10 Best Popular Chinese Actors in Movies & Drama

Chinese cinema centers around rich history, diverse stories, and unforgettable talent. In recent years, a wave of popular Chinese actors has captured the hearts of audiences both at home and abroad. These stars have showcased their impressive acting skills and made significant contributions to the global film industry.

From martial arts legends like Jackie Chan to dramatic powerhouses like Gong Li, these actors bring unique styles and powerful performances to the screen. This comprehensive guide lists 10 popular Chinese actors while exploring their most memorable roles and impact on entertainment.

List of Popular Popular Chinese Actors

1: Bruce Lee

Date of Birth: November 27, 1940, California, US

Date of Death: July 20, 1973, Hong Kong

Best Works:

• Lee in Enter the Dragon
• Tang Lung in The Way of the Dragon
• Chen Zhen in Fist of Fury
• Cheng Chao-an in The Big Boss

Accolades:

• Golden Horse Awards Best Mandarin Film
• Hong Kong Film Award for Lifetime Achievement
• Named by Time as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century
• Star of the Century Award

Bruce Lee, a Hong Kong-American actor and martial artist, revolutionized martial arts cinema with his distinctive style, characterized by rapid movements and a philosophical approach to fighting. His early exposure to the film industry began in Hong Kong, where he acted as a child. Following martial arts training, Lee later developed his unique martial arts philosophy, Jeet Kune Do, blending various combat disciplines.

Lee’s breakthrough in film came with the 1971 hit The Big Boss, which established him as a box-office sensation. He followed with Fist of Fury and Way of the Dragon, showcasing his exceptional fighting skills. Lee primarily worked in action and martial arts genres, blending dramatic storytelling with intense fight sequences.

2: Jet Li

Date of Birth and place: April 26, 1963, Beijing, China

Best Works:

• Shaolin Monk in Shaolin Temple
• Wong Fei-hung in Once Upon A Time In China series
• Nameless in Hero
• Huo Yuanjia in Fearless

Accolades:

• Golden Horse Award
• Hong Kong Film Award
• Hong Kong Film Critics Society Award
• Shanghai Film Critics Award

Jet Li is one of the popular Chinese actors. His acting style is defined by his exceptional martial arts skills, which he seamlessly integrates into his performances. His fame surged with Shaolin Temple (1982), a film that launched his career and ignited the Kung Fu boom in mainland China. Li’s expertise in wushu, honed from a young age, brought a dynamic authenticity to his roles, particularly in martial arts epics like the Once Upon a Time in China series.

Known for his precision and agility, he has influenced the genre’s portrayal globally. Li’s versatility extends beyond traditional martial arts films, as seen in his roles in international hits like The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) and The Expendables series, showcasing his broad appeal and impact on both Eastern and Western cinema.

3: Chow Yun-Fat

Date of Birth and place: May 18, 1955, Lamma Island, British Hong Kong

Best works:

• Mark Lee in A Better Tomorrow
• Ah Jong in The Killer
• Li Mu Bai in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Accolades:

• Hong Kong Film Awards (Best Actor)
• Golden Horse Awards (Best Actor)
• Golden Angel (Best Actor in a Leading Role)
• Asian Filmmaker of the Year

Chow Yun-fat’s acting style is marked by a blend of charisma and versatility, allowing him to excel across various genres, including action, melodrama, and historical drama. His breakthrough came with the film A Better Tomorrow (1986), where his role as a gangster propelled him to stardom in Asia and established him as a prominent figure in the action genre. Chow’s dynamic performances, characterized by his athleticism and effortless charm, helped elevate Hong Kong cinema to international prominence.

Notably, his collaborations with director John Woo in films like The Killer and Hard Boiled further showcased his ability to handle intense, high-energy roles, making him a significant figure in global cinema.

4: Donnie Yen

Date of Birth: July 27, 1963, Guangzhou, China.

Best Works:

• Ip Man in Ip Man series
• Nameless in Hero
• Chirrut Îmwe in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
• Dan in Kill Zone

Accolades:

• Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor
• Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actor
• Asia Pacific Film Festival Best Actor

Donnie Yen is renowned for his dynamic martial arts prowess and charismatic screen presence. His breakthrough role came with the Ip Man series, where he portrayed the legendary Wing Chun master. Yen’s acting style blends intense physicality with deep emotional resonance, making his performances stand out in action cinema. His versatility spans genres from historical epics to sci-fi blockbusters, such as Hero and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

His ability to infuse authenticity into martial arts choreography while delivering compelling performances has solidified his place among popular Chinese actors.

5: Gong Li

Date of Birth: December 31, 1965, Shenyang, China

Best works:

• Jiuer in Red Sorghum
• Ju Dou in Ju Dou
• Songlian in Raise the Red Lantern
• Qiu Ju in The Story of Qiu Ju
• Hatsumomo in Memoirs of a Geisha

Accolades:

• Volpi Cup
• National Board of Review Award
• Hundred Flowers Awards
• Hong Kong Film Award
• Golden Rooster Awards

Known for his naturalistic performances and versatility, Gong Li’s acting is characterized by her naturalistic performances and versatility, which have made her one of China’s most celebrated actresses.

