Zhang Ziyi

Her first appearance in an American movie was in Rush Hour 2 (2001), but as she didn't speak English, Jackie Chan had to translate everything the director said to her. In that movie, her character's name, "Hu Li" translated from Mandarin Chinese is "Fox". Even though she has been in many kung-fu movies, she is not actually a trained martial artist, so in fact she uses many dance moves in her fight sequences. "In China, we don't consider someone truly beautiful until we have known them for a long time, and we know what's underneath the skin."

Trivia:

Was ranked 2nd of the 100 Sexiest Women by FHM Taiwan (2001).

Was named one of the 25 Hottest Stars Under 25 by Teen People Magazine (2001).

Was named one of the 25 Hottest Stars Under 25 by Teen People Magazine (2002).

Attended the China Central Drama College, studying Dance.

Spokesmodel for: Maybelline (cosmetics), Pantene (shampoo), Coca-Cola Asia. Former Spokesmodel for Tag Heuer (watches), 2% (Korean mineral water), Lenovo Computers.

Spokesmodel of Maybelline (cosmetics).

Former Spokesmodel of 2% (Korean mineral water).

Spokesmodel of Pantene shampoo.

Spokesperson for Coca-Cola (Asia)

Former spokesperson for Lenovo Computers.

Family includes: Li Zhousheng (mom), Zhang Yuanxiao (dad) & Zhang Zinan (older brother)

Forbes magazine's China edition recently ranked her the second most popular celebrity after NBA player 'Yao Ming' . [August 2004]

[September 2004] Taking lessons to improve her English.

Her father is an economist and her mother is a kindergarten teacher.

Ranked #91 in Stuff magazine's "102 Sexiest Women In The World" (2002)

Born on the same day as actress 'Vicki Abashkin' .

Joined the Beijing Dance College at 11 & the Beijing Dance Academy at 15.

Is one of 112 invitees to join AMPAS in 2005.

Named by Entertainment Weekly in their 'The Must List' 2005. Listed 38th out of the 122 people and things the magazine "loves" this year, Ziyi was the only Chinese to be included.

Selected by "Southern People Weekly" magazine as 'Chinese Top Ten Leaders Of The Younger Generation' in 2005.

Listed in People Magazine's '50 Most Beautiful People' List in 2005.

Was listed in "Time Magazines" World's 100 Most Influential People. They called her "China's Gift to Hollywood".

Was ranked one of the '100 Most Beautiful Women in the World' in the July 2005 issue of Harpers & Queen magazine. It was her first time on the list. She was ranked number 15.