Keiko Agena has recently shared her complex emotions about her role as Lane Kim on the beloved TV series Gilmore Girls. The actress, who portrayed Rory Gilmore’s music-enthusiast best friend from 2000 to 2007, reflected on her experience during an appearance on the Dear Felicity rewatch podcast.
Agena revealed that her perspective on the character differs from that of the fans. “For me, it’s a separate thing because what the role meant to people was different from what it meant to me,” she explained. “I feel a responsibility to honor the experience that viewers had, especially young Asian people who saw themselves represented on screen.”
She continued, “For myself, it was a survival-mode situation. I didn’t see it that way at the time, but now I feel a mix of gratitude for having gone through that experience.”
When asked about playing a Korean American character while being Japanese American, Agena acknowledged the complexities. “The ideal scenario is to have a Korean American writer and actor,” she said. “I don’t think that casting would happen today. But back in 2000, it was a different time, and I wouldn’t have turned down the role.”
Nearly two decades after the show ended, Agena has learned to release the pressure of living up to fans’ expectations. “I’m at a point where I need to let go of the pressure to be the best version of who I think you love,” she said. “I love Lane too, and I recognize the love fans have for her.”
Agena reprised her role in the 2016 revival, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the character and the impact it had on viewers.
Throughout her career, Agena has also appeared in other notable shows like Shameless, 13 Reasons Why, and Better Call Saul. Despite her varied roles, she remains closely connected with her Gilmore Girls co-stars, maintaining friendships that extend beyond their time on the show.
Keiko Agena’s reflections offer a deeper understanding of the personal and professional challenges she faced while portraying Lane Kim. Her candidness sheds light on the complexities of representation and the evolving landscape of television casting.
