Joan Chen (陈冲; pinyin: Chén Chōng) was born on April 26, 1961, in Shanghai, China. During the Cultural Revolution, she was selected to attend the Shanghai Film Studio’s acting school at the age of 14. She graduated from Shanghai Foreign Language Institute and later attended California State University, Northridge, to study filmmaking.
Chen began her acting career in China, becoming a household name after starring in the film Youth (青春) in 1977. Seeking greater opportunities, she moved to the United States in 1981. Her early Hollywood roles were often typecast, but she persevered and gradually gained recognition for her talent and versatility.
Chen’s breakthrough in Hollywood came with her role in Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor (1987), where she played Empress Wanrong. This role significantly raised her international profile.
She continued to work in both Hollywood and international productions, showcasing her range in diverse roles. She starred in David Lynch’s television series Twin Peaks as Jocelyn Packard. Other notable roles include performances in Tai-Pan (1986), Deadlock (1991), and Heaven & Earth (1993).
In the late 1990s, Chen experienced a resurgence in her career with roles in films like Judge Dredd (1995) and What Women Want (2000). She also gained critical acclaim for her performance in the independent film Saving Face (2004).
She directed several films including Xiu Xiu: The Sent Down Girl (1998), which won numerous awards, including Best Director at the Golden Horse Awards, and Autumn in New York (2000), starring Richard Gere and Winona Ryder.
Chen has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career, solidifying her status as a respected actress and director.