Early Life
Bai Ling was born on October 10, 1966, in Chengdu, China. Her father, Bai Yuxiang, was a musician in the People’s Liberation Army, later becoming a music teacher. Her mother, Chen Binbin, was a dancer, stage actress, and literature teacher at Sichuan University. Bai Ling’s maternal grandfather faced persecution during the Cultural Revolution as he was a military officer of the Kuomintang army.
During her childhood, Bai Ling described herself as very shy, finding expression through acting and performing. She participated in school plays and learned to perform in the eight model plays during the Cultural Revolution. After high school, she became an artist soldier in Tibet, entertaining in the musical theater and briefly serving as an Army nurse. She has spoken about experiencing sexual abuse during this time, leading to struggles with alcohol addiction later in life.
In 1981, Bai joined the People’s Art Theater of Chengdu and began her professional acting career.
Career
Bai Ling began her acting career in China, appearing in several Chinese feature films such as “On the Beach” (1985), “Suspended Sentence,” “Yueyue,” and “Tears in Suzhou.” She gained fame in China with her role in “The Shining Arc” (弧光), where she played a girl with a psychological disorder.
She moved to the United States in 1991 and appeared in American films and TV shows. Notably, she starred in “The Crow” (1994), “Red Corner” (1997) opposite Richard Gere, and “Anna and the King.” Bai Ling’s performance in “Red Corner” earned her critical acclaim and several awards.
In 2004, Bai made a comeback to Chinese cinema with the horror thriller “Dumplings,” for which she won Best Supporting Actress at the Hong Kong Film Awards. She also received critical acclaim for her role in “The Beautiful Country” in the same year.
Over the years, she appeared in various films and TV shows, including “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (scenes cut), “Entourage,” “Lost,” “Shanghai Baby,” “Love Ranch,” “Crank: High Voltage,” and “A Beautiful Life.”
Bai Ling’s career experienced a resurgence in 2013 with the movie “The Gauntlet” and “Speed Dragon,” for which she received Best Actress awards at film festivals.
Personal Life
In 2008, Bai Ling was arrested for shoplifting at Los Angeles International Airport. She attributed this to an emotionally turbulent day due to a breakup.
She has been open about her struggles with alcohol addiction, appearing on the reality TV series “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” in 2011.
In interviews, Bai Ling has spoken about feeling disconnected from reality, believing she comes from the Moon where her grandmother lives.
She has expressed frustration with her public image, feeling that the media portrayed her as a “crazy slut” instead of the talented actress she wanted to be known as.
Bai Ling is openly bisexual and has been open about her sexuality.
Bai Ling continues to act in films and remains a notable figure in both Chinese and American cinema.
Awards:
- 2004: Best Supporting Actress – Hong Kong Film Awards for “Dumplings”
- 2004: Best Supporting Actress – Golden Horse Awards for “Dumplings”
- 1997: National Board of Review Freedom for Breakthrough Female Performance – “Red Corner”
- 1997: San Diego Film Critics Society Award for Best Actress – “Red Corner”
Bai Ling’s career spans across both Chinese and American cinema, with notable performances and recognition in various films and TV shows. She has faced personal struggles but continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.