Famous Chinese Film & Theater Personalities

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 1 
Jet Li
(Actor and Martial Artist Who was All-Around Youth Champion in the National Wushu Competition)
Jet Li
6
Birthdate: April 26, 1963
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Beijing, China

Jet Li is one of the most popular Asian actors to have made it big in the American film industry. A martial artist and former Wushu champion, he won a national championship before retiring from competitive Wushu to focus on his acting career. Also a well-known philanthropist, Jet Li is closely associated with the Red Cross Society of China.

 2 
Dilraba Dilmurat
(Chinese Model and Actress)
Dilraba Dilmurat
4
Birthdate: June 3, 1992
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Ürümqi, China
Dilraba Dilmurat, also known as Dilireba, is a Chinese actor and model of Uyghur descent. She is known for her roles in films such as Mr. Pride vs Miss Prejudice and series such as The Backlight of Love. She has also been featured on Forbes China Celebrity 100 multiple times.
 3 
Zhang Ziyi
(One of the Four Dan Actresses of China)
Zhang Ziyi
4
Birthdate: February 9, 1979
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Beijing, China
Chinese actor Zhang Ziyi began as a dancer and soared to fame with her role in the Academy Award-nominated film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Fans also loved her in Rush Hour 2 and Memoirs of a Geisha. Her role in the film The Grandmaster won Ziyi 12 "Best Actress" awards.
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 4 
Fan Bingbing
(Actress, Singer)
Fan Bingbing
4
Birthdate: September 16, 1981
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Qingdao, Shandong, China
Chinese actor Fan Bingbing is best known for her roles in hits such as Cell Phone and X-Men: Days of Future Past. She was featured on Forbes China Celebrity 100 for 4 years. She is a fashion icon and has also served as a judge at the Academy Awards
 5 
Dylan Wang
(Actor)
Dylan Wang
6
Birthdate: December 20, 1998
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Chengdu

Dylan Wang is a Chinese singer, rapper, model, and actor. He achieved international fame for his portrayal of Daoming Si in the popular TV series, Meteor Garden. Apart from being an entertainer, Dylan is also a basketball enthusiast. In 2019, he participated in a celebrity basketball game and helped his team secure a win at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center

 6 
Chloe Zhao
(Known for Her Independent Films 'The Rider' and 'Songs My Brothers Taught Me')
Chloe Zhao
4
Birthdate: March 31, 1982
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Beijing, China
Chinese filmmaker Chloé Zhao is best known for directing films such as Songs My Brothers Taught Me and The Rider, both of which earned Independent Spirit Award nominations. Her film Nomadland won her the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. She is also directing the Marvel film Eternals.
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 7 
Gong Li
(Chinese Actress)
Gong Li
3
Birthdate: December 31, 1965
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Shenyang, China
Gong Li is best known for her roles in Ju Dou, Raise the Red Lantern, The Story of Qiu Ju, and the live-action version of Mulan. She was the first Asian to head the jury at both the Berlin and Venice film festivals and served as a FAO goodwill ambassador.
 8 
Shen Yue
(Actress, Model)
Shen Yue
3
Birthdate: February 27, 1997
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Wugang, Hunan

Shen Yue is a Chinese actress, model, and singer. She is known for playing important roles in TV series like A Love So Beautiful. Also known for her philanthropic efforts, Shen Yue won the Next Generation Influencers for Global Philanthropy award in 2019. The same year, she won the Philanthropy Idol of the Year at the Madame Figaro Fashion Awards.

