Indian women to ever win a WTA Tour title and the only woman in India to ever be ranked top 100 in singles.

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18. Deng Xiaoping

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Deng Xiaoping is a Chinese statesman and revolutionary who served as an important politician figure of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). He was born in 1904 and died back in 1997.

After the death of Mao Zedong, chairman of the Chinese Communist Party, Xiaoping gained supreme power and led China through a series of far-reaching market-economy reforms which made him became the ‘Architect of Modern China’.

19. Zhang Yimou

Zhang Yimou was born on April 2, 1950, in Xi’an, Shaanxi, China. He is a popular Chinese director, writer, actor, and producer. Throughout his career, Zhang has won numerous awards such as BAFTA Best Film Not in the English Language, Golden Lion, and Silver Lion among others.

Zhang is famous for acting in notable and successful films such as Red Sorghum, Raise the Red Lantern, House of Flying Daggers, Curse of the Golden Flower, and A Woman, a Gun, and a Noodle Shop among others.

20. Ang Lee

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Ang Lee is among the many famous people in Asia of all time. He is a well-known Taiwanese filmmaker. He has been active in his career from 1991 to date. He received popular acclaim and international critical as well as many accolades throughout his career time for his good work.

Some of his works include The Ice Storm, Ride with the Devil, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and Brokeback Mountain among others.

21. Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh is a well know Malaysian actress. When we talk of well-known people of all time, she is one of them. Michelle became famous after featuring in Hong Kong action films in the 1990s.

These Hong Kong action films include Yes, Madam, The Heroic Trio, Holy Weapon, and Magnificent Warriors among others.

22.  Riz Ahmed

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Riz Ahmed was born on December 1, 1982, in London, England. He has been lucky to win many awards such as Academy Award, Primetime Emmy Award, etc. Riz is famously known as an actor and rapper.

He was ranked 1 of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time in 2017. He started his career back in 2006 by acting independent films including The Road to Guantanamo, Four Lions, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, etc.

23. Park Geun-Hye

Park Geun-Hye is a popular South Korean Politician. She is remembered for ruling as the 11^th president of South Korea from 2013 to 2017. However, she was impeached in 2007 after being found guilty on corruption charges.

The interesting part is that she was the first woman in South Korea to be president as well as the first woman in East Asia to be elected as head of state.

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24. Mother Teresa

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Mother Teresa also known as Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu was a catholic nun from Albania-India. This woman is remembered for founding Missionaries of Charity in 1950, which is a religious institute for Catholics.

The Missionaries of Charity has grown over the years and in 2012 it was reported it has more than 4500 nuns from 133 countries. Today the congregation is known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta by the catholic church.

25. Akira Kurosawa

Akira Kurosawa was a Japanese painter and filmmaker. In 5 decades, Akira directed 30 films. He is remembered globally as one of the greatest filmmakers in the history of cinema.

Akira joined the Japanese film back in 1936 and worked as an assistant director and scriptwriter. During World War II, he made his first appearance as a director and directed the well-known action film Sanshiro Sugata.

26. Tenzing Norgay

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Tenzing Norgay was a famous Nepali-Indian Sherpa mountaineer. He is remembered for being one of the first two people to reach the peak of Mount Everest in 1953 together with Edmund Hillary.

Tenzing never knew his exact date of birth, all he knew is it was late May. After accomplishing climbing Mount Everest on May 29, 1953, he celebrated his birthday on that day and it became his birthday date.

27. Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai comes from Pakistani and she is a female education activist. She was awarded Nobel Prize laureate becoming the youngest in the world, 2^nd in Pakistani, and the 1^st Pashtun to win it.

She is a fighter for human rights and advocates for women’s education. She fought for girls in her native homeland, where the Pakistani Taliban had banned girls from attending school. Her advocacy has grown into an international movement making her popular.

28. Ratan Tata

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Ratan Tata was born on December 28, 1937, in Bombay. He is well known as the former chairman of Tata Sons, an Indian Industrialist, and a philanthropist.

