Introduction
Ali Ahn is an accomplished American actress who has made her mark in both television and theater. Though still early in her career, Ahn has already shown immense talent and range across various roles. This article will provide an overview of Ahn’s background, her major acting roles and achievements, and some personal details about her life off-screen. By the end, you’ll have a good sense of who Ali Ahn is and the unique story of her acting journey so far.
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Background and Early Life
Ali Ahn was born on July 24, 1981 in Pasadena, California. She spent her childhood years in the Pasadena area. From an early age, Ahn was drawn to creative pursuits like dance and theater. She went on to hone her interests during her college years at Yale University, graduating in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in Theater Studies.
Shortly after Yale, Ahn headed to California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) to earn her Master of Fine Arts degree in Acting. She completed the advanced acting program there in 2006. Both her undergraduate and graduate studies provided important training and experience on stage that laid the foundation for her future acting career.
Breaking into Television
After finishing her Master’s degree, Ali Ahn began booking small television roles in the late 2000s. She appeared on shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, and Law & Order: LA.
One of her first major recurring TV roles was on the drama series Damages from 2007 to 2010. She played the character of Lily Arsenault over the course of several episodes. Getting significant screen time on a critically acclaimed show helped put Ahn on the map.
Her TV breakthrough came when she was cast as the recurring character Amy Chun on the hit series Billions starting in 2016. Ahn appeared in a dozen episodes over three seasons. Billions provided great exposure and allowed her to work with high-caliber actors like Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis.
Notable Recent Television Roles
From 2018 to 2019, Ali Ahn played the part of Kim on the award-winning Netflix series Orange Is the New Black. Though appearing in just a handful of episodes, her role as an arrogant new inmate got her noticed.
Around the same time, Ahn was cast as the series regular character Dr. Rebecca Jones for two seasons of the superhero drama Raising Dion on Netflix. As the widowed mother of the titular Dion, Ahn got to showcase her emotional range and acting chops.
Her stellar work on these shows led to further prominent TV roles. In 2023, she began playing the co-lead role of Hannah Yoo on the new political thriller series The Diplomat on NBC. Ahn also appears as a younger version of Angela Lansbury’s character in the new series Agatha: Coven of Chaos streaming on Disney+.
Theater Performances
While building her television profile, Ali Ahn continued developing her stage acting skills as well. In 2010, she made her off-Broadway debut in the play A Man of No Importance.
A major theater opportunity came in 2015 when Ahn performed in the Broadway revival production of the Tony-winning play The Heidi Chronicles. She took on the central role of Heidi Holland, delivering a nuanced and widely praised performance.
Ahn returned off-Broadway in 2021 to star in the two-person play Letters of Suresh. Her emotional portrayal of the Korean American character Grace earned strong reviews. Throughout her career so far, Ahn has proven she can captivate audiences both on screen and on stage.
Personal Life and Other Projects
When she’s not acting, Ali Ahn leads a relatively quiet personal life. She has been in a long-term relationship with acclaimed actor William Jackson Harper since around 2018. The two currently reside together in Los Angeles.
In addition to acting, Ahn has lent her voice to audio books like There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins in 2017. She also enjoys mentoring young actors, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds trying to break into the industry.
Despite her early successes, Ahn remains committed to steady growth as an actress. She continues to choose interesting roles across genres that showcase the full extent of her talent.
Conclusion
In just over a decade, Ali Ahn has gone from a burgeoning actress to an established and prolific performer across television and theater. Her memorable parts in shows like Orange Is the New Black and her acclaimed turn as Heidi Holland on Broadway demonstrate her artistic range and skill.
With her recent casting as the lead on the high-profile drama The Diplomat, Ahn’s star continues to rise. Still early in her career, she has many promising years ahead to further develop her talents. Ali Ahn has proven herself to be one of the most exciting contemporary Asian American actors to look out for in the coming years. Whatever her next role, it will surely captivate audiences thanks to her magnetic screen presence and dedication to her craft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ali Ahn from?
Ali Ahn was born in Pasadena, California on July 24, 1981. She grew up in the Pasadena area and still considers it her hometown.
What shows has Ali Ahn acted in?
Some of Ahn’s major television credits include Damages, Billions, Orange Is the New Black, Raising Dion, The Diplomat, and Agatha: Coven of Chaos. Her theater performances include off-Broadway plays and a starring role in the Broadway revival of The Heidi Chronicles.
What is Ali Ahn’s background and training?
Ahn graduated from Yale University in 2003 with a degree in Theater Studies. She later earned her MFA in Acting from the California Institute of the Arts in 2006. This education and training prepared her for a career in acting.
Who does Ali Ahn play on The Diplomat?
On the NBC series The Diplomat, Ahn plays the co-lead role of Hannah Yoo, a fledgling diplomat who lands a high-profile job she’s unprepared for. Her character is central to the show’s plot.
Is Ali Ahn dating anyone?
Yes, Ahn has been in a long-term relationship with acclaimed actor William Jackson Harper since around 2018. The two currently live together in Los Angeles.
What’s next for Ali Ahn’s career?
Ahn will continue in her current lead TV role on The Diplomat through 2023. She is also building up her film profile with upcoming projects. Given her talent, Ahn’s star will likely continue to rise in the future with more captivating roles across mediums.
Table: Ali Ahn’s Major Acting Roles
| Production | Role | Year | Medium |
| Damages | Lily Arsenault | 2007-2010 | Television |
| Billions | Amy Chun | 2016-2018 | Television |
| Orange Is the New Black | Kim | 2018-2019 | Television |
| Raising Dion | Dr. Rebecca Jones | 2019-2022 | Television |
| The Heidi Chronicles | Heidi Holland | 2015 | Theatre |
| The Diplomat | Hannah Yoo | 2023-present | Television |
| Agatha: Coven of Chaos | Young Agatha | 2023-present | Television |