Steven Yeun is a South Korean-American Academy Award Nominated-actor and voice actor, celebrated for his versatile performances across film, television, and voice acting. He is particularly renowned for voicing Mark Grayson, also known as Invincible, in the animated series “Invincible.” Yeun’s career trajectory reflects his dedication to his craft and his ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity.
Early Life and Education[]
Steven Yeun was born on December 21, 1983, in Seoul, South Korea, to June and Je Yeun. At the age of five, his family immigrated to Canada and later settled in Michigan, United States. Growing up in a multicultural environment, Yeun developed an early interest in the arts. He attended Kalamazoo College in Michigan, where he initially pursued a degree in psychology. However, his passion for acting led him to switch his focus to theater, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2005. During his college years, Yeun honed his acting skills and developed a love for improv comedy, which would later influence his performances.
Early Career and Breakthrough Role[]
After relocating to Chicago, Yeun joined The Second City, a renowned improvisational comedy troupe. His time with The Second City Touring Company allowed him to refine his comedic timing and performance skills. In 2009, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time. Yeun’s big break came when he was cast as Glenn Rhee in the television series “The Walking Dead.” His portrayal of Glenn, a resourceful and compassionate character, earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following. Yeun’s performance was instrumental in bringing depth to the series, contributing to its success and longevity.
Diverse Roles in Film and Television[]
Following his success on “The Walking Dead,” Yeun expanded his repertoire by taking on diverse roles in both film and television. In 2018, he starred in the film “Burning,” a South Korean psychological thriller directed by Lee Chang-dong. His nuanced performance as Ben, a young man entangled in a mysterious relationship, garnered international recognition and earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. This nomination marked a significant milestone, as Yeun became the first Asian American actor to receive a nomination in this category.
In 2020, Yeun starred in “Minari,” a semi-autobiographical drama directed by Lee Isaac Chung. The film tells the story of a Korean American family seeking their own American Dream in rural Arkansas. Yeun’s portrayal of Jacob Yi, a determined father striving to build a better future for his family, was widely praised. “Minari” received critical acclaim and won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language. Yeun’s performance was central to the film’s emotional depth and authenticity.
Voice Acting and ‘Invincible’[]
In addition to his live-action roles, Yeun has made significant contributions to voice acting, including voicing Wan in The Legend of Korra, Keith in Voltron: Legendary Defender, Wingspan/Nathan Park in Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters, Bo in the 2017 Sony Pictures Animation film, The Star, and Steve in Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia. He voices Mark Grayson, the titular character in the animated series “Invincible.” The show, based on the comic book by Robert Kirkman, follows Mark as he discovers his superpowers and grapples with the complexities of being a young superhero. Yeun’s voice acting brings Mark’s character to life, capturing the character’s growth, struggles, and heroism. His performance has been praised for its emotional range and depth, contributing to the series’ success.
Personal Life and Advocacy[]
Steven Yeun is married to Joana Pak, a photographer, and they have children together. Beyond his acting career, Yeun is known for his advocacy on issues related to representation and diversity in the entertainment industry. He has been vocal about the importance of authentic storytelling and the need for more inclusive narratives that reflect diverse experiences. Yeun’s commitment to these causes underscores his dedication to using his platform to effect positive change.
Conclusion[]
Steven Yeun’s career is a testament to his versatility and dedication as an actor. From his early days in improv comedy to his acclaimed performances in film and television, including his role as Mark Grayson in “Invincible,” Yeun has consistently delivered performances that resonate with audiences. His commitment to authentic storytelling and advocacy for diversity and representation continues to inspire and influence the entertainment industry.
Trivia[]
- Steven Yeun was one of the choices to play Shang-Chi in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Before the role eventually went to Simu Liu.
- Steven Yeun was originally casted as the Sentry in Thunderbolts*, but he got dropped out and the role got filled by Lewis Pullman.
- Allegedly, Robert Kirkman himself was the one who leaked Yeun's scrapped role as Sentry.