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Entertainment • Actor

Bai Ling

Bai Ling is a Chinese-American actress and musician known for roles in Chinese cinema and in international films such as *The Crow* and *Red Corner*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bai Ling is a Chinese-American actress and musician known for roles in Chinese cinema and international films such as *The Crow* and *Red Corner*. She was born in Chengdu, China, on October 10, 1966, and later built a career in the United States and Hong Kong film industries.

Early life

Bai Ling was born in Chengdu, Sichuan, China. Available sources agree on her birthplace and generally place her birth in 1966, though some secondary sources vary on other biographical details.

Acting career

She first acted in Chinese productions before appearing in American films. Her early U.S. screen roles included *The Crow* (1994) and *Nixon* (1995), and she became more widely known internationally after *Red Corner* (1997), where she starred opposite Richard Gere.

Later work and recognition

Later credits listed in film databases include films such as *Dumplings*, *Wild Wild West*, *Anna and the King*, *Southland Tales*, and *Crank: High Voltage*. Databases also credit her with work in television and with awards for *Dumplings*.

Key facts

  • Bai Ling is a Chinese-American actress and musician.
  • She began acting in Chinese productions before moving into American films.
  • Her breakout American role was in *Red Corner* (1997).
  • She appeared in *The Crow* (1994) and *Nixon* (1995).
  • She has also worked as a musician, director, and producer.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Bai Ling?
Bai Ling is a Chinese-American actress and musician best known for film roles in China, Hollywood, and Hong Kong cinema.
When was Bai Ling born?
Most sources list her birth date as October 10, 1966.
Where was Bai Ling born?
She was born in Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
What is Bai Ling best known for?
She is best known for *The Crow*, *Red Corner*, *Dumplings*, *Wild Wild West*, and *Anna and the King*.
What languages or industries has Bai Ling worked in?
She has worked in Chinese, American, and Hong Kong film industries, and she has also been credited as a musician, director, and producer.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bai_Ling
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, Chinese-American identity, early career, and breakout role in Red Corner.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000499/
    Supports: Occupation, birthplace, early career background, and major film credits.
  3. Turner Classic Movies — https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/114395%7C0/Bai-Ling
    Supports: Birthplace, early life background, and recognition for Red Corner.
  4. The Movie Database — https://www.themoviedb.org/person/39126-bai-ling?language=en-US
    Supports: Film credits, nationality/citizenship, and awards for Dumplings.
  5. Bi.org — https://bi.org/en/famous/bai-ling/
    Supports: General biography, U.S. citizenship claim, and selected career milestones.