Ziyi Zhang is a renowned Chinese film actress and model who has built an impressive career since her debut in the late 1990s. Zhang is known for her remarkable acting skills and magnetic presence on screen, allowing her to work internationally with some of the film industry’s most respected directors and actors.
Content of This Article
- Ziyi Zhang’s Appearance
- Facts About Ziyi Zhang
- Ziyi Zhang’s Net Worth
- Early Life
- Ziyi Zhang’s Husband and Family
- Ziyi Zhang’s Career
- Ziyi Zhang’s Controversy
Ziyi Zhang’s Appearance (Height, Hair, Eyes & More)
| Height | 5 ft 5 in
1.65 m |
| Weight | 110 pounds
50 kg |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Body Type | Slim |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
Facts About Ziyi Zhang
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Estimated Net Worth | $100 million |
| Religion | Buddhist |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Birthplace | Beijing, China, |
| Birthday | February 9, 1979 |
Ziyi Zhang’s Net Worth
Ziyi Zhang has accumulated a significant net worth of $100 million throughout her career. Her journey in the performing arts led her to study at the prestigious Beijing Dance Academy and later the China Central Academy of Drama. Zhang embarked on her acting career while still in school with impressive credits, beginning with the film “The Road Home,” which won the Silver Bear prize at the Berlin International Film Festival.
In addition to her acting career, Zhang’s net worth stems from her brand ambassador and endorser role. She has represented internationally recognized brands such as Omega Watches, Visa, Maybelline, and Garnier. As an ambassador, her earnings range between $1 million and $3 million for promoting the products. Zhang’s influence and appeal have not gone unnoticed; she was named the sexiest woman in Asia by Japanese Playboy in 2006. Zhang also dedicates her time and resources as a Global Ambassador for the Special Olympics.
Early Life
Ziyi Zhang was born on February 9, 1979, in Beijing, China, to Zhang Yuanxiao, an accountant and later economist, and Li Zhousheng, a kindergarten teacher. She grew up alongside her older brother and developed a close bond with him. Zhang was raised in a family environment that encouraged her artistic talents from a young age.
Education
At eight years old, Ziyi Zhang started taking dance lessons and honing her unique field skills. Recognizing her talent, her parents suggested that she join the Beijing Dance Academy when she was 11 years old. While studying at this prestigious boarding institution, Zhang immersed herself in dance and gained valuable experience in her craft.
While at the academy, she encountered competitive attitudes among her peers. Despite the challenges, Zhang’s dedication to dance led her to win the National Youth Dance Championship at 15. Following this achievement, she appeared in several TV commercials in Hong Kong, further expanding her presence in the entertainment industry.
When Zhang turned 17, she pursued higher education at the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing, further solidifying her foundation in performance arts. Through hard work and perseverance, she would become an internationally acclaimed actress, showcasing her talents on screens and stages worldwide.
Ziyi Zhang’s Husband and Family
Ziyi Zhang is married to Wang Feng, a Chinese rock musician. The couple tied the knot in 2015 and have been blessed with two children. Their daughter, Wang Xingxing, was born on December 27, 2015, and their son was born on January 1, 2020.
Wang Feng is a famous musician known for his rock music career in China. The couple’s relationship has also garnered significant attention due to their success in the entertainment industry.
Ziyi Zhang’s Career
Ziyi Zhang is considered one of the Four Dan Actresses of China. She started her career with her first significant role in the film “The Road Home” (1999), which garnered her the Best Actress Award at the 2000 Hundred Flowers Awards.
Zhang gained international recognition with the Ang Lee-directed martial arts movie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000). The film received 10 Academy Award nominations and helped Zhang break into Hollywood. Following her international breakthrough, she appeared in films such as “Rush Hour 2” (2001) alongside Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker and “Hero” (2002) with Jet Li, Maggie Cheung, and Tony Leung.
With Zhang Yimou’s “House of Flying Daggers” (2004), she continued her career in the martial arts genre. Her performance as the blind dancing girl Mei earned her a Best Actress nomination at the BAFTA Awards. In addition, she demonstrated her musical talent in the film’s soundtrack, performing the ancient Chinese poem Jia Rén Qu (The Beauty Song).
In 2004, she starred in Wong Kar-wai’s romantic drama film “2046,” which earned her Best Actress awards at the Hong Kong Film Critics’ Award and Hong Kong Film Academy Award. Other notable films in her career include “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2005), “The Grandmaster” (2013), and “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” (2019).
Zhang’s talent has also been recognized by prestigious award ceremonies, with nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama, the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role. She has become one of the most celebrated Asian actresses in Hollywood, working with renowned directors like Wong Kar-wai, Ang Lee, and Zhang Yimou.
With her diverse work in Chinese and international films, Zhang has built an illustrious career that spans genres from martial arts epics to dramas.
Ziyi Zhang’s Controversy
In 2012, Ziyi Zhang faced a significant controversy after a U.S.-based dissident news website called Boxun News published allegations that she was paid to have sexual relations with Chinese government officials. The reports claimed that the actress had earned more than $100 million through these alleged encounters with officials, some of which included high-profile politicians such as Bo Xilai.
Boxun News, a website known for its reports on human rights violations and political scandals in China, experienced backlash from Zhang, as she brought a lawsuit against the site for libel in a Los Angeles court. Zhang accused China Free Press, Inc., the non-profit corporation that operates Boxun News, and its founder, Weican Null Meng, of causing damage to her reputation and business interests.
Zhang denied Boxun News’ allegations and demanded that the website remove false articles. In court documents, she claimed that she suffered damages totaling around $250,000 and general damages due to her injured reputation.
The defendants initially argued that the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects free speech, applied to the reports. Meng also stated that revealing his sources would put them in danger of arrest, imprisonment, or even torture in China. However, Boxun News eventually apologized and admitted that the reports about Zhang were based on anonymous sources who couldn’t support the information provided.
After an undisclosed settlement was reached between Zhang and Boxun News, the website retracted its “negative and untrue” articles and formally apologized to the actress. This controversy represents a critical moment in Zhang’s career, as she successfully fought to clear her name and uphold her reputation in the entertainment industry.
Net Worth of Other Notable 2000s Actresses
Vera Farmiga’s Net Worth
Vera Farmiga, a gifted American actress, director, and producer, boasts a prolific career spanning over two decades. Born in Clifton, New Jersey, to Ukrainian parents, Farmiga initially embraced Ukrainian traditions and later discovered her passion for acting during her high school years. After a Broadway debut, she transitioned to film and television, with standout roles in “Down to the Bone,” “Up in the Air,” and the “Conjuring” film series. Her portrayal of Norma Louise Bates in the television series “Bates Motel” further solidified her place in the entertainment industry. With her various successful endeavors, Vera Farmiga’s net worth is estimated at $10 million.
Patricia Clarkson’s Net Worth
Patricia Clarkson, with an illustrious career spanning over three decades, has showcased her talents across various platforms, from independent films to major studio productions, earning her widespread recognition including a Golden Globe Award and three Primetime Emmy Awards, among others; Patricia Clarkson’s net worth is estimated at $3 million.
