Christine Ko (; born ) is an American actress, known for her roles as Emma on the CBS sitcom The Great Indoors, Mandi on Upload and Emma on Dave. Before her success in America, she had a brief career in Taiwan in the early 2010s.
Early life Ko was born in 1988 in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in both Taiwan and Atlanta. She is the daughter of Taiwanese entertainer Frankie Kao. Ko initially pursued a career in finance before transitioning to acting.
Career Ko has discussed the issue of limited roles for Asian American actors in the United States. Her role on The Great Indoors was originally written for a blond woman, but Ko's agent was able to get her an audition. After her audition, the producers changed their original idea of Emma's appearance. Ko said, "I think that's true diversity. You're just like everybody else. You just look Asian... It's the norm and how we all live. We just haven't seen it in Hollywood yet."
Ko joined the cast of the television series Hawaii Five-0 part way into its eighth season. She also guest-starred in the HBO comedy series Ballers. She starred on the FXX series Dave alongside Dave Burd.
In 2021, she starred alongside Canadian singer Justin Bieber in the music video of his song "Hold On".
In 2022, she joined the cast of The Handmaid's Tale.
Filmography Film Year Title Role 2017 The Jade Pendant May 2018 Grandmother's Gold Mona 2019 Extracurricular Activities Amy2020 Tigertail Angela Blinders Sam 2024 Mabel Angela 2026 Drag 2026 Rolling Loud 2026
Television YearTitleRoleNotes2012Hollywood HeightsBrenda2 episodes2015BallersAnnaEpisode: "Saturdaze"2016–2017The Great IndoorsEmmaSeries regular2017Adam Ruins EverythingTiffanyEpisode: "Adam Ruins the Hospital"2018Hawaii Five-0Jessie NomuraRecurring role; 6 episodesDeceptionVivian SongEpisode: "Divination"2019No Good NickMs. Chang2 episodes2020 StumptownCameron DorseyEpisode: "All Quiet On The Dextern Front"2020–2023DaveEmmaSeries regular2020UploadMandiRecurring role2021Master of NoneAshley1 episodeSweet Pecan SummerAmandaHallmark Channel Just BeyondMs. FausseEpisode: "Unfiltered"2022Only Murders in the BuildingNina LinRecurring role The Handmaid's TaleLily2025Common Side EffectsKikiVoice role2025LootPetraEpisode: "Hail Mary Time"
Personal life Ko is married to Parks & Recreation writer and producer Alan Yang.
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