Hudson Yang is a young American actor best known for his role on the popular TV show Fresh Off the Boat. Loved for his charming personality, natural acting skills, and bright smile, Hudson became a household name at a young age. But there’s more to him than just acting! From his early life to his rise to fame, fans of all ages are curious about this rising star.
Hudson Yang’s Early Life
Hudson David Yang was born on October 24, 2003, in New York City, United States. He grew up in a supportive family that encouraged his interests, including acting and education. His father is Jeff Yang, a well-known journalist, author, and media consultant, while his mother, Heather Ying, works in the healthcare field. From a young age, Hudson was curious and energetic, often performing for his family or expressing interest in stories and characters. He is of Taiwanese-Chinese descent and proudly embraces his Asian-American identity, which has played a big part in his public image. Hudson attended NEST+m (New Explorations into Science, Technology + Math), a public school in Manhattan, before his acting career took off. As he got busier with acting, he continued his studies while also balancing auditions, rehearsals, and media appearances. Hudson’s early exposure to culture, education, and community values shaped the confident and talented young man we see on screen today.
How Did Hudson Become Famous?
Hudson Yang became famous after landing the lead role of Eddie Huang in ABC’s groundbreaking TV sitcom Fresh Off the Boat in 2015. At just 11 years old, he beat hundreds of young actors to play the main character in a story based on a real-life chef and food personality. The casting was highly competitive, but Hudson stood out thanks to his natural comedic timing, expressive face, and authentic energy. His performance in the show quickly caught the attention of critics, viewers, and media outlets, propelling him into stardom. As one of the few Asian-American leads on American network TV at the time, Hudson’s success was historic and opened the door for more diversity in entertainment. He gave a voice to many kids who didn’t see themselves on screen and helped break stereotypes about Asian-American families and identities.
What Show Made Hudson a Star?
The show that made Hudson Yang a star was Fresh Off the Boat, which aired on ABC from 2015 to 2020. This comedy series was the first American network TV show in over 20 years to focus on an Asian-American family. It was based on the memoir of chef and author Eddie Huang, and Hudson played the young version of Eddie in the show.
What is Fresh Off the Boat About?
Fresh Off the Boat is a coming-of-age family comedy set in the 1990s. It follows the Huang family as they move from Washington, D.C., to Orlando, Florida, to open a Western-style steak restaurant. The series focuses on cultural clashes, identity, and the struggles of fitting in while staying true to your roots. Through the humorous and relatable experiences of young Eddie Huang and his family, the show explores themes of immigration, racism, family values, and the American dream. It also offers a unique perspective of growing up Asian-American in a mostly white neighborhood. The sitcom became widely appreciated for its authenticity, witty storytelling, and cultural impact.
Who Did Hudson Play in the Show?
In Fresh Off the Boat, Hudson Yang played Eddie Huang, the oldest son of the Huang family. Eddie is a hip-hop-loving, basketball-obsessed middle schooler who struggles to fit into his new environment in Orlando. His character is inspired by the real Eddie Huang, who also narrated the first season of the show. Hudson portrayed Eddie as funny, rebellious, curious, and big-hearted. He perfectly captured the feeling of being different in school while trying to stay cool and true to himself. Over the seasons, Hudson’s character grew and matured, reflecting the real-life changes and experiences many kids face during adolescence.
Why Did People Love Hudson in the Show?
People loved Hudson Yang in Fresh Off the Boat because of his honest and relatable performance. He wasn’t just acting—he became Eddie Huang. Hudson had a natural ability to connect with audiences, both kids and adults. His timing in comedy scenes, emotional expressions, and authentic delivery made viewers laugh, cry, and cheer for him. Many fans admired how he represented Asian-American culture in a fun and meaningful way. He gave voice to stories that were often ignored in mainstream media. Critics also praised his performance, calling him one of the most promising young actors on television. His confidence and likability on screen turned him into a role model for young viewers.
Hudson Yang’s Age and Birthday
Hudson Yang was born on October 24, 2003, which makes him 21 years old as of 2025. His zodiac sign is Scorpio, and he was born in New York City. Hudson celebrates his birthday with fans and family, and he often shares pictures or messages during that time on social media. Even though he’s now an adult, many fans still remember him as the young and funny Eddie from Fresh Off the Boat. As he continues to grow, fans are excited to see where his career and personal life take him.
What Movies or Shows Has Hudson Done?
Besides Fresh Off the Boat, Hudson Yang has been part of other shows and small film projects. While Fresh Off the Boat was his breakout role, he continues to explore new opportunities in acting and production. Hudson also makes appearances on talk shows, panels, and events related to youth and Asian-American culture. Although he hasn’t taken on many movie roles yet, fans hope to see him in bigger projects soon.
TV Shows
Hudson’s biggest TV role remains Fresh Off the Boat, where he appeared in over 100 episodes from 2015 to 2020. He was praised for his consistent performance and growth throughout the six seasons of the show. In addition to this, he has also appeared on shows like Good Morning America, The View, and The Talk, where he discussed his experiences and life as a young actor. These appearances helped fans get to know the real Hudson off-screen and built his reputation as a smart, humble, and funny teen.
Movie Roles
So far, Hudson Yang’s movie roles have been limited, but he has shown interest in pursuing more film projects. He made a short appearance in a film called The Sisterhood of Night in 2014 and voiced a character in an animated short. As he grows older and gains more experience, Hudson may transition into more complex and mature movie roles. Many young actors who start in TV later succeed in big Hollywood movies, and Hudson has both the talent and determination to do the same.
What Is Hudson Yang Doing Now?
Currently, Hudson Yang is focusing on his education and exploring new career paths. After completing high school, he was accepted into Harvard University, one of the top universities in the world. He is studying film and media, aiming to learn more about storytelling, directing, and production. Hudson has expressed interest in working behind the camera in addition to acting. He is also involved in youth activism, speaking about Asian-American representation, education, and cultural diversity. Though he’s not starring in a major series right now, Hudson stays active on social media and often connects with fans. He continues to inspire young people with his dedication, humility, and intelligence.
Hudson Yang’s Family
Hudson comes from a close-knit and supportive family. His father, Jeff Yang, is a respected journalist and writer who has worked for publications like The Wall Street Journal and CNN. He often shares insights about media, culture, and race in America. Jeff has been a strong influence in Hudson’s life and career, guiding him through the challenges of fame. Hudson’s mother, Heather Ying, works in the healthcare field and keeps a lower public profile. Hudson also has a younger sibling, and the family often spends time together in New York or Los Angeles. His family’s support has played a huge role in helping him stay grounded and focused on his goals.
How Much Is Hudson Yang’s Net Worth?
As of 2025, Hudson Yang’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million. This wealth mainly comes from his acting role in Fresh Off the Boat, where he earned a significant salary per episode. In addition to acting, he has earned money through public appearances, endorsements, and social media partnerships. Hudson is also investing in his education and exploring opportunities in film production, which could increase his net worth in the future. Despite his financial success, Hudson remains humble and focused on using his platform for positive change.
The Bottom Line
Hudson Yang is not just a talented actor—he’s also a smart, determined, and inspiring young man. From his breakout role in Fresh Off the Boat to his academic journey at Harvard, Hudson has shown that he can balance fame, family, and future goals with grace. He became a star at a young age by staying true to himself and sharing his story with the world. Fans love him for his humor, heart, and honest representation of Asian-American life. As he grows older, there’s no doubt Hudson Yang will continue to make an impact both on-screen and off. Whether he’s acting, writing, directing, or studying, Hudson is a name we’ll keep hearing for years to come.