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.