Gong Li is an acclaimed Chinese actress known for her outstanding acting skills and authentic performances. She has starred in three of the four Chinese-language films nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Gong Ruxin has received widespread attention for her collaboration with Zhang Yimou, including Chrysanthemum (1990), Big red lanterns hanging high (1991), and Qiu Ju’s Lawsuit (1992).
Gong has won numerous awards during his career and made history by becoming the first Asian to serve as jury president at both the Berlin and Venice Film Festivals.
Basic details
- Full name: Gong Li
- Date of Birth: December 31, 1965
- Age: 59
- Gender: Female
- Birthplace: Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
- Nationality: Chinese
- Occupation: Actor
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
- Parents: Gong Li Ze (father), Liu Ying (mother)
- Brothers and sisters: Gong Ma (older sister), Gong Jian (older brother)
- Spouse: Ooi Hoe Soeng (married in 1996)
- Children: None
- Marital status: Married
- Net worth: $100 million
Early life and education
Gong Li, 59, was born in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China, on December 31, 1965. She was raised by her parents Gong Li Ze and Liu Ying, as well as her sister Gong Ma and brother Gong Jian.
She grew up in Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province. She loved singing and dancing since she was a child and aspired to become a singer.
Ms. Gong studied at Sanhe Street Primary School in Jinan and was recommended to sing children’s songs at Jinan People’s Radio Station in Grade 2. She also spent six years at Jinan No. 2 Middle School and was a member of the school’s art troupe.
In 1985, she was admitted to the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing and graduated in 1989. While at school, she was discovered by Zhang Yimou, who cast her as the leading actress in his directorial debut, The Journey of Flower. Red Sorghum.
personal life
In the mid-1990s, Gong Li’s personal life took a major turn when she met Singaporean tobacco tycoon Wong Hoe Song. Their relationship blossomed and they married in 1996 in a low-key ceremony.
Despite their different backgrounds, Gong Li and Huang Hesong share common values and mutual respect. However, their marriage also faces challenges due to their busy careers and the pressure of public scrutiny.
In 2010, the couple announced their separation, citing irreconcilable differences. Despite the end of their marriage, Gong Li and Huang Hesong remain on friendly terms.
Profession
In 1987, director Zhang Yimou selected Gong Li to star in the anti-Japanese romance film Red Sorghumwhich marked the beginning of her 15-year collaboration with China’s fifth generation directors.
The film won the Golden Bear Award at the 38th Berlin International Film Festival, becoming the first Chinese-language film to receive this honor and gaining international recognition. Gong Li also won the Golden Rooster Award, Hundred Flowers Award and many other awards for her outstanding performance in the film.
In 1989, Gong Li starred in Zhang Yimou’s Codename CougarA counter-terrorism film, and won the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Supporting Actress.
This marked a new phase in her career, focusing on exploring different performance techniques and styles. In addition, she participated in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, which she believes taught her the importance of having her own opinions and not blindly following others.
Gong Li continued to work with Zhang Yimou from 1990 to 1999 and received international acclaim for her roles in his films.
In 1990, she starred in ChrysanthemumThis is a family ethics film that won the Luis Buñuel Special Award at the 1990 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 63rd Academy Awards.
This is the first time that a Chinese film has been nominated for an Academy Award. Gong Li also won the Best Actress Award at the Varna International Film Festival for her outstanding performance in the film.
In 1991, Gong Li starred in Zhang Yimou’s film Big red lanterns hanging highThe film won the Silver Lion Award at the 48th Venice Film Festival and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 64th Academy Awards.
Her role as a rebellious mistress in the film won her the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actress and nominations for the David Award and the National Film Festival Best Actress Award.
Awards
- Cannes Film Festival: Best Actress (1992) – Qiu Ju’s Lawsuit
- Golden Horse Film Festival: Best Actress (1991, 1992, 1993) – Big red lanterns hanging high, Qiu Ju’s Lawsuit, Farewell My Concubine
- Berlin International Film Festival: Silver Bear (1993) – Qiu Ju’s Lawsuit
- Venice Film Festival: Volpi Cup for Best Actress (1992) – Qiu Ju’s Lawsuit
net worth
Gong Li’s current net worth is estimated to be around $100 million, placing her on the list of the world’s richest women.
dispute
Gong Li has faced numerous controversies in her career. One of them occurred in 2021, when Weibo users condemned her for wearing Adidas clothing and endorsing Fashion ChinaAccusing her of disrespecting China and deliberately aligning herself with a brand that they believe degrades China’s reputation.
Gong sparked another controversy in 2008 when she was unable to attend her naturalization ceremony in time because of commitments abroad. She was criticized for not seeming to be making things a priority.
In an effort to change this, she later attended a naturalization ceremony and received Singapore citizenship. Gong also found herself ostracized in China for her controversial artistic views.
social media
- Instagram: @gongli_official
- Twitter: @realgongli
Filmography
- Red Sorghum
- Chrysanthemum
- Big red lanterns hanging high
- Qiu Ju’s Lawsuit
- Farewell My Concubine
- Shanghai Triad
- Memoirs of a Geisha
- Curse of the Golden Flower
- go home
- Chinese widow
