Daniel Dae Kim Speaks Out Against Hollywood DEI Rollbacks
Daniel Dae Kim is sharing his thoughts on diversity in Hollywood.
In a new interview with the Associated Press alongside the release of his new Prime Video thriller Butterfly, the Lost and Hawaii Five-0 star addressed concerns about diversity, equity and inclusion rollbacks in the industry.
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“We’re already seeing it,” the 56-year-old actor said.
“If you look at what happened with Paramount and CBS News, we’re seeing a chilling effect on free speech and journalism and DEI.”
He added that the idea of inclusion goes beyond politics. “‘DEI’ is a bad word these days, but to me, DEI’s not a fad,” he explained.
“The idea of inclusion is not something that’s a political trend. It’s my life. It’s what I’ve lived every decade I’ve been in this business.”
The actor also reflected on actors of color taking stereotypical roles early in their careers.
“It’s much easier once you’re more established because you have more financial stability,” he said.
“If you’re not a person of color, you don’t have to think about what this role means for the rest of a nation or an ethnicity. You just do what you’re drawn to, and that’s very liberating. I don’t ever escape the fact that whatever I do will be watched and judged through that lens.”
Daniel also revealed a role he’s still hoping to play.
“I’m still waiting to play a romantic lead after all these years,” he admitted.
“I’ve never gotten the opportunity and it’s one of those interesting things because I look the way I do as an Asian American. Asian men were never considered handsome or sexy. That’s changing now though.”
Butterfly is now streaming on Prime Video. Find out which Prime Video shows just got renewed in 2025.