Ai Wan is a renowned international actress, writer, and producer who has won numerous awards in her illustrious career. Born in Shanghai, China, Ai moved to Los Angeles, California, at a young age. Her grandfather, a Yale Ph.D. holder, had spent many years in the U.S. before returning to China.
Ai's parents were passionate about their eloped marriage but divorced soon after, and her grandparents raised her. She attended the Southwestern Academy, a private boarding school in San Marino, California.
Ai began modeling at 16 and quickly became a popular print and commercial model, working for numerous well-established fashion brands worldwide. She was also a cover girl for the "California Asian Dream Girl" Calendar for five years and appeared on Playboy's "Hip Hop with the Global Most Exotic Beauty" poster ads and billboards.
Ai has won two titles, Miss Chinese International U.S.A and Miss Talent, and has acted in several films, including the Oscar-winning feature "Death Becomes Her" alongside Bruce Willis, Goldie Hawn, and Meryl Streep. She has also co-starred in the global box office sensation comedy "Rush Hour" with Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker.
Ai has studied acting with renowned coach Aaron Speiser and has learned modern dance and hip-hop at the Edge Dance Studio in Hollywood. She has appeared in numerous hit MTV videos with Grammy-winning singers.
In 2008, Ai produced and starred in the documentary "Yasukuni," which was nominated at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival and won several awards, including the "Best Documentary with a Humanitarian Award" at the Hong Kong International Film Festival.
Ai has continued to produce and act in numerous films, including "This is Sanlitun," "Shadows of Plum Flower," and "My China Doll," which premiered at the Beijing International Film Festival and was screened at the Cairo International Film Festival.
In 2019, Ai produced and starred in the comedy "Butcher's Guide," which won four awards at the 48HOUR International Film Competition in Shanghai. She has also produced and starred in "Dead Romance," which won eight awards, including Best Audience Award and Best Acting Assemble.
In 2020, Ai wrote, produced, and starred in the quarantine film "The Way We Are," which received 20 awards and nominations. She has also been a jury member for several film festivals and has served as a mentor acting coach for the Beijing Genre Film Academy's boot camp.
Throughout her career, Ai has been recognized as a "Renaissance Woman" by China Daily and Beijinger Magazine, and has won numerous awards for her work in film, fashion, and music.
