Joan Chen

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Joan Chen [File Photo]

Joan Chen is an internationally-famed Chinese actress, film director, screenwriter and film producer. Chen was dubbed "Elizabeth Taylor of China" when she was only 17, due to her outstanding performance in the 1979 film "Little Flower" which earned her the Best Actress Award at the Hundred Flowers Awards, China's version of the Oscars. 

Yet Chen, with pioneering spirit in her blood, went to the United States for further studies in 1981. She established her position in Hollywood with her memorable performance in the film "The Last Emperor" (1987), which went on to win nine Oscars.

Chen is also famous for her portrayal of Josie Packard in TV series "Twin Peaks", as well as other films including "Heaven & Earth", "Red Rose, White Rose" and "The Home Song Stories". She later showed her talent in film directing, most notably for her feature film "Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl" which won four Golden Horse Awards in 1998, and "Autumn in New York" starring Richard Gere, Winona Ryder and Anthony LaPaglia.

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Born: Jan. 3, 1961, in Shanghai

Ancestry: Yongchuan, Chongqing

Height: 166cm; Weight: 51kg

Years active: 1975-present

Masterpieces: "Little Flower" (1979), "Tai-Pan" (1986), "The Last Emperor" (1987), "Wedlock" (1991), "Heaven & Earth" (1993), "On Deadly Ground" (1994),"Red Rose, White Rose" (1994), "Jasmine Women"(2004), "Saving Face" (2004), "The Home Song Stories" (2007), "The Sun Also Rises"(2007), "Shi Qi" (2008)