Gong Li’s breakthrough came with Zhang Yimou’s Red Sorghum, establishing her as a major talent in the film industry. Gong’s collaborations with Zhang Yimou, including Ju Dou and Raise the Red Lantern, showcased her ability to embody complex characters in period dramas.

Gong Li has excelled in various genres, from historical epics to international dramas, demonstrating a profound emotional depth and a commanding screen presence.

6: Andy Lau

Date of Birth: September 27, 1961, Tai Po, Hong Kong

Best works:

• Chan Wing-yan in Infernal Affairs
• General Ma in The Warlords
• Jin in House of Flying Daggers

Accolades:

• Hong Kong Film Award
• Golden Horse Award
• Guinness World Record for “Most Awards Won by a Cantopop Male Artist”

Andy Lau’s acting style is characterized by his versatility and strong screen presence, allowing him to tackle diverse roles across various genres, including action, drama, and romance. He gained widespread fame with the 2002 film Infernal Affairs, which showcased his ability to portray complex characters in high-stakes situations. Lau’s proficiency in both acting and music has enabled him to maintain a successful dual career, contributing significantly to the Cantopop genre.

Andy Lau’s dedication to his craft is evident in the over 160 films he has starred in over four decades, earning accolades that highlight his impact on the Hong Kong film industry.

7: Stephen Chow

Date of Birth: June 22, 1962, Hong Kong

Best works:

• Sing in Shaolin Soccer
• Axe Gang Leader in Kung Fu Hustle
• Cheng Chao-an in Fight Back to School

Accolades:

• Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actor

Stephen Chow, known for his distinctive Mo lei tau style, became a household name with his innovative blend of comedy and action. His breakthrough came with Fight Back to School, which showcased his unique humor and timing, setting him apart in Hong Kong cinema. Chow’s expertise lies in merging physical comedy with martial arts, a signature seen in his successful films like Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle.

Chow’s approach revolutionized comedy in action films, blending slapstick with sophisticated stunt choreography to create an engaging and entertaining genre.

8: Tony Leung Chiu-wai

Date of Birth: June 27, 1962, Hong Kong

Best works:

• Chow Mo-wan in In the Mood for Love
• Cop 223 in Chungking Express
• Ah-Chiang in A City of Sadness

Accolades:

• Cannes Film Festival Best Actor
• Hong Kong Film Awards
• Golden Horse Film Awards
• Grand Slam

Tony Leung Chiu-wai’s acting career is marked by versatility and depth. He is noted for his work with Wong Kar-wai. Known for his nuanced and emotionally expressive performances, Leung has captivated audiences in films across various genres, from romantic dramas to intense action films.

Leung’s collaboration with Wong Kar-wai in movies like Chungking Express and 2046 solidified his reputation as a leading figure in Hong Kong cinema and the global film industry. His ability to convey profound inner conflicts and his dedication to his craft have significantly influenced contemporary acting.

9: Jackie Chan

Date of Birth: April 7, 1954, Victoria Peak, Hong Kong

Best works:

• Wong Fei-hung in Drunken Master
• Chan Ka-Kui in Police Story
• Detective James Carter in Rush Hour

Accolades:

• Guinness World Record for “Most Stunts by a Living Actor”
• Honorary Academy Award for “extraordinary achievements” in film

Known for acrobatic martial arts with slapstick humor, Jackie Chan’s performances are uniquely dynamic and entertaining. His breakthrough came with Drunken Master (1978), establishing his reputation for innovative action choreography and comedic timing. Chan’s films often feature elaborate fight sequences and dangerous stunts highlighting his prowess.

Chan’s genre is predominantly martial arts action comedy, and his work in films like Police Story and Rush Hour showcases his ability to integrate complex stunts with engaging narratives. His influence extends across global cinema, solidifying him as a trailblazer in action filmmaking.

10: Fan Bingbing

Date of Birth: September 16, 1981, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China

Best works:

• Xiaolongnu in My Fair Princess
• Chen Shouhua in Cell Phone
• Liu Ping in Lost in Beijing
• Liu Xiaofen in Buddha Mountain
• Blink in X-Men: Days of Future Past
• Li Xuelian in I Am Not Madame Bovary

Accolades:

• Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actress
• Asian Film Award for Best Actress
• Silver Shell for Best Actress

Fan Bingbing is celebrated for her compelling performances, which blend emotional depth with a strong screen presence. She gained widespread recognition with the drama My Fair Princess, and her role in Cell Phone, established her as a leading figure in the Chinese film industry. Bingbing’s acting style showcases versatility, spanning genres from romantic dramas to action-packed blockbusters.

Notably, she has made significant contributions to domestic and international cinema, appearing in films like X-Men: Days of Future Past, expanding her global appeal. Her work, characterized by a dedication to diverse storytelling and high production values, has solidified her status as one of the popular Chinese actors.