Zhou Xun : An Chinese Actress and Singer.

Biography:

• Zhou Xun, born on October 18, 1974, in Quzhou, Zhejiang, China, is a renowned Chinese actress and singer.
• She was born to Zhou Tianning, a local film projectionist, and Chen Yiqin, a department store salesperson.
• Despite her parents’ wishes for her to pursue a practical degree, Zhou enrolled at the Zhejiang Art School to pursue her interest in dramatic arts.
• She was discovered for a role in the film “Strange Tales Amongst Old and Desolate Tombs” during her school years.

Career:

• Zhou debuted in the comedy movie “The Pampered Wife” in 1995.
• Her breakthrough came with her role in the historical drama “Palace of Desire” in 2000.
• International recognition followed with her role in Lou Ye’s “Suzhou River” (2000) and the Franco-Chinese romance “Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress” (2002).
• She continued with successful films such as “Perhaps Love” (2005), “The Banquet” (2006), “The Equation of Love and Death” (2008), and “Painted Skin” (2008).
• Zhou achieved the “Grand Slam” of Chinese film awards in 2009, winning the Golden Horse Awards, Hong Kong Film Awards, and Golden Rooster Awards.
• She starred in the Hollywood film “Cloud Atlas” (2012) and the sequel “Painted Skin: The Resurrection” (2012).
• Zhou returned to television in 2014 with “Red Sorghum” and continued with dramas like “Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace” (2016).
• In 2021, she starred in the fantasy film “The Yinyang Master” and the drama “Medal of the Republic.”
• Zhou’s recent works include the drama “A Little Mood for Love” and the crime thriller “Across the Furious Sea” (2023).

Social Activities:

• Named one of the ‘Champions of the Earth’ for her work with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2010.
• Appointed as the first United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Goodwill Ambassador for China in 2008.
• Zhou promotes environmental sustainability through campaigns like ‘Our Part’ for ‘tips for green living.’

Fashion:

• Zhou has been a global spokesperson for brands like Miu Miu, Lancel, Chanel, IWC Schaffhausen, and Decorté.
• She has appeared on the covers of Vogue China, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire, and other top fashion magazines.

Personal Life:

• Zhou Xun married American actor Archie Kao on July 16, 2014, after a charity event in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
• She announced their divorce on December 23, 2020, on her Sina Weibo account.
• Zhou received Hong Kong citizenship under the “Quality Migrant Admission Scheme” in 2009.

Zhou Xun is recognized as one of China’s leading actresses, known for her versatile performances in both films and television dramas. She has also made significant contributions to environmental causes and has been a prominent figure in the fashion industry.