Liao's professional acting career began in 2004 with a guest role on the long-running legal drama Law & Order. He quickly gained momentum, securing multiple guest appearances on various television series. His breakthrough role came in 2008 when he was cast as Roland Glenn in the fourth season of the popular Fox series Prison Break, where he earned notable attention for his performance.
He continued to build his television resume with recurring roles, including Jay Lee in the CBS crime drama Unforgettable (2013–2016). Over the years, he has made appearances in series such as Bones, NCIS: New Orleans, and Heartbeat. In addition, he starred as Eddie Chang in the television movie Four Stars.
James Liao made his major film debut in 2009, co-starring with Jennifer Aniston in the romantic comedy Management. His film credits also include notable roles such as Steven Mottola in the action film Battle: Los Angeles and a bridge officer in Star Trek Into Darkness. In animation, he voiced Toshiaki in Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie, showcasing his versatility across genres.
In addition to acting, Liao has explored work behind the camera. In 2011, he served as a co-producer for the documentary Yellow Face, which examines Asian American representation in entertainment. He also produced a short documentary titled Unforgettable Moments: Inside Season 3 in 2015, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the series Unforgettable.
James Liao has become a source of inspiration for many aspiring Asian American actors. His dedication to the craft and commitment to training at institutions such as Juilliard and the Marjorie Ballentine Studio have proven influential. His ability to secure meaningful roles in a competitive industry reflects his talent and has earned the respect of several top directors and producers. As representation continues to expand in Hollywood, Liao remains a noteworthy figure for emerging actors from diverse backgrounds.
Return to the previous page| Birth Date: | 30 Dec, 1985 |
| Age: | 34 yrs |
| Occupations: | Actor Stage actor Television actor |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Bensonhurst |
| Education: | Juilliard School |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | Actor |
| Net Worth 2021: | 500 thousand |
