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OG Asian YouTubers That Defined Your Childhood

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The YouTube landscape a decade ago was wildly different from what it is today. Instead of content produced by big corporations, clips from late-night shows, and videos spilling the tea about never-ending YouTube feuds, the YouTube of the late 2000s–early 2010s was populated by creators putting out innovative, authentic content. 

Many of these early creators gained loyal followings and hundreds of thousands of fans, and for the first time, Asians had the chance to be at the front and center of the entertainment sphere. Although many of these original Asian YouTubers have since lost some of their influence, they shaped the childhoods of countless people and left a trailblazing legacy of Asian representation in the media.

NigaHiga

It seems like it was forever ago, but remember when NigaHiga used to be the most-subscribed YouTube channel? Following the release of his iconic “How To Be” video series in 2007, Ryan Higa became a breakout YouTube sensation with his comedy skits and parody videos. Over the years, he’s created original songs (“Nice Guys” is unexpectedly catchy), a podcast (Off the Pill), and even a few short films (Agents of Secret Stuff is delightfully cheesy). Although Higa hasn’t uploaded to his main channel in over a year, he now regularly streams on Twitch and uploads onto his second channel, HigaTV.

KevJumba

Kevin Wu skyrocketed in popularity in 2007 with his comedic vlogs and rants about his life. Many of his early videos centered around Asian stereotypes, and his brand of relatable, often self-deprecating humor quickly gave him a huge following. After Wu introduced his dad in his video “I Love My Dad,” “PapaJumba” also became a popular figure on the channel and was featured alongside Wu in his “My Dad is Asian” video series. Wu left YouTube in 2013 to return to college and explore his spirituality, and in 2015, he survived a near-fatal car crash that deepened his commitment to returning to his education. Following a brief return to YouTube four years ago, Wu now streams on Twitch and uploads to his new gaming channel, cybermuse.

Michelle Phan

Michelle Phan used to be THE YouTuber to watch for makeup tutorials. Her calm, zen-like voice guided viewers through anything from putting on an everyday school look to transforming into Sailor Moon. Phan went viral after her Lady Gaga-inspired tutorials were featured on Buzzfeed in 2010, and not long after, she was partnering with big brands like L’Oreal and even launching her own makeup companies (Ipsy, and later EM Cosmetics). Phan returned to YouTube in 2019 after a years-long hiatus, and she’s branched out into the music licensing industry too by co-founding the company Thematic.

FreddieW / RocketJump

Freddie Wong’s comedic shorts are full of action and convincing visual effects. His Guitar Hero gameplay is what initially put him on the map, but the content he’s most well-known for is probably his VFX-filled fight scenes in videos like “Cereal Killer” and “Beach Justice.” In 2011, Wong formed his own production company called RocketJump along with several other founders, and together, they released the popular web series Video Game High School. Even though RocketJump stopped posting videos onto YouTube in 2018, Wong and the rest of the company have gone on to produce TV series (check them out on Hulu!) and host podcasts.

communitychannel

For over a decade, Natalie Tran has been making hilarious videos about everyday situations. She’s discussed everything from the awkwardness of holding a door open for a stranger when they’re still way too far away to how it’s practically impossible to repack something back into its original box. Tran’s one-woman skits also have immaculate editing, sometimes with as many as six different versions of herself arguing with each other in the same frame. Tran has been on hiatus from posting videos on YouTube in part due to an intense bout of her OCD, but she has appeared on several TV shows in the past few years and is still active on social media.

Wong Fu Productions

Wesley Chan, Ted Fu, and Philip Wang first started making videos together close to two decades ago. Since then, they’ve created countless short films, music videos, and sketches spanning a variety of genres: comedy, action, romance, and every combination of the above. Many of their videos shine light on the contemporary Asian American experience, covering issues and stories that haven’t really been represented outside of YouTube. Almost all of their videos have a majority-Asian cast, and their sometimes-heartfelt, sometimes-hilarious, always-entertaining videos have resonated with millions of people over the years.

IISuperwomanII / Lilly Singh

Since creating her YouTube channel in 2010, Lilly Singh has gone on to write a book, appear in movies, and even host her own late-night talk show, A Little Late With Lilly Singh, on NBC — the first person of Indian descent to host such a show. On YouTube, Singh quickly became popular for her comedic sketches, many of which center around her Punjabi heritage and parody Indian stereotypes. Though Singh’s uploads have become less frequent as she becomes more active in the entertainment industry outside of YouTube (she’ll be joining the second season of Hulu’s comedy series Dollface), her recent videos are still as vibrant and relatable as her earliest ones.

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Woman Goes Viral Taking Over Her Late Husband’s Restaurant -And Turning Tragedy Into Legacy

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A grieving wife in China named Xue Qiaoyan has gone viral after stepping in to run her late husband’s hotpot restaurant.

Her husband died saving four people from drowning, a brave sacrifice that reshaped her life overnight and has deeply inspired people worldwide.

Xue and his husband, Luan Liuwei, built their lamb spine hotpot restaurant in Beijing through years of hard work.

Friends described Luan as generous and fearless, someone who never hesitated to help strangers, even when it placed himself in danger without any second thought.

On August 10, 2024, tragedy struck during a family holiday when Luan jumped into a river after hearing desperate cries.

He managed to save three children, then returned for another struggling man, but exhaustion overtook him, costing his own life.

After his death, Xue quietly took over the restaurant, preserving the space her husband designed while learning every detail of the business.

