Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso The Humanity of Actor Steven Yeun (‘Love Me’)
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.
