Tsai Chin, born Zhou Caiqin, is a multifaceted individual with a career spanning over five decades, earning her recognition as an actor, director, teacher, and author.
As the third daughter of the renowned Chinese actor Zhou Xinfang, Tsai Chin's artistic inclinations were nurtured from a young age. She made history by becoming the first Chinese student to be accepted at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, where she honed her craft.
Her academic pursuits continued at Tufts University in Boston, where she earned a Master's degree. This marked the beginning of her journey in the entertainment industry, which would take her to the UK, USA, and eventually, China.
Tsai Chin's impressive stage credits include performances on both sides of the Atlantic, a feat previously unaccomplished by a Chinese actor. Her notable stage appearances include London's West End production of "The World of Susie Wong" and Broadway's "Golden Child."
Her versatility as an actress has allowed her to take on a wide range of roles, including the portrayal of two of the most powerful women of 20th-century China. Her television credits include "The Subject of Struggle," while her stage appearances have included "Memories of Madame Mao."
Tsai Chin has also made a lasting impact in the world of film, having appeared in two Bond films: "You Only Live Twice" and "Casino Royale." Her music career is equally impressive, with her single "The Ding Dong Song" topping the charts in Asia.
As a pioneer in her field, Tsai Chin was the first to be invited to teach acting in China after the Cultural Revolution. Her contributions to the Chinese entertainment industry have been celebrated, with her recent portrayal of Jia Mu in the TV drama series "The Dream of The Red Chamber" earning her widespread acclaim.
Tsai Chin's life story is set to be immortalized on stage in the forthcoming production of her international best-selling autobiography, "Daughter of Shanghai," penned by David Henry Hwang and produced by the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills.