Overwhelmed at times, she admits to breaking down in private, drawing strength from memories and loyal customers who showed up to support.

The restaurant slowly turned into a place of remembrance, drawing diners nationwide who came not just to eat, but to honor Luan’s courage.

Handwritten notes, banners, and art filled the walls, as customers praised the food and the care behind every meal.

For his selfless act, Luan Liuwei was also later honored as a martyr by the Shandong government, with memorial support provided to his family.

On December 6, 2024, a sculpture was unveiled in his memory, standing as a lasting reminder of his heroism.

Despite offers to expand, Xue refused to open additional branches. She ensures the original shop remains a sanctuary for their shared memories.

For her, it is the only true ‘hero restaurant.’ Her story continues to spread online, proving that love and community can light the way through tragedy.

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72-Year-Old Man Goes Viral Becoming Beauty Influencer to Pay for Grandson’s Treatment

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A 72-year-old man in China named Zhu Yunchang has gone viral after becoming a beauty influencer to help pay for his grandson’s medical treatment.

Wearing makeup on livestreams, he reviews products not for attention, but to raise money to keep his grandson alive.

Zhu’s grandson, Xiao Jingyan, was just five years old when doctors diagnosed him with spinal muscular atrophy, a rare disease that slowly weakens the muscles.

Doctors told the family that without treatment, he might have only about 18 months to live ahead of him.

Despite the prognosis, Xiao continued fighting with unwavering support from his family. His parents sold their home and took on heavy debt to afford imported medication costing hundreds of thousands of yuan per dose.

Even then, the mounting expenses quickly outpaced everything they could manage.

This was when Zhu stepped in. He knew his small pension would never cover the costs, so he searched for another path.

After learning beauty blogging could earn income online, he chose to try it himself, determined to help fund his grandson’s treatment.

The journey was difficult as Zhu lacked any knowledge of cosmetics. He faced harsh initial rejections from manufacturers who claimed an elderly man could never sell makeup.

Undeterred, he committed himself to mastering this entirely new craft to ensure his grandson had a chance.

Zhu first asked cosmetic brands for samples, but many turned him away. Instead of quitting, he went to local makeup shops and asked staff to teach him.

He wrote down unfamiliar terms, practiced daily, and slowly learned how to apply each product with care.

He began live-streaming and eventually gained significant popularity, providing a vital financial lifeline for his family.

Although he was a novice, his genuine personality and story resonated deeply with viewers. He spent hours each day demonstrating products to his growing online audience.

Fortunately, recent policy changes in China have added the necessary medication to the national insurance list.

This has significantly eased the family’s financial stress. However, Zhu continues to blog and advocate for rare diseases using his platform.

Today, Zhu stands as a quiet symbol of love and perseverance. “If my grandson can one day walk like other children, I will feel at peace,” the caring grandfather said.

His journey shows that a grandfather’s devotion knows no boundaries when family is at stake.

Watch video here.

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Culture

Remembering Roman Gabriel Jr., the NFL’s First Asian American Quarterback Superstar

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Roman Gabriel Jr. made history as the first Asian American quarterback to star in the NFL, eventually earning the league’s MVP award in 1969.

His journey from humble beginnings to football stardom remains an inspiration for athletes and fans alike.

Born on August 5, 1940, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Gabriel grew up as the son of a Filipino immigrant father, Roman Sr., and his Irish-American mother, Edna.

Facing challenges as a mixed-race child in the segregated South, he developed resilience and a strong work ethic early on.

At New Hanover High School, Gabriel excelled in multiple sports, shining in football, basketball, and baseball.

His natural athleticism set him apart, drawing attention from college scouts and laying the groundwork for a career that would eventually redefine expectations for quarterbacks in the NFL.

Gabriel attended North Carolina State University from 1959 to 1961, where he shattered records as quarterback of the Wolfpack.

He set 22 school and nine conference records, earning two First-Team All-American honors and twice being named ACC Player of the Year.

Gabriel became the first ACC quarterback to throw for over 1,000 yards in a season, not once, but twice.

His dual-threat style, combining passing precision with athletic mobility, made him a revolutionary figure in an era dominated by rushing offenses.

The Los Angeles Rams drafted Gabriel second overall in the 1962 NFL Draft. He shared playing time during his first four seasons before becoming the full-time starter in 1966 under coach George Allen.

Their partnership quickly transformed the Rams into a competitive powerhouse.

Gabriel’s peak years, from 1967 to 1970, highlighted his leadership and resilience. He delivered deep passes to top receivers while absorbing hits that would sideline lesser quarterbacks.

In 1969, he threw 2,549 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions, earning him NFL MVP honors.

Supported by the ‘Fearsome Foursome’ defensive line, Gabriel led the Rams to 11-3 and an 11-game winning streak that season.

While they fell short of the championship, Gabriel’s toughness and precision solidified his reputation as one of the league’s most respected quarterbacks.

After 11 seasons in Los Angeles, Gabriel joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 1973.

Critics doubted his continued effectiveness, yet he led the NFL in completions, passing yards, and touchdown passes, earning Comeback Player of the Year.

Retiring in 1977, Gabriel’s career stats, 29,444 passing yards, 201 touchdowns, 30 rushing touchdowns, and a historically low interception percentage, cemented his place among NFL elite quarterbacks.

His journey broke barriers for Asian American athletes and left a lasting legacy of excellence.

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