Contents
Gong Li
Starring in Raise the Red Lantern and other defining films of modern Chinese cinema.
Raise the Red Lantern · The Story of Qiu Ju
- Born
- 31 December 1965
- Birthplace
- Shenyang, China
More people
Gong Li
Gong Li is an actor whose work with directors including Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige reached international audiences.
Early life
Jinan
Grew up in Shandong after being born in Shenyang.
Drama school
Studied at Beijing’s Central Academy of Drama.
Career
- 1987
Film debut
Starred in Zhang Yimou’s Red Sorghum while a student.
- 1990s
International acclaim
Led major Chinese dramas shown around the world.
- 2000s onward
Wider screen career
Worked in Chinese and international productions.
Selected films
Raise the Red Lantern
Played a young woman entering a wealthy household.
The Story of Qiu Ju
Won Venice’s acting prize for the title role.
Farewell My Concubine
Starred in Chen Kaige’s historical drama.
Beyond work
Film festivals
Has led juries at major international festivals.
Public roles
Has served as a goodwill ambassador for international causes.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Photo: Georges Biard. CC BY-SA 3.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
