Bai Ling

Cast · Writer · Director

Born

October 10, 1966 · Chengdu, China

Recognized for her unbridled freedom and creativity, Bai Ling has become one of the world's most diverse and captivating actresses. Born in the city of Cheng Du in southern China, she began her career at age 14. She enlisted in the Chinese People's Liberation Army, where she spent three years in a performance troupe, entertaining soldiers stationed in Tibet. She first gained the attention of audiences and critics alike when she won the coveted lead role opposite Richard Gere in Jon Avnet's Red Corner (1997). She received numerous accolades including the prestigious Breakthrough Performance Award from the National Board of Review. She also garnered the Discovery Star awarded by the Hollywood Women's Press Club for their Golden Apple Awards. While developing her remarkable facility with the English language, she has worked with such prestigious filmmakers as Oliver Stone in Nixon (1995), George Lucas in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005), Barry Sonnenfeld in Wild Wild West (1999), Spike Lee in She Hate Me (2004), Andy Tennant in Anna and the King (1999), Ang Lee in The Wedding Banquet (1993), Alex Proyas in The Crow (1994), and Luc Besson in "Taxi 3" (2003), in which she spoke French. She also starred in Terrence Malick's Broadway production of "Sansho the Bailiff". She dazzled audiences with her portrayal of the sexy, mysterious Achara in the hit TV series Lost (2004), and intrigued viewers with her seductive yet exhilarating role in HBO's Entourage (2004). Bai Ling was awarded the Asian Oscar for her brilliant performances in her first Hong Kong film, Three... Extremes (2004), which earned her an additional three major awards in the Far East. She received the Spirit Diversity Award from The Hollywood Motion Picture Association. Her film Southland Tales (2006), directed by Richard Kelly was in competition at the Cannes Film Festival. Ling starred in and executive-produced Shanghai Baby (2007). She has worked with Taylor Hackford in Love Ranch (2010), co-starring with Helen Mirren and Joe Pesci, and had a leading role in the Jason Statham action-comedy Crank: High Voltage (2009) with Jason Statham.