It was a heartbreaking and completely unexpected turn of events that ultimately set Anna Akana on the path toward a career in entertainment. Born in 1989, Anna Akana grew up in a military family, which meant frequent moves—sometimes to a brand-new state, other times across international borders. This constant change shaped her early years, giving her the chance to become fluent in both Japanese and Spanish. But despite the adaptability she developed, nothing could have prepared her for what happened in 2007. That year, tragedy struck when Anna Akana’s younger sister, Kristina, just 13 years old, died by suicide. The loss devastated Anna Akana, leaving her in deep grief for months on end.
Then, one evening, something shifted. Anna Akana came across a stand-up comedy special by Margaret Cho—and for the first time since her sister’s death, she found herself laughing out loud. It wasn’t just a fleeting moment; it was a revelation. Anna Akana realized then and there that comedy had real power—not just to entertain, but to heal. That insight changed everything.
By the time she turned 19, Anna Akana was already performing stand-up in Los Angeles. Yet, as much as she loved live comedy, her ongoing struggles with anxiety made consistent stage appearances difficult. So, in 2011, she made a pivotal decision: she launched a YouTube channel. Her short, honest videos—tackling tough topics like mental health, identity, and what it means to be mixed-race in America—immediately resonated with audiences. People connected with Anna Akana’s authenticity, and her subscriber count quickly soared past 1.5 million.
From there, Anna Akana expanded her creative reach. She began producing and directing short films, blending humor with heartfelt storytelling. Her talent eventually led to starring roles, including co-creating and headlining the sci-fi series Miss 2059 (Verizon go90, 2016–), and appearing regularly on the popular web series Single by 30 (YouTube Red, 2016–). And in 2013, Anna Akana channeled her personal journey into writing, publishing the powerful book Surviving Suicide, which further cemented her role as a voice for healing and resilience. Through every project, Anna Akana has stayed true to her mission: using humor and honesty to make a difference.
When it comes to Anna Akana’s filmography, fans and critics alike have noticed a bit of a contrast in reception. Anna Akana starred in Let It Snow back in 2019, which turned out to be her highest-rated movie so far—earning praise for its heartfelt storytelling and ensemble cast. The film really showcased Anna Akana’s charm and acting range, resonating well with audiences. On the other hand, Anna Akana appeared in Hooking Up in 2020, which unfortunately received much more mixed or negative reviews, making it her lowest-rated film to date. While both projects added to Anna Akana’s growing body of work, it’s clear that Let It Snow stands out as a fan favorite. Overall, Anna Akana continues to build a diverse career, learning and evolving with each role she takes on.