Joan Chen sparked debate online as past dishwashing jobs in US resurfaced in media. - Photo: SCMP composite/Baidu/Weibo
BEIJING (SCMP): Renowned Chinese-American actress Joan Chen, an Oscar Academy Awards judge whose works have won nine Oscars, has reignited significant online discussions over her early struggles as a dishwasher in the US.
Born in Shanghai in 1961 to a family of medical professionals – her mother a pharmacologist and neurobiologist, and her father a former hospital dean – Chen’s journey into acting was serendipitous.
In 1977, while a secondary school student, Chinese director Xie Jin cast her in the film Youth, drawn by her unique character.
Although this collaboration did not bring widespread recognition, it caught the eye of director Zhang Zheng, who offered her a role in his film The Little Flower. This role earned her the Best Actress Award at the 3rd Hundred Flowers Awards, marking a pivotal turning point in her life and career.
Online observers praised Joan Chen for relying on her talents and choosing the path of hardship for self-development as an actress. Photo: SCMP/Xiaomei Chen
Despite her growing success, she left her acting career in 1981 to study in the US, trading fame for new beginnings and broader opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Initially working as a dishwasher in American restaurants to cover tuition and living expenses, she faced significant psychological challenges transitioning from a celebrated actress to an ordinary worker.
In a recent interview with New Weekly in November, Chen reflected: “Sometimes I fight hard, with bruises and scars all over, but it was all part of my destiny.”
These enduring hardships honed her English skills and acting craft, leading to roles in critically acclaimed films like The Last Emperor and Tai Pan, garnering international acclaim.
In 1986, Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci cast her in The Last Emperor, an epic biographical drama about the life of Puyi, the last Emperor of China.
The film became a monumental success, winning nine Oscars, including Best Picture, and establishing itself as a cinematic milestone.
Joan Chen in a still from the movie The Last Emperor, with Tao Wu, directed by Bernardo Bertolucci in 1987. -- Photo: HKIFF
In 1988, Chen, alongside John Lone, co-presented an award at the 60th Academy Awards, making her the first Chinese actress to grace the Oscar stage.
Over the years, her career has thrived, starring in Ang Lee’s 2007 film Lust, Caution, and refocusing on the mainland market with hit films like Hachiko, Sheep Without a Shepherd, and Under the Light, collaborating with renowned Chinese directors.
Beyond her career, Chen is a devoted mother. In May 2020, she expressed overwhelming pride as her eldest daughter, Angela, graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University.
As her story of struggle and hardship resurfaces on Chinese social media, it deeply resonates with netizens, receiving much praise online.
One person commented: “She could have relied on her looks but chose talent; she could have relied on her talent but chose hard work.”
Another added: “Her dishwashing experience isn’t a source of shame but a testament to the value of perseverance. It reminds us that success awaits those who don’t give up.” - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
