Kelsey Asbille, born on September 9, 1991, in Columbia, South Carolina, is an American actress known for her roles in hit television series such as One Tree Hill, Teen Wolf, and Yellowstone. Over the years, she has gained attention not only for her acting skills but also for her diverse ethnic background. Kelsey Asbille’s ethnicity has been a topic of discussion due to her mixed heritage, which includes Chinese ancestry from her father and American roots from her mother.
Kelsey Asbille Bio
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kelsey Asbille Chow |
| Date of Birth | September 9, 1991 |
| Birthplace | Columbia, South Carolina, USA |
| Profession | Actress |
| Notable Work | One Tree Hill, Teen Wolf, Yellowstone |
| Parents | Jim C. Chow (father), Jean Chow (mother) |
| Siblings | Two younger siblings: a brother and a sister |
| Education | Attended Columbia University, majoring in Human Rights |
| Ethnicity | Mixed: Chinese (father), American (mother) |
Kelsey Asbille Ethnicity is Mixed: Chinese and American
Kelsey Asbille’s ethnicity is a combination of Chinese heritage from her father and American ancestry from her mother. Her father, Jim C. Chow, is of Chinese descent, with his family originating from China, while her mother, Jean Chow, is of American background.
Over the years, Asbille has claimed to have Cherokee ancestry on her mother’s side. However, this claim has sparked controversy, as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians stated they have no records of her being an enrolled member nor any documentation proving her Cherokee heritage. This has led to debates, especially regarding her casting in Native American roles, such as her portrayal of Monica Dutton in Yellowstone.
Despite the controversy, Asbille has acknowledged her mixed heritage and has expressed interest in exploring her Chinese roots further, including learning Mandarin and understanding traditional Chinese characters.
Family Background of Kelsey Asbille
Kelsey Asbille was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina. Her father, Jim C. Chow, served in the United States Air Force and Air National Guard for over 30 years, reaching the rank of Brigadier General. Her mother, Jean Chow, played an essential role in raising Kelsey and her siblings.
Asbille grew up with two younger siblings—a brother and a sister—although little public information is available about them. She has shared in interviews that her upbringing was a mix of American and Chinese cultural influences, which shaped her identity and career choices.
About Kelsey Asbille’s Family
| Family Member | Name |
|---|---|
| Father | Jim C. Chow |
| Mother | Jean Chow |
| Brother | Name Not Known |
| Sister | Name Not Known |
Kelsey Asbille’s Career
Kelsey Asbille began her acting journey in community theater before landing her first major television role as Gigi Silveri on One Tree Hill (2005–2009). This role helped establish her in the entertainment industry and led to more opportunities.
From 2010 to 2013, she starred as Mikayla in the Disney XD sitcom Pair of Kings, showcasing her ability to take on comedic roles. She later transitioned into a more dramatic role as Tracy Stewart in Teen Wolf (2015–2016), which increased her visibility among young audiences.
Her career took a significant turn when she appeared in the 2017 crime thriller Wind River, where she played a Native American woman. The role brought both praise and controversy, as her claim to Cherokee ancestry was questioned. Nonetheless, this performance led to her most notable role to date—Monica Dutton in Yellowstone.
Starring in Yellowstone since 2018, Asbille portrays Monica Dutton, a Native American woman married to Kayce Dutton. The show’s success has solidified her status in Hollywood, giving her a platform to take on more complex and diverse roles.
More Info About Kelsey Asbille
Kelsey Asbille’s journey in Hollywood has been marked by both success and controversy. While she has established herself as a talented actress with a strong on-screen presence, the debate surrounding her ethnicity and Native American heritage remains ongoing.
Some critics argue that her casting in indigenous roles has contributed to the broader issue of representation in Hollywood, while others recognize her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters.
Beyond acting, Asbille has expressed a deep interest in social issues. She attended Columbia University, where she studied human rights, showing her commitment to advocacy and awareness. She has spoken about wanting to use her platform to promote cultural understanding and representation in the entertainment industry.
Asbille’s future in Hollywood looks promising, with her role in Yellowstone continuing to gain popularity. Whether she remains in television or expands into films, her mixed heritage, talent, and dedication to her craft will likely shape her career for years to come.
