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Gong LiChinese actress
Date of Birth: 31.12.1965
Country:  Singapore |
Content:
Biography of Gong Li
Early Life and EducationGong Li, the fifth child in her family, was born in Shenyang, China. Her father was an economics professor at Liaoning University and her mother, who was forty years old at the time of Gong Li's birth, was a materials scientist at the same university. Gong Li grew up in Jinan, the capital of Shandong province. During her time in primary school, her teachers noticed her singing and acting talents, and she was recommended to perform on the local radio station. She continued to actively participate in the school drama group during her high school years. Despite facing rejections from several universities, including Shandong Institute of Arts and the People's Liberation Army Academy of Arts, Gong Li was fortunate enough to meet director Yin Dawei in 1985. Yin Dawei dedicated his free time to preparing Gong Li for her entrance exams, and in July of the same year, she received an invitation from the prestigious Beijing Film Academy, which she graduated from in 1989. It was there that the aspiring actress met director Zhang Yimou, whose collaboration would bring her worldwide fame.
Career and Success
After a successful debut, Gong Li gained popularity in China and around the world by starring in Zhang Yimou's films such as "Ju Dou" (1990), "Raise the Red Lantern," for which she was nominated for an Oscar, and "The Story of Qiu Ju," which earned her the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival in 1992. She then took on her first significant role under a different director in Chen Kaige's film "Farewell My Concubine" (1993). In June 1998, she received the French Order of Arts and Letters, and two years later, she joined the jury of the 50th Berlin Film Festival. In 2006, Gong Li was voted the most beautiful woman in China. Her last major role was as the Empress in "Curse of the Golden Flower" (2006).
Personal Life
Gong Li was romantically involved with Zhang Yimou, and their relationship received significant media attention, with Gong Li being mistakenly referred to as his wife. However, their romance ended in scandal in 1995, which also marked the end of their creative collaboration. In 1996, rumors circulated that Gong Li had married a tobacco magnate from Singapore. She denied the rumors until a Singaporean newspaper published a copy of their marriage certificate. They tied the knot in November 1996 in Hong Kong, and in 2008, Gong Li changed her citizenship from Chinese to Singaporean.
