Joan is a magnificent Chinese American actress, director, producer, and screenwriter who received international fame through her stunning performance in the movie Little Flower. She was discovered first by Chairman Mao Zedong's wife at the Chinese Rifle Range and recommended to producers. Her movie The Last Emperor received Academy Awards in 1987. Chen is also known for her character in movies such as Twin Peaks, Red Rose White Rose, Saving Face, The Home Song Stories etc. She even directed the feature film Xiu Xiu : The Sent Down Girl. Joan had moved to the United States at the age of 20 where she studied filmmaking at California State University, Northridge. She has acted intensely in both English and Chinese language movies. Chen was the curator of the first Singapore Sun Film Festival. She is considered as the classic traditional feminine beauty of 1930's Chinese gentry, and is well-versed with English, Mandarin, and Shangainese language. Her award arsenal is endless with prestigious ones like Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Shanghai International Film Festival, Golden Horse Awards, Hong Kong Film Critics Society Wards, etc.
Joan Chen Religion
Born in a family of pharmacologists in Shanghai, Joan and her brother were raised during the controversial Cultural Revolution. Her religion cannot be named or described as China is a Communist country and religion is not permitted to be practiced.
Joan Chen Political Views
Chinese are always known for their mysterious political preferences and so is with her. Nevertheless, Joan is known to be part of some community service. She was the Ambassador for environmental organization WildAid. She even appeared in a public service announcement for protection of pythons for WildAid and Discovery Channel. Chen is also a spokesperson for Chinese Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Awareness Programme.
Who is she dating?
Formerly married to actor Jimmy Lau, she is now married to Cadiologist Peter Lui. She presently lives with him and two daughters in San Francisco, California.
Joan Chen Hobbies
A multi-lingual and multi-talented actress of international repute, her hobbies could be described as community service, acting and travel.
Interesting Facts
Time Magazine named her as the "Elizabeth Taylor" of China.
She has been a jury member of Berlin International Film Festival, Abu Dhabi Middle East International Film Festival and Sundance Film Festival.
She was chosen by Goldsea Asian American Daily as one of the "100 Most Inspiring Asian Americans of All Time".
Joan completely shaved her head for the movie "Temptation of a Monk".
Sources
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001040/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Chen
