Born in 1933 in Shanghai, she is a renowned Chinese actress and singer known for her extensive career in film, television, and theater. She gained international fame through roles in movies such as "The Joy Luck Club" and "Memoirs of a Geisha." Educated at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, she broke barriers as one of the first Chinese actresses to achieve success in the West. Her career spans several decades and includes notable performances both on stage and screen.