Chao Li Chi

About

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). 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

M*A*S*HSeries • 1972Falcon CrestSeries • 1981Batman: The Animated SeriesSeries • 1992Quincy, M.E.Series • 1976Barney MillerSeries • 1975Party of FiveSeries • 1994Fantasy IslandSeries • 1978The PrestigeMovie • 2006Trapper John, M.D.Series • 1979ProvidenceSeries • 1999Martial LawSeries • 1998Pushing DaisiesSeries • 2007Faerie Tale TheatreSeries • 1982The Hardy Boys / Nancy Drew MysteriesSeries • 1977The Single GuySeries • 1995Wedding CrashersMovie • 2005CHiPsSeries • 1977Hello, LarrySeries • 1979Big Trouble in Little ChinaMovie • 1986S.W.A.T.Series • 1975The Nutty ProfessorMovie • 1996The Big BrawlMovie • 1980Dragon: The Bruce Lee StoryMovie • 1993The Master of DisguiseMovie • 2002