 9 
Yang Mi
(Chinese Actress and Singer)
Yang Mi
3
Birthdate: September 12, 1986
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Beijing, China
Chinese actor and singer Yang Mi soared to fame with the series Tang Ming Huang and later appeared in series such as Chinese Paladin 3 and Swords of Legends. She has also appeared in movies such as Mysterious Island, the Tiny Times film franchise, and The Witness.
 10 
Kris Wu
(Rapper)
Kris Wu
4
Birthdate: November 6, 1990
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Guangzhou, China
Chinese-Canadian actor/singer Wu Yifan, better known as Kris Wu, previously performed as part of the South Korean-Chinese boy band EXO. He has also had a successful solo career, with hits such as Good Kid, and has starred in films such as Mr. Six and XXX: Return of Xander Cage.
 11 
Sally Phillips
(English Actress, Television Presenter, and Comedian)
Sally Phillips
3
Birthdate: May 10, 1969
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Hong Kong
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 12 
Zhao Liying
(Chinese Actress)
Zhao Liying
4
Birthdate: October 16, 1987
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Langfang, China
Chinese actor Zhao Liying, or Zanilia Zhao, soared to fame with her roles in series such as Legend of Lu Zhen, The Journey of Flower, and Legend of Fei. She won the 2006 Yahoo Search Star Game and has also appeared in films such as Crazy New Year's Eve
 13 
Ai Weiwei
(Artistic Consultant for Design of the Beijing National Stadium)
Ai Weiwei
3
Birthdate: August 28, 1957
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Beijing, China
Named Art Review’s most powerful artist in 2011, Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has become a symbol of resilience against the authoritarian Chinese government. Jailed and banned from leaving the country once, he is known for using various media, such as sculpture, photos, and documentaries, to reflect Chinese human-rights abuses.
 14 
Yang Yang
(Chinese Actor)
Yang Yang
0
Birthdate: September 9, 1991
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Shanghai, China

Yang Yang is a Chinese actor who was ranked fifth in Forbes magazine's China Celebrity 100 list in 2017. Best known for playing important roles in films like Once Upon a Time and I Belonged to You, Yang Yang is the recipient of many prestigious awards like the Sohu Entertainment Award, Youku Young Choice Awards, and Tencent Video Star Awards.

 15 
Hu Yi Tian
(Actor)
Hu Yi Tian
4
Birthdate: December 26, 1993
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Hangzhou

After making waves with his TV debut in A Rush to Dead Summer, Chinese actor Hu Yitian gained accolades and awards for his role of Jiang Chen in the Tencent series A Love So Beautiful. He has also appeared on reality shows such as Twenty-Four Hours.

 16 
John Woo
(Hong Kong Filmmaker)
John Woo
3
Birthdate: September 22, 1946
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Guangzhou, China
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 17 
Deng Lun
(Actor)
Deng Lun
3
Birthdate: October 21, 1992
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province

Deng Lun soared to fame with the xianxia series Ashes of Love. The star of The Yin-Yang Master film franchise, Lun was named Esquire’s Most Commercially Valuable Artist of the Year. He has also appeared in the series Flowers in Fog and the reality show Go Fighting! 

 18 
Joan Chen
(Actress Who Gained Fame for her Role in 'The Last Emperor')
Joan Chen
3
Birthdate: April 26, 1961
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Shanghai, China
Chinese-American actor Joan Chen initially came to be known for the films Little Flower and The Last Emperor and later appeared as Jocelyn 'Josie' Packard in the series Twin Peaks. She also delivered a multiple-award-winning role in The Home Song Stories and directed Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl.
 19 
Ip Chun
(Chinese Martial Artist and Actor)
Ip Chun
3
Birthdate: July 10, 1924
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Foshan, China
 20 
Zhao Wei
(One of the Most Popular Actresses in China)
Zhao Wei
3
Birthdate: March 12, 1976
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Wuhu, China

Zhao Wei is a Chinese actress, filmmaker, pop singer, and businesswoman. One of the most popular Chinese actresses, Zhao is also one of the highest-paid actresses in China. Renowned for her performance in popular films like Shaolin Soccer, Zhao Wei is widely considered the first national idol of Mainland China since the Chinese economic reform in 1978.

 21 
Hannah Quinlivan
(Taiwanese Australian Model and Actress)
Hannah Quinlivan
4
Birthdate: August 12, 1993
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Taipei, Taiwan
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
 22 
Tang Wei
(Actress)
Tang Wei
3
Birthdate: October 7, 1979
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Wenzhou, China
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 23 
Jiang Qing
(Chinese Political Figure Who Played an Important Role During 'The Cultural Revolution')
Jiang Qing
3
Birthdate: March 19, 1914
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Zhucheng, Weifang, China
Died: May 14, 1991

Jiang Qing was a Chinese actress, communist revolutionary and major political figure who played an important role during the Cultural Revolution in China. She is also remembered for forming a Maoist political faction called the Gang of Four. Jiang Qing married Mao Zedong and played a prominent role in propagating Mao's brand of Communist ideology.

