MELBOURNE, Australia — They’ve found a home in Hollywood, appearing in some of the biggest films and TV shows of the year. But on a balmy December evening, a group of young Asian-Australian actors were relaxing together in a place where they’re rarely recognized: the country where they grew up.

Over beers and cigarettes at a Melbourne rooftop bar, they were reflecting on their year’s work.

“It’s the most I’ve ever auditioned,” said John Harlan Kim, 25, a Korean-Australian actor, who moved to the United States five years ago and recently wrapped a four-season stint on “The Librarians.”

Chris Pang, 34, who appeared in 2018’s box office hit “Crazy Rich Asians,” agreed. “Right now diverse content is selling and it’s hot,” he said, adding: “It’s now or never. We’ve got to keep the momentum going.”

For many of Australia’s most lauded white actors, making a name for themselves at home was a critical milestone on the way to success in Hollywood. But Asian-Australian actors say there are few roles available to them in Australia, and those parts are often ancillary or based on outdated stereotypes.