'At that time, I think I would only have two options,' Agena explained. Just as Agena didn't initially see Lane becoming the icon she is now, she was also unaware of whatever tropes she might have played into. Her storylines are less developed and her family's behavior is more hyperbolic because she is playing the stereotypical Asian best friend role. However, at the end of the day, Lane is a supporting character to Rory. Kim - whose first name is never revealed on her 47 episodes on the show - is a strict Seventh Day Adventist and an oppressive parent, playing into the immigrant Asian trope with Lane often pushing back on her own culture, like dreading a trip to South Korea in early seasons. But among all of the praise of Lane's complexities, there's also valid criticism, especially in regard to her relationship with her mother. In the white-washed Stars Hollow, she is exceptional. She dyes her hair, she plays the drums, she rebels against convention. Lane is a second-generation Asian American and a total badass. I was just grateful that I was able to make a living in this industry at all.' Reflecting now, she looks back with gratitude on the small strides Lane's presence made on the rest of Hollywood. 'I was in selfish survival mode of working. 'I was just trying to survive one week,' Agena said. But back in the early '00s, she wasn't thinking about setting a standard. Since the show premiered over 20 years ago, Agena has given several interviews about the significance Lane played for the Asian community.

Lane is based on Helen Pai, a close friend of creator Amy Sherman Palladino, who also served as a coproducer on the series.

Rory's rock 'n' roll best friend was a pillar of representation for young Asian American women who were searching to see themselves on screen. Lucky for audiences everywhere, Agena eventually regained her confidence - thanks to Incline Theater Company in LA - and went on to embody iconic characters, like Lane Kim from Gilmore Girls. Agena refrained from auditioning for other parts for the rest of the year, maintaining her drama scholarship by relegating herself to backstage work. 'It wasn't until that moment that my name wasn't on the board that I realized, 'Oh, perhaps the fact that I'm Japanese American might contribute to their decision of whether or not to cast me,'' she told POPSUGAR. She didn't think being Asian would limit her ability to embody a character, which is why she felt a 'cold shock' when she was omitted from her school's callback list. Growing up in Hawaii, Agena felt confident and comfortable in a multicultural cast. Primary Income source TV Actress (profession).Keiko Agena still remembers the first time she felt othered as a performer she was a college freshman trying out for a lead part in a play centered on three English women in the 1800s. Keiko Agena Net Worth Estimated Net Worth 2020 Shin Kawasaki and Keiko Agena have been married for 15 years.Keiko Agena Dating, Husband, Boyfriends and Relationships Her zodiac sign is Libra Keiko Agena Bio, Wiki First NameĪlexis Bledel, Lauren Graham, Scott Patterson, Melissa McCarthy, Emily Kuroda She married Shin Kawasaki in December 2005. She worked as a voice actor with Christy Carlson Romano for four years on the Disney animated series Kim Possible. She began acting at age ten and attended Whitman College as a drama major. She made guest appearances on shows Private Practice, Castle, and House M.D. She was born on October 3,1973, Honolulu, HI. She has also appeared in episodes of Scandal and Shameless. American actress best known for her role as Lane Kim on Gilmore Girls and later Aiko Hakari on The First. Keiko Agena is best known as Actress who has an estimated Net Worth of $300 Thousand.

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