 24 
Tiffany Tang
(Actress)
Tiffany Tang
3
Birthdate: December 6, 1983
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Hanghai, China

Tiffany Tang is a Chinese singer and actress. One of the most decorated Chinese actresses of her generation, Tiffany Tang has won several prestigious awards, such as Beijing TV Drama Award, China TV Drama Awards, and Huading Awards. She has also been named on Forbes China Celebrity 100 lists on several occasions.

 25 
Faye Wong
(Singer-Songwriter Best Recognized as the 'Best Selling Canto-Pop Female' by Guinness World Records in 2000)
Faye Wong
3
Birthdate: August 8, 1969
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Beijing, China

Faye Wong is a Hong Kong singer-songwriter and actress. She is popularly known as  the "Diva of Asia." Her music features a combination of alternative music and mainstream Chinese pop. She is widely popular in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. As an actress, she has starred in the films Chungking Express and 2046.

 26 
Tzi Ma
(Actor who has appeared in numerous international films such as Rush Hour and The Lady Killers)
Tzi Ma
3
Birthdate: June 10, 1962
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: British Hong Kong
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 27 
Zhang Yimou
(Chinese Film Director Known for His Films That Explore Sexual Repression and Political Oppression)
Zhang Yimou
4
Birthdate: November 14, 1951
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Xi'an, Shaanxi, China

Part of the Chinese Fifth Generation of filmmakers, Zhang Yimou is best known for his Academy Award-nominated films Ju Dou, Raise the Red Lantern, and Hero. His most expensive film, The Great Wall, was, however, a box-office failure. He also directed part of the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony.

 28 
Nancy Kwan
(Chinese-American Actress who was Instrumental in the Acceptance of Actors of Asian Ancestry in Major Hollywood Film Roles)
Nancy Kwan
3
Birthdate: May 19, 1939
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Hong Kong
Born to a British mother and a Chinese father, Nancy Kwan became a symbol of the rise of Asian artists in Hollywood. She earned her breakthrough role in The World of Suzie Wong while still a budding ballerina. Following her son’s death due to HIV, she began promoting AIDS awareness.
 29 
Hans Zhang
(Actor)
Hans Zhang
4
Birthdate: October 6, 1984
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Qiqihar, China

Hans Zhang is a Chinese actor, host, and singer. He is known for playing important roles in TV series like Meteor Shower, The Queen of SOP, Boss & Me, and Heroes in Sui and Tang Dynasties. Over the years, Hans Zhang has won several prestigious awards, such as Asian Idol Awards, China TV Drama Award, and Seoul International Drama Award.

 30 
James Wong Howe
(Cinematographer)
James Wong Howe
3
Birthdate: August 28, 1899
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Taishan, Guangdong, China
Died: July 12, 1976
Chinese-American James Wong Howe Known, known as The Poet of the Camera, had aspired to be a boxer but then earned his living as a bellboy and a cleaner, before stepping into cinematography. The Oscar-winning cinematographer used innovative techniques with the camera, such as roller-skating to film fighting scenes.
 31 
Zhou Xun
(Actress, Singer)
Zhou Xun
3
Birthdate: October 18, 1974
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Quzhou, Zhejiang, China
Chinese actor Zhou Xun made headlines in late 2020 when she split up with her actor husband Archie Kao after a 6-year marriage, following divorce rumors. The Cloud Atlas star is one of China’s Four Dan Actresses and has received major accolades such as the Golden Rooster Award.
 32 
Ni Ni
(Actress)
Ni Ni
3
Birthdate: August 8, 1988
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: China
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 33 
Vin Zhang
(Chinese Actor)
Vin Zhang
2
Birthdate: January 19, 1993
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Wuxi, China

Chinese actor Vin Zhang soared to fame with series such as Chronicle of Life and The King's Woman. He made headlines when a netizen claiming to be his neighbor stated that Zhang was already married and had a child, though Zhang later denied the rumor, claiming he was single.

 34 
William Hung
(Motivational Speaker and Former Singer)
William Hung
3
Birthdate: January 13, 1983
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Hong Kong, China
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 35 
Wang Leehom
(American Singer, Actor, Songwriter, Film Producer, and Director)
Wang Leehom
3
Birthdate: May 17, 1976
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Rochester, New York, U.S.
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 36 
John Lone
(Actor)
John Lone
3
Birthdate: October 13, 1952
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Hong Kong
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 37 
Gordon Liu
(Chinese Actor and Martial Artist Known for His Role of 'San Te' in 'The 36th Chamber of Shaolin')
Gordon Liu
4
Birthdate: August 22, 1951
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Guangdong, China

Gordon Liu is a Chinese martial artist and martial arts film actor best known for his portrayal of San Te in the 1978 Hong Kong kung fu film The 36th Chamber of Shaolin. He then went on to appear in popular films like Kill Bill: Volume 1. Gordon made his Bollywood debut in the 2009 film Chandni Chowk to China.

