Gong Li Biography / Pictures

She was still a student there when Zhang Yimou chose her in 1987 for the lead role in his first film as a director, Red Sorghum, which was awarded the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival.

Gong Li has since become one of the most successful actresses in Chinese history, with fame that has extended abroad as well. Her work has been recognized with awards from the Venice International Film Festival and New York Critics Film Circle, and she retains a strong popularity. In addition to acting, she is also an exceptional singer, as demonstrated during her performance in Shanghai Triad. She was also presented the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in June 1998.

She starred in Zhang Yimou's films well into the mid-1990s. During their long collaboration, the two created a scandal for being long-term lovers, despite Zhang's marital status. The duo eventually broke up in 1995, and Gong Li married Singaporean tobacco tycoon Ooi Hoe Soeng the next year. Gong Li's limited Hollywood appearances include 1997's Chinese Box, and have expanded with 2005's Memoirs of a Geisha, which has won her rave reviews, and the 2006 film adaptation of Miami Vice. She is also expected to team up with Zhang Yimou one more time in the upcoming Autumn Remembrance as well as starring in Young Hannibal: Behind the Mask, the prequel to the other 3 Hannibal Lecter films.

Filmography for Gong Li includes:

Breaking the Silence (1999)

The Emperor and the Assassin (1999)

Chinese Box (1997)

Temptress Moon (1996)

Shanghai Triad (1995)

The Great Conqueror's Concubine (1994)

Semi-Gods and Semi-Devils (1994)

To Live (1994)

Soul of a Painter (1993)

Flirting Scholar (1993)

Farewell My Concubine (1993)

Mary from Beijing (1992)

The Story of Qiu Ju (1992)

Back to Shanghai (1991)

Party of a Wealthy Family (1991)

Raise the Red Lantern (1992)

Ju Dou (1990)

The Puma Action (1989)

A Terracotta Warrior (1989)

Mr. Sunshine (1989)

Red Sorghum (1987)