10 fun and interesting Ziyi Zhang facts

1. Ziyi Zhang Named Special Olympics Global Ambassador

Ziyi Zhang, the acclaimed Chinese actress, has joined the ranks of Muhammad Ali and Arnold Schwarzenegger as a Special Olympics' Global Ambassador. This prestigious role sees her advocating for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities, and promoting the Special Olympics' message of acceptance and inclusion. Ziyi has already made a number of appearances at Special Olympics events, and is committed to using her platform to help create a more inclusive world.

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2. Ziyi Zhang - One of the "Four Dan Actresses" of Chinese media

Ziyi Zhang is one of the "Four Dan Actresses" of Chinese media, alongside Zhou Xun, Zhao Wei and Xu Jinglei. Despite not having any formal martial arts training, she has managed to incorporate a variety of dance moves into her fight scenes, making them both visually stunning and highly entertaining. Her unique approach to fight scenes has earned her a great deal of praise from both critics and fans alike.

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3. 8-Year-Old Ziyi Zhang Becomes China's Youngest Dance Champion

At the tender age of 8, Ziyi Zhang began her journey into the world of dance, enrolling in the Beijing Dance Academy at 11 and quickly rising to the top of her class. By the time she was 15, she had already won the national youth-dance championship, and was soon appearing in TV commercials in Hong Kong. Her early success in the dance world set the stage for her later success as an actress.

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4. China's Second Most Popular Celebrity

In 2004, Forbes Magazine China edition ranked Ziyi Zhang as the second most popular celebrity in the country, just behind NBA player Yao Ming. This recognition of her fame and influence in the Chinese entertainment industry is a testament to her success as an actress, having starred in numerous films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Rush Hour 2, and Memoirs of a Geisha. Her success has also extended to the international stage, with her films grossing over $1 billion worldwide.

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5. A Renowned Actress and Model

Ziyi Zhang is a renowned actress and model who has been the face of many well-known brands, including Tag Heuer, Pantene, Maybelline, Coca-Cola Asia, Lenovo Computers, and Garnier. She has also been a spokesperson for a Korean mineral water company. Her impressive portfolio of endorsements has made her one of the most sought-after celebrities in the world.

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6. The Chinese Actress Who Captivated the World

By 2000, the western world had started to take notice of Ziyi Zhang, the Chinese actress who had just starred in the Chinese version of the martial arts epic "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", titled "Yu Jiao Long". Her performance in the film was so captivating that it quickly gained her international recognition, and she soon became one of the most sought-after actresses in the world. Her portrayal of the strong-willed and determined Yu Jiao Long was praised by critics and audiences alike, and she has since gone on to star in numerous other films, cementing her place as one of the most iconic Chinese actresses of all time.

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7. Youngest China Film Foundation Member

At the tender age of 21, Ziyi Zhang made history when she became the youngest member of the China Film Foundation in 2001. This prestigious organization, which is dedicated to the promotion of Chinese cinema, recognized her immense talent and potential, and welcomed her into their community with open arms. Since then, she has gone on to become one of the most successful Chinese actresses of all time, with a long list of critically acclaimed films to her name.

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8. From "Rush Hour 2" to Hollywood success

In 2001, Ziyi Zhang made her American movie debut in the action-comedy "Rush Hour 2" alongside Jackie Chan. Despite her lack of English proficiency, she was able to deliver a memorable performance, with Chan acting as her translator on set. This was the beginning of a successful career for Zhang, who has since starred in numerous Hollywood films, including "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Memoirs of a Geisha".

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9. Ziyi Zhang Elected to Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

On June 27, 2005, Ziyi Zhang was invited to join the prestigious Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science (AMPAS), granting her the esteemed privilege of voting on the Academy Awards. This invitation was a major milestone in Zhang's career, as it placed her among the ranks of the most influential and respected members of the film industry. As a voting member of AMPAS, Zhang is now able to contribute to the selection of the best films and performances of the year, and to help shape the future of the film industry.

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10. Singer, Actress, Voice of 'Daggers'

Ziyi Zhang is a multi-talented actress, and her singing skills are no exception. She lent her voice to the soundtrack of the 2004 movie "House of Flying Daggers", featuring in two different scenes. Her beautiful voice can be heard in the background of the romantic scenes, adding an extra layer of emotion to the movie.