Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso The Humanity of Actor Steven Yeun (‘Love Me’)
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Feb 2, 2025 Steven Yeun, acclaimed for roles in The Walking Dead and Minari, shares his journey as a first-generation immigrant. He discusses the emotional depth in his hit series Beef, touching on themes of resentment and self-acceptance. Yeun reminisces about his coming-of-age in Michigan and his bold audition for The Second City. Reflecting on his iconic role as Glenn, he reveals a transformative moment in his performance. He also dives into the significance of his work in Minari, culminating with a guiding poem by Wendell Berry.
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Performative Road Rage
- Steven Yeun doesn't maniacally chase people in L.A. like his "Beef" character.
- But he does performatively overreact to bad drivers when he has an audience.
Confronting Shame
- Playing Danny in "Beef" forced Yeun to confront his own shame.
- It helped him embrace his past self and the "cringe" of his early years in America.
Church Scene
- In "Beef", Danny visits a Korean church and experiences a moment of emotional release.
- Yeun, also raised in the Korean church, connected deeply with this scene.
