Steven Yeun Bio
Sang-yeop Yeun (born December 21, 1983) is an American actor known for his role as Glenn Rhee in the television series The Walking Dead. Yeun has received critical acclaim for his work in films like Burning and Minari, the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination, making him the first Asian American nominated for Best Actor. He continues to receive recognition for his works including the recent Netflix series Beef, for which he served as both actor and producer.
Early Life and Background
Steven Yeun was born in Seoul, South Korea, and moved to Canada with his family in 1988. They later settled in Taylor, Michigan, and then Troy, Michigan. Yeun graduated from Troy High School in 2001. Growing up, his family spoke Korean at home, and he was raised in a Christian household. He received a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in neuroscience from Kalamazoo College in 2005. At college, he was inspired to pursue acting after attending an improv show.
Path to Hollywood
After graduating, Yeun moved to Chicago to pursue a career in improv instead of following a more traditional path in law or medicine. He joined Stir Friday Night, a Chicago-based Asian American sketch comedy troupe, and later became a member of The Second City. In 2009, he moved to Los Angeles to further his acting career.
Steven Yeun Career
Early Career (2004–2009)
Yeun’s career began with various roles in television and theater, but his breakout came with the role of Glenn Rhee on The Walking Dead, which premiered in 2010. The series became a cultural phenomenon and was the highest-rated series in cable television history during its run. Yeun’s portrayal of Glenn was pivotal to the show’s success, and he became a fan favorite.
Breakthrough (2010–2016)
The Walking Dead established Yeun as a prominent actor in Hollywood. He remained with the show until 2016, during which time he gained widespread recognition. After leaving the series, he transitioned to film, appearing in notable projects such as Okja and Sorry to Bother You. His performance in Burning earned him critical acclaim and several awards.
Notable Works and Milestones
Yeun’s most significant work includes his role in Minari, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, making history as the first Asian American to achieve this. He also starred in the Netflix series Beef, which garnered him a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
Steven Yeun Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Steven Yeun has received numerous nominations for his performances, particularly for his work in Minari and Beef. His nominations reflect his impact on the industry and his ability to connect with audiences through diverse roles.
Steven Yeun Awards Won
Steven Yeun has won several prestigious awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor for his role in Beef and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. These accolades highlight his talent and contributions to the entertainment industry.
Steven Yeun Family
Steven Yeun is married to photographer Joana Pak, with whom he tied the knot on December 3, 2016. The couple resides in Los Angeles and has two children together.
Personal Life
In addition to his acting career, Yeun is a fan of the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings. He has also been involved in political endorsements, notably supporting Andrew Yang during the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
