Dr. Ken’s Krista Marie Yu Talks Sitcom Love, Asian-American Representation and her TV Parents

Lucy Philips-Roberts ’16 / Emertainment Monthly Contributor

Copyedited by: Brooke Hoppe

Krista Marie Yu plays the responsible daughter (Molly Park) to Ken Jeong, on ABC’s Dr. Ken. Yu has found success in Hollywood over her few years since graduating from Carnegie Mellon University. She has appeared on The Thundermans, as well as Agent Carter and Parenthood. She was kind enough to answer a few questions about her role, TV parents, and the weight of representation on television.

Emertainment Monthly: Dr. Ken is a classic sitcom, did you watch a lot of sitcoms growing up?

Krista Marie Yu: I am a HUGE fan of sitcoms!! Growing up, I watched reruns of Friends, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and Boy Meets World. I still will always watch Martin when I see it on TV too . . . my sitcom love-list could go on and on and on. I think that sitcoms provide for a very special kind of physical comedy and witty timing that just makes me laugh uncontrollably.

What are some qualities that you share with your character?

Molly and I have many similarities. We both love fashion and social media, but also work really hard in school and are responsible and reliable girls. I can really relate to Molly’s struggles toward gaining independence from her parents and just wanting her parents to respect and be proud of her. Also, Molly is third/fourth generation, and I am fourth/fifth generation Asian-American.

What’s your best behind the scenes moment with Ken Jeong? Has he given you any pearls of wisdom?

Ken is constantly putting me into stitches. One pearl of wisdom I will always keep close to my heart is when he told me “It doesn’t matter about being famous… it’s what you do with your fame that counts.” And Ken has proven to be the most kind, caring, and generous TV dad on TOP of being a hilariously talented actor that ALSO happens to be a licensed doctor and family man. WHO KNEW SUPERMAN WAS REAL!?

I see you listed Suzy Nakamura as an idol of yours, so what has it been like working with her? Were you star-struck at first?

I think I am still star-struck. Suzy has broken so many barriers for Asian-American actresses. An even more special quality about her is that she is an amazing person – she exemplifies the kind of actor I want to be on, and off, set. She is a versatile and talented actress AND constantly giving and thinking of other people.

What drove you to join the cast of Dr. Ken? Was there something that made you feel like you had to be on this show?

There was no question about wanting to be a part of Dr. Ken. From the brilliant cast, the incredibly proficient crew, to the importance of Asian-American representation, this show is a dream to be a part of and I am beyond proud to be a member of this team.

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The takeaway from Yu’s passion for representation on television: use your platform to make change for those who can’t. Catch Krista Marie Yu on Dr. Ken, Fridays at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.