Zhanh Ziyi

Zhang Ziyi was born the 9th February 1980, in Beijing, China, and is the daughter of an economist father and a kindergarten teacher.

Zhang was originally interested in dance and gymnastics. Her entrance into the dance world came when she was 11, as she was accepted to a secondary school affiliated with Beijing Dancing College. During the 4 years that she was trained in dance, she managed to pick up some awards, including one at the National Young Dancer competition. She soon enrolled in the China Central Drama Academy in Beijing to study acting.

Her on-screen debut was Wo de fu qin mu qin (1999) a film by prominent 'Fifth Generation' Chinese director Yimou, Zhang.

Zhang Ziyi was cast to play the villain in the summer 2001 sequel to the successful comedy Rush Hour, appearing opposite the comedy duo Chris Tucker and martial arts supreme Jackie Chan. She was cast in the film without knowing a word of English, and despite having taken English lessons; she speaks strictly Chinese in the film.

She was named Best Supporting Actress at the Independent Spirit Awards, and in Hong Kong, she received a similar honor at the Golden Cercis Award. She was also cited as Most Promising Female Newcomer by the Chicago Film Critics Association--exceptional "official" praise and endorsement for one so young.