Keiko Agena was born on October 3, 1973 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The pursuit of her dreams began at the age of ten as she performed in theaters. Of Japanese and American descent, she went to Mid Pacific Institute preparatory school, and later majored in drama for one year at Whitman College. She became one of four students to be chosen as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts, enabling her to meet President Bush. She later moved to Los Angeles and pursued her career in theater, as well as landing roles on several TV series.
During the early 1990s, Keiko Agena landed roles in shows like Renegade and Sister, Sister, and was seen on an episode of ER and Beverly Hills, 90210. She was also given a part in Terror In the Shadows and Hundred Percent, before her rise to fame. In 2000, she was seen as Lane Kim on the CW series Gilmore Girls. Her character was the Korean-American best friend of Rory Gilmore, played by Alexis Bledel. Agena later appeared in the series Felicity, and became the recipient of an Ammy Award for Best Female Actor in a Television Series in 2007. Her other appearances include those in Strong Medicine, Without a Trace, The Nightmare Room and Private Practice. She has also voiced the character Yori in four episodes of the Disney animated series, Kim Possible. Agena’s film credits are Chances Are, Hair Show, The Perfect Party, Western Avenue, Red Thread, Cats and Mice, and Tomatoes and Eggs. She is also a member of the Meisner-based ITC ensemble and the acting company called “hereandnow” which tours around the country staging original pieces. In May 2007, she was chosen as one of People magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful People in the World. In 2008, she landed the role of Private Hamamori in Major Movie Star.
Spouse: Shin Kawasaki (19 December 2005 - present), married in a helicopter
Attended Whitman College for one year as a drama major.
Agena explains, to pronounce her last name, think of the word "again".
Has two cats.
Was named as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts
Won an Ammy Award, beating out Lucy Liu, Ming Na, and Tia Carrere.
"The women I admire most in this business are Susan Sarandon, Bette Midler and Winona Ryder. Susan Sarandon because she's, well, Susan Sarandon. Winona because she's never compromised herself by showing her body in any of her love scenes, and Bette Midler because she has such a varied life. Her family, her marriage and her career are all priorities."