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Joan Chen
Joan Chen (born April 26, 1961) is a Chinese-American actress and film director who began her career in China in the 1970s before transitioning to Hollywood in the 1980s. Chen became a star in China for her performance in the 1979 film Little Flower and received international recognition for her role in the 1987 film The Last Emperor, which won nine Academy Awards including Best Picture. Her other notable roles include Twin Peaks, Red Rose White Rose, Saving Face, and The Home Song Stories. As a director, Chen is known for the acclaimed feature film Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl.
Born to a family of pharmacologists in Shanghai, Chen was discovered at the age of 14 by Jiang Qing, the wife of Chinese leader Mao Zedong. She was selected for the Actors' Training Program by the Shanghai Film Studio in 1975 and made her cinematic debut in the 1977 film Youth. She later attended the Shanghai International Studies University, where she majored in English, before moving to the United States at age 20. In Hollywood, she gained further recognition with roles in films like Tai-Pan and the TV show Miami Vice. As an actress, she is particularly known for her versatility, having portrayed a wide range of characters.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Joan Chen, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Joan Chen rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Chen Chong
Born: Shanghai, China
Citizenship: Chinese, American
Birthday: April 26, 1961
Occupations: Actress, Director
Years Active: 1975-present
Children: 2
Spouses: Jim Lau, Peter Hui
External Links and Streaming Options
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Awards and Nominations Received by Joan Chen
Explore the awards, honors, and nominations Joan Chen has earned across their acting career. From prestigious wins to critical acclaim, see how their talent has been recognized by the film industry and major award bodies.
Movies Featuring Joan Chen
Tigertail
The Last Emperor
Sheep Without a Shepherd
What's Cooking?
Lust, Caution
Saving Face
On Deadly Ground
Ava
Dìdi
The Wedding Banquet
To Whom It May Concern: Ka Shen’s Journey
Shanghai Strangers
Double Xposure
Love in Disguise
Color Me Love
Twin Peaks: The Missing Pieces
Hemingway & Gellhorn
The House That Never Dies II
Lady of the Dynasty
Twin Peaks: The Return
Critical Lifeline
Jasmine Women
Sheep Without a Shepherd
Cyber Wars
Secrets from Another Place: Creating Twin Peaks
You Are My Sunshine
The Sun Also Rises
The Home Song Stories
Hollywood Chinese
Wedlock
Twin Peaks
The Night Stalker
Dim Sum: A Little Bit of Heart
The Blood of Heroes
Tai-Pan
A Murder at the End of the World
The Night Stalker
Dim Sum: A Little Bit of Heart
The Blood of Heroes
Golden Gate
Wild Side
Turtle Beach
In a Class of His Own
Steel Justice
The Leap Years
All God’s Children Can Dance
Red Rose White Rose
Precious Find
Heaven & Earth
Temptation of a Monk
Judge Dredd
Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl
Hachiko
Under the Light
Mao’s Last Dancer
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Joan Chen, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
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