Early Life and Education
Yang Mi, a Chinese actress and singer, was born on September 12, 1986, in Xuanwu District, Beijing, China. Her unique name, “幂” (exponentiation), was given by her parents, who both share the surname Yang. She attended the now-defunct Beijing Xuanwu Experimental Primary School and later pursued her education at the Beijing Film Academy’s Performance Institute.
Career Beginnings
Yang Mi’s acting career commenced at a tender age of four when she appeared in the historical television series “Tang Ming Huang” directed by Chen Jialin. Over the years, she continued to build her acting portfolio with roles in various productions. Notably, she starred in “King of Beggars” (1992) alongside Stephen Chow and gained attention for her performance in the television series “Hou Wa.”
In 2001, she ventured into the entertainment industry as an advertisement model, marking the beginning of her career resurgence. This led to her official acting debut in “The Story of a Noble Family” in 2003.
Rising Popularity (2006-2010)
Yang Mi’s popularity surged in the late 2000s with standout roles in dramas such as “Strange Tales of Liaozhai” (2005) and “The Return of the Condor Heroes” (2006), where she portrayed memorable characters like Nie Xiaoqian and Guo Xiang, respectively.
In 2007, she received acclaim for her portrayal of the titular role in “Wang Zhaojun,” a historical series that aired on CCTV. This marked a turning point in her career, earning her a nomination for Best Actress at the China TV Golden Eagle Award.
The year 2009 brought further success with her role in the fantasy action drama “Chinese Paladin 3,” where she played dual characters, Tang Xuejian and Xiyao. This series solidified her status as a rising star in China’s entertainment scene.
Breakthrough and Mainstream Success (2011-2016)
Yang Mi’s career soared to new heights in 2011 with her role as the time-traveling protagonist in the hit historical romance drama “Palace.” This series catapulted her to fame, earning her the title of Most Popular Actress at the Shanghai Television Festival and accolades for the drama’s theme song.
In the same year, she starred in the horror film “Mysterious Island,” which became a box office success and established her as a bankable actress in the film industry.
The subsequent years saw Yang Mi taking on diverse roles, from the modern romance drama “Beijing Love Story” (2012) to the fantasy action drama “Swords of Legends” (2014). She also ventured into film with roles in “Tiny Times” (2013-2015) and “The Witness” (2015), showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Critical Acclaim (2017-present)
Yang Mi continued to impress audiences and critics alike with her performances in acclaimed dramas such as “Eternal Love” (2017) and “Legend of Fuyao” (2018). These fantasy-romance series solidified her status as one of China’s top actresses, earning her acclaim for her acting prowess.
In 2017, her role in the science fiction thriller “Reset” earned her the Best Actress award at the WorldFest Houston International Film Festival, further cementing her reputation as a versatile and skilled performer.
Subsequent projects like “Negotiator” (2018) and “Storm Eye” (2019) showcased her range as an actress, delving into genres ranging from modern workplace dramas to cyber-security thrillers.
Other Activities
In addition to her acting career, Yang Mi established her own agency, Jay Walk Studio, in collaboration with H&R Century Pictures in 2014. This move allowed her to take on more diverse roles and projects, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.
Personal Life
Yang Mi’s personal life has also been of interest to the public. She was in a relationship with Hong Kong actor-singer Hawick Lau, whom she married in 2014. The couple welcomed a daughter in June 2014 but announced their divorce in December 2018.
Social Media and Advocacy
As of July 2023, Yang Mi boasts a massive following on Weibo, making her one of the most followed celebrities on the platform. Additionally, she has used her platform to voice her support for various causes, including cutting ties with brands that expressed concerns over the sourcing of cotton from the Xinjiang region.
Yang Mi’s career continues to evolve, with her versatile performances and entrepreneurial ventures solidifying her status as one of China’s most prominent and influential actresses.