Chao-Li Chi (ๅๆ็; 5 April 1927, Shanxi Province, China โ 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 (1981โ1990). 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). 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.
Chao Li Chi
ActingBorn April 5, 1927 – Died October 16, 2010Shanxi Province, China
Chao-Li Chi (ๅๆ็; 5 April 1927, Shanxi Province, China โ 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 (1981โ1990). 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). 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.