As the chairman of the Tata Group, Ratan was in the position from 1990 to 2012. He has won several awards such as Assam Baibhav, Order of Australia, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, etc.

29. Confucius

Confucius also known as Kong Fuzi was a Chinese philosopher of the Spring and Autumn period.  His teaching and philosophy promoted East Asian Culture and Society. Confucius’s teachings have remained relevant within China and East Asia to date. He is one of the most remembered people in Asia for his work.

30. Emperor Ashoka

Emperor Ashoka was popularly known as Ashoka the Great. He is known for being the 3^rd Mauryan Emperor of Magadha back in C. 268 to 232 BCE.

 The empire he ruled covered a big part of the Indian subcontinent from present West Afghanistan to today East Bangladesh. It had his capitals in Pataliputra.

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31. Emperor Qin Shi Huang

Emperor Qin Shi Huang is one of the most famous Asian people remembered to date. He was the founder of the Qin Dynasty, the first dynasty of imperial China as well as the first emperor of a unified China. Shi ruled China as the first ‘emperor’ of the Qin dynasty from 221 to 210 BC.

32. Mao Zedong

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Mao Zedong also known as Mao Tse-tung was a Chinese soldier, statesman, and Chinese Marxist theorist. Mao was known as a leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from 1935 till his death. Apart from leading CCP, Mao was chairman of the People’s Republic of China starting 1949 to 1956.

33. Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone is an Indian actress who is famously known for acting in Hindi Films. She began acting back in 2006 to date. Deepika is said to be one of the highest-paid actresses in India.

Some of the films she has starred in include Happy New Year, Padmaavat, Bajirao Mastani, and XXX: Return of Xander Cage, etc.

In 2018, she was ranked one of the 100 most influential people in the world by time. In 2022, she was awarded the Time 100 Impact Award.

34. Bruce Lee

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Bruce Lee was born on November 27, 1940, and died on July 20, 1973. He was a martial artist and actor from Hong Kong- America. He is remembered to date for the amazing work he did.  He founded the Jeet Kune Do, a hybrid martial art.

As an actor, he was featured in many films such as

• The Big Boss
• Fist of Fury
• The Game of Death

35. Yao Ming

Yao Ming is known as a Chinese basketball player and former professional player. He has played for several well-known teams such as Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association as well as Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association.

36. Zhang Ziyi

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Zhang Ziyi is a well-known Chinese model and actress. Her role in Hidden Dragon made her gain fame worldwide. Other of her known works include Memoirs of a Geisha, The Grandmaster, etc. She has won BAFTA Award, and Golden Globe Award among others for her roles.

37. Cho Yun-Fat

Cho Yun-Fat was previously known as Donald Chow. He is one of the Hong Kong actors who are doing a good job in the acting industry.

Cho is recognized and well-known for his collaborations with Hohn Woo, a filmmaker in five of their Hong Kong action films including A Better Tomorrow II, Better Tomorrow, The Killer, Once a Thief, and Hard Boiled.

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38. Maggie Cheung

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Maggie Cheung is a Hong Kong former actress born on September 20, 1964. She became successful and gained fame in the late 1980s and the early 2000s before she took a break from acting in 2004.

She won many awards throughout her entertainment journey such as Golden Horse Award for Best Leading Actress, Silver Bear for Best Actress, etc.

39. Tony Leung Chiu-Wai

Tony Leung Chiu-Wai was born on June 27, 1962, in British Hong Kong. Among Asia’s actors, he is one of the most famous and well-known globally.

Due to his amazing work, Tony has won several awards and nominations such as the Cannes Film Festival award for Best Actor among others.

40. Henry Golding

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Henry Golding is known as an actor and television host from Malaysian-English. Many people know him as BBC’s presenter, he has hosted The Travel Show since 2014.

