Anna Kay Napualani Akana, better known as Anna Akana, is an American YouTuber, comedian, actress, filmmaker, and musician known for her comedic sketches and candid vlogs on mental health, identity, and relationships.
She built a massive online following with her YouTube channel, which has over 2.8 million subscribers, and has crossed into mainstream entertainment with roles in Ant-Man (2015) and the Disney Channel animated series Big City Greens and Amphibia.
Beyond entertainment, she is a mental health advocate and author of the book So Much I Want to Tell You: Letters to My Little Sister (2017), inspired by the suicide of her younger sibling.
Profile
- Full Name: Anna Kay Napualani Akana
- Stage Name: Anna Akana
- Born: August 18 1989
- Age: 36 years old
- Birthplace: Monterey County, California, United States
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: YouTuber, Comedian, Actress, Filmmaker, Musician
- Height: 1.60 m
- Parents: Mia Akana and William Akana
- Siblings: Kristina Akana, Will Akana
- Spouse: Unknown
- Children: Unknown
- Relationship: Unknown
- Net Worth: $1 million
Early Life and Education
Anna Akana was born on August 18, 1989, in Monterey County, California, to Mia Akana and William Akana, an officer in the United States Marine Corps.
Her father’s military career meant the family moved frequently, living in various states and countries, including a four-year stint in Japan.
She has two siblings, a brother named Will and a younger sister named Kristina.
Her ethnic background is mixed, including Japanese, Filipina, Native Hawaiian, and European ancestry. Her religious beliefs are unknown.
Career
Anna Akana began her career in entertainment by performing stand-up comedy at age 19, but she turned to creating YouTube videos in 2011 after experiencing severe stage anxiety.
She quickly gained a loyal following with her relatable and insightful videos, which often address personal struggles, social issues, and dating.
Her early success on the platform led to opportunities in mainstream media, including roles in the TV series Awkward and an appearance in Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night” music video.
She also wrote and starred in the acclaimed digital series Riley Rewind in 2013, which garnered over 25 million views.
Her breakthrough into film came with a role in Marvel’s Ant-Man (2015), and she has since appeared in the Netflix film Blade of the 47 Ronin (2022) and had recurring roles in Comedy Central’s Corporate.
Her voice acting has been featured in Disney Channel’s Big City Greens and Amphibia. She executive produced and starred in the YouTube Red series Youth & Consequences, for which she won a Streamy Award for Acting in a Drama in 2018.
In 2024, she embarked on a stand-up comedy tour titled “It Gets Darker,” showcasing her versatility as a performer.
Social Media
- Instagram Handle: @annaakana
- Twitter/X Handle: @annaakana
- YouTube Channel: @annaakana
Personal Life
Anna Akana married her husband, Brad Gage, in a private ceremony, and the couple launched a plant-based meat company called Imagine Meats in 2021.
She is an outspoken advocate for mental health and suicide prevention, having tragically lost her younger sister, Kristina, to suicide in 2007.
She came out as bisexual in 2018 during her Streamy Awards acceptance speech and has been open about having an abortion at age 20, stating it was one of the best decisions she ever made.
Filmography
- · Ant-Man (2015)
- · Hello, My Name Is Doris (2016)
- · Dirty 30 (2016)
- · Let It Snow (2019)
- · Jupiter’s Legacy (2021)
- · About Fate (2021)
- · Blade of the 47 Ronin (2022)
Net Worth
Anna Akana has an estimated net worth of approximately $1 million, accumulated through her multifaceted career in the entertainment industry.
Her primary sources of income include revenue from her successful YouTube channel, acting roles in film and television, book sales, and brand partnerships.
