Zhang Ziyi

Zhang Ziyi (章子怡) (born February 9, 1980) is a Chinese actress and dancer. Her Chinese name is literally translated as Zhang1 (surname, not to be confused with Zhang1 张) Zi3 (offspring) Yi2 (happiness). Thus, "The Zhang1 Child of Happiness".

Born in Beijing, China, she joined the Beijing Dancing College at the age of 11, and at 15 she joined the Beijing Dancing Academy. However by the age of 16 she decided to practice acting. Her first film was The Road Home, which won the Silver Bear award in the 2000 Berlin Film Festival.

She further rose to fame due to her role in the internationally successful film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. In 2001 she co-starred alongside Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in Rush Hour 2. Both Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Rush Hour 2 were highly successful in the English speaking world.

Filmography includes

Hero (2003)
Musa (2001)
Zu Warriors (2001)
Rush Hour 2 (2001)
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)
The Road Home (1999)