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Chao Li Chi
Actor

Chao Li Chi

5 Apr 1927Born
16 Oct 2010Died
83Age at death
44Credits

Biography

Chao-Li Chi (冀朝理; 5 April 1927, Shanxi Province, China – 16 October 2010, Granada Hills, California) was a Chinese-American actor and dancer, one of the first native Chinese actors to break into Hollywood. He fled China at age 12 during the Second Sino-Japanese War, became an accomplished dancer who toured with Maya Deren, and studied acting through Pearl S. Buck's East-and-West Association. He was best known for his 227-episode run as Chao-Li on Falcon Crest (1981–1990). His film credits include Big Trouble in Little China (1986), The Joy Luck Club (1993), Blood Work (2002), and The Prestige (2006, his final film).

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On television he also appeared in M*A*S*H, Barney Miller, NYPD Blue, and Pushing Daisies. He was also a philosopher and teacher who promoted Taoist philosophy and Tai Chi in the U.S. He died peacefully in his sleep at age 83. No major awards are on record.

Known for

Filmography

  1. 2007Pushing DaisiesSeries: Hua Jaing (1 episode)
  2. 2006The PrestigeFilm: Chung Ling Soo
  3. 2006American DreamzFilm: Chinese Premiere
  4. 2005Wedding CrashersFilm: Old Chinese Man
  5. 2002Blood WorkFilm: Mr. Kang
  6. 2002The Master of DisguiseFilm: Mongolian
  7. 2001Extreme DaysFilm: Grandpa G
  8. 2000The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in HollywoodFilm: Chinese Man
  9. 2000Now ChinatownFilm: Mr. Quong
  10. 2000What's Cooking?Film: Grandpa Nguyen
  11. 1999ProvidenceSeries: Tao (1 episode)
  12. 1998Martial LawSeries: Timothy Chang (1 episode)
  13. 1997Still BreathingFilm: Formosa Bartender
  14. 1997Warriors of VirtueFilm: Master Chung
  15. 1996The Nutty ProfessorFilm: Asian Man
  16. 1995The Single GuySeries: Mr. Pao (1 episode)
  17. 1994Party of FiveSeries: Ling (1 episode)
  18. 1993The Joy Luck ClubFilm: Canning Woo
  19. 1993Dragon: The Bruce Lee StoryFilm: Elder
  20. 1993Eye of the StrangerFilm: Mr. Lee
  21. 1992Batman: The Animated SeriesSeries: Yoru (voice) (1 episode)
  22. 1991Seeds of TragedyFilm: Dishwasher
  23. 1986Big Trouble in Little ChinaFilm: Uncle Chu
  24. 1983The NightingaleFilm: Gardener
  25. 1983Inspector PerezFilm: Master Fong
  26. 1982Faerie Tale TheatreSeries: Gardener (1 episode)
  27. 1981Falcon CrestSeries: Chao-Li (222 episodes)
  28. 1981The Archer: Fugitive from the EmpireFilm: Astrologer
  29. 1981EyewitnessFilm: Mr. Long
  30. 1980First FamilyFilm: Chinese Ambassador
  31. 1980Damien: The Leper PriestFilm
  32. 1980The Big BrawlFilm: Kwan
  33. 1979Trapper John, M.D.Series (1 episode)
  34. 1979Hello, LarrySeries: Mr. Wong (1 episode)
  35. 1978Fantasy IslandSeries: The Elder (1 episode)
  36. 1977CHiPsSeries (1 episode)
  37. 1977Rosetti and Ryan: Men Who Love WomenFilm: Waiter
  38. 1977The Hardy Boys / Nancy Drew MysteriesSeries (1 episode)
  39. 1976Quincy, M.E.Series (1 episode)
  40. 1975S.W.A.T.Series (1 episode)
  41. 1975Barney MillerSeries: Victor Ling (as Chao-Li Chi) (2 episodes)
  42. 1972M*A*S*HSeries: Korean Husband (2 episodes)
  43. 1964Open the Door and See all the PeopleFilm: Wei 3
  44. 1949Meditation on ViolenceFilm: Writer

Biography and credits from TMDB. This website uses TMDB and the TMDB APIs but is not endorsed, certified, or otherwise approved by TMDB.