 38 
Lin Gengxin
3
Birthdate: February 13, 1988
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Shenyang, China

Lin Gengxin is a Chinese actor best known for his portrayal of Yinti in the popular television series, Scarlet Heart. One of the most bankable actors in China, Gengxin has starred in many box office hits like My Old Classmate and Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon. He is often featured on Forbes China Celebrity 100 list.

 39 
Wu Jing
(Chinese Actor, Director and Martial Artist)
Wu Jing
3
Birthdate: April 3, 1974
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Beijing, China

Wu Jing is a Chinese martial artist, actor, and director best known for playing important roles in martial arts films like Fatal Contact, Tai Chi Boxer, and the SPL films. Widely regarded as one of the most bankable Chinese actors of all time, Wu Jing has been featured in the Forbes China Celebrity 100 list on a couple of occasions.

 40 
Hawick Lau
(Hong Kong Actor and Singer Known for His TV Series: ‘A Kindred Spirit’ and ‘Virtues of Harmony’)
Hawick Lau
3
Birthdate: October 13, 1974
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: British Hong Kong

Chinese actor Hawick Lau Hoi-wai had been exposed to the world of films since childhood, owing to his legendary actor father Lau Dan. Best known for series such as A Kindred Spirit, he made headlines for after his split with his ex-wife, actor Yang Mi. 

 41 
Han Geng
(Singer)
Han Geng
4
Birthdate: February 9, 1984
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Mudanjiang, China

Mandopop and K-pop singer and actor Han Geng first gained fame with the band Super Junior. He is trained in 56 types of traditional Chinese dance forms, apart from martial arts and ballet. He has also succeeded as a solo singer and has appeared in movies such as Ex-Files.

 42 
Cecilia Cheung
(Hong Kong Actress and Singer)
Cecilia Cheung
5
Birthdate: May 24, 1980
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Hong Kong, China
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 43 
Wallace Chung
(Hong Kong Actor and Singer Known for His TV Series ‘The Chord to Victory’)
Wallace Chung
2
Birthdate: November 30, 1974
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: British Hong Kong

Hong Kong singer-actor Wallace Chung initially gained fame with his singing career in Taiwan, before plunging into acting with successful series such as Too Late to Say Loving You and My Sunshine. He has been previously rumored to be secretly married to his stylist Rita and his co-star Qi Fang.

 44 
Hu Ge
(Actor)
Hu Ge
3
Birthdate: September 20, 1982
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Shanghai, China

Hu Ge began as a part-time host on TV shows at age 14 and then gained fame with the series Chinese Paladin. The Chinese actor was dragged into a controversy after stating that men are born to be playboys. An avid photographer, too, he often brings his cameras to sets.

 45 
G.E.M.
(Chinese-born Hong Kong Singer-Songwriter)
G.E.M.
2
Birthdate: August 16, 1991
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Shanghai, China
Height: 5'2" (157 cm)
 46 
Lisa Lu
(Chinese Actress and Singer)
Lisa Lu
3
Birthdate: January 19, 1927
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Beijing, China
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 47 
Carina Lau
(Actress)
Carina Lau
2
Birthdate: December 8, 1965
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 48 
Yoson An
(Actor)
Yoson An
0
Birthdate: June 23, 1992
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
 49 
Lee Hoi-chuen
(Chinese Opera Singer and Film Actor)
Lee Hoi-chuen
3
Birthdate: February 4, 1901
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Shunde District, China
Died: February 7, 1965

Better known as Bruce Lee’s father, Cantonese opera performer Lee Hoi-chuen married half-Chinese and half-German Grace Ho after moving to Hong Kong. Bruce Lee was born to them while they were touring U.S. for an opera. His death, just days after the birth of his grandson Brandon Lee, shocked many.

 50 
Jiang Wen
(Chinese Actor, Screenwriter and Director)
Jiang Wen
2
Birthdate: January 5, 1963
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Tangshan, Hebei, China
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)