He has starred in many notable films such as Snake Eyes, A Simple Favor, and Last Christmas among others.

10 Popular Asian Movies

1. Parasite (2019) – South Korea

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Directed by Bong Joon-ho, Parasite (2019) is a darkly comedic thriller that delves into themes of class division and social inequality. The film follows the impoverished Kim family as they cunningly infiltrate the affluent Park household, leading to a series of unexpected and increasingly tense events. Through its intricate plot and sharp social commentary, Parasite (2019) explores the complex dynamics between the rich and the poor, challenging conventional notions of morality and justice. 

Bong Joon-ho’s masterful direction, coupled with stellar performances from the cast, creates a gripping narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end. Parasite (2019) received widespread critical acclaim and made history as the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, solidifying its status as a groundbreaking masterpiece of contemporary cinema.

2. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) – China

Directed by Ang Lee, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) is an epic martial arts film set in ancient China. The story revolves around the pursuit of a stolen sword and the intersecting destinies of the characters involved. Renowned for its breathtaking fight choreography, lyrical storytelling, and stunning cinematography, the film captivated audiences worldwide and garnered widespread acclaim. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) seamlessly blends elements of romance, drama, and action, offering a mesmerizing exploration of love, honour, and sacrifice.

Ang Lee’s visionary direction and the stellar performances of the cast, including Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, and Zhang Ziyi, elevate the film to iconic status, earning it numerous awards and accolades, including four Academy Awards. As a groundbreaking work of martial arts cinema, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) continues to resonate with audiences as a timeless masterpiece of the genre.

3. Spirited Away (2001) – Japan

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Directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away (2001) is a mesmerizing animated fantasy film that follows the journey of a young girl named Chihiro who becomes trapped in a magical world populated by spirits and gods. As Chihiro navigates this strange and wondrous realm, she encounters a cast of colourful characters and embarks on a quest to rescue her parents and return home. Spirited Away (2001) is celebrated for its breathtaking animation, imaginative storytelling, and richly detailed world-building.

Miyazaki’s masterful direction imbues the film with a sense of wonder and enchantment, inviting viewers to explore themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery. Released to universal acclaim, Spirited Away (2001) won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and remains one of the most beloved and influential animated films of all time. Its enduring popularity and cultural impact continue to captivate audiences of all ages around the world.

4. Oldboy (2003) – South Korea

Directed by Park Chan-wook, Oldboy (2003) is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the harrowing journey of Oh Dae-su, a man who is inexplicably imprisoned for 15 years and seeks vengeance upon his release. As Oh Dae-su delves deeper into the mystery of his captivity, he uncovers dark secrets and confronts his demons in a quest for redemption. Oldboy (2003) is renowned for its visceral storytelling, stylish direction, and shocking plot twists that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Park Chan-wook’s bold vision and innovative approach to storytelling elevate Oldboy (2003) to cult status, earning it widespread acclaim and numerous awards. The film’s exploration of themes such as revenge, redemption, and the nature of human identity continues to resonate with audiences, cementing its status as a modern masterpiece of Korean cinema.

5. In the Mood for Love (2000) – Hong Kong

Directed by Wong Kar-wai, In the Mood for Love (2000) is a sumptuous romantic drama set in 1960s Hong Kong. The film follows the restrained yet passionate relationship between two neighbours, Chow Mo-wan and Su Li-Zhen, who discover that their spouses are having an affair. As Chow and Su navigate their feelings of betrayal and longing, they form a deep emotional connection that transcends their circumstances.

In the Mood for Love (2000) is celebrated for its lush cinematography, evocative score, and poignant portrayal of unrequited love. Wong Kar-wai’s signature visual style and nuanced storytelling create a mesmerizing atmosphere of longing and desire, drawing viewers into the intimate world of the characters. Released to critical acclaim, In the Mood for Love (2000) has since become a cinematic classic, admired for its timeless elegance and profound exploration of the human heart.

6. Train to Busan (2016) – South Korea

Directed by Yeon Sang-ho, “Train to Busan” is a thrilling zombie apocalypse film that follows a group of passengers aboard a train as they fight for survival against hordes of undead creatures. Set against the backdrop of a fast-moving viral outbreak, the film explores themes of human nature, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. “Train to Busan” is celebrated for its intense action sequences, gripping suspense, and emotionally resonant storytelling. Yeon Sang-ho’s skillful direction and the compelling performances of the cast create a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Released to critical acclaim, “Train to Busan” became a global phenomenon, earning praise for its innovative take on the zombie genre and solidifying its status as a modern classic of South Korean cinema.

7. Rashomon (1950) – Japan

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Directed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa, Rashomon (1950) is a groundbreaking psychological thriller that explores the nature of truth and perception through the retelling of a murder from multiple perspectives. Set in feudal Japan, the film follows a rape and murder case involving a bandit, a samurai, his wife, and a woodcutter, each of whom provides conflicting accounts of the events. 

Rashomon (1950) is celebrated for its innovative narrative structure, rich symbolism, and profound philosophical themes. Kurosawa’s masterful direction and the stellar performances of the cast create a compelling and thought-provoking cinematic experience that challenges viewers to question the reliability of subjective truth. Released to widespread acclaim, Rashomon (1950) won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and introduced Japanese cinema to international audiences, establishing Akira Kurosawa as one of the most influential filmmakers of all time.

8. Kung Fu Hustle (2004) – Hong Kong

Directed by Stephen Chow, Kung Fu Hustle (2004) is a hilarious action-comedy film that follows the misadventures of a hapless wannabe gangster who gets caught up in a battle between rival gangs in 1940s Shanghai. Known for its over-the-top action sequences, slapstick humour, and inventive visual style, the film is a loving homage to classic kung fu movies and Hong Kong cinema.

Kung Fu Hustle (2004)  is celebrated for its dazzling martial arts choreography, memorable characters, and irreverent sense of humour. Stephen Chow’s dynamic direction and charismatic performance in the lead role create a wildly entertaining cinematic experience that appeals to audiences of all ages. Released to critical acclaim, Kung Fu Hustle (2004) became a box office hit and garnered numerous awards and nominations, solidifying its status as a beloved classic of Hong Kong cinema.

9. My Neighbor Totoro (1988) – Japan

Directed by the visionary Hayao Miyazaki, My Neighbor Totoro (1988) is a heartwarming animated film that follows the enchanting adventures of two young sisters who encounter magical creatures in the countryside while waiting for their mother to recover from an illness. Known for its whimsical storytelling, charming characters, and stunning animation, the film has captivated audiences of all ages around the world.

My Neighbor Totoro (1988) is celebrated for its gentle spirit, imaginative world-building, and poignant portrayal of childhood innocence. Hayao Miyazaki’s masterful direction imbues the film with a sense of wonder and joy, inviting viewers to explore themes of friendship, family, and the wonders of the natural world. Released to universal acclaim, My Neighbor Totoro (1988) has since become a beloved classic of Japanese animation, cherished by generations of fans for its timeless appeal and enduring magic.

10. The Handmaiden (2016) – South Korea

Directed by Park Chan-wook, The Handmaiden (2016) is an erotic psychological thriller based on the novel Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. Set in Korea under Japanese colonial rule, the film follows a con artist who schemes to defraud a wealthy heiress but finds herself falling in love instead. The Handmaiden (2016) is celebrated for its sumptuous visual style, intricate plot twists, and provocative themes of desire, betrayal, and liberation. 

Park Chan-wook’s bold direction and the mesmerizing performances of the cast create a mesmerizing and immersive cinematic experience that challenges conventions and defies expectations. Released to critical acclaim, The Handmaiden (2016) received numerous awards and nominations, solidifying its status as a modern masterpiece of South Korean cinema and a bold exploration of sexuality, power, and identity.