Mini Yang, or more commonly known as Yang Mi (Chinese: 杨幂), is a Chinese actress most well-known for her roles in popular television series "The Return of the Condor Heroes", "Chinese Paladin 3", and "Palace". Her most notable film role to date is as Lin Xiao from the "Tiny Times" movie series. In 2013, she was named as the 7th most powerful celebrity on Forbes China Celebrity 100 list. In 2014, she married Hong Kong actor Hawick Lau, and gave birth to their daughter in June 2014.
September 12, 1986
Beijing, China
N/A
Acting
Yang Mi, born on 12 September 1986, is a celebrated Chinese actress, singer, and television producer from Beijing, China. She gained fame through her remarkable performances in various television dramas, including The Return of the Condor Heroes (2006), Chinese Paladin 3 (2009), and The Dream of Red Mansions (2010). Her career took off with the time-travel drama Palace (2011), followed by the successful film Mysterious Island (2011), which significantly influenced the fan economy in China's entertainment industry.
Yang Mi was born in the Xuanwu District of Beijing. Her father was a police officer, while her mother was a housewife. The name "Mi," which signifies exponentiation, was chosen because both her parents share the surname Yang. She attended the Beijing Xuanwu Experimental Primary School and later graduated from the Performance Department of the Beijing Film Academy.
Yang's journey in acting began at the young age of four, making her debut in the historical series Tang Ming Huang (1990). In 1992, she had a cameo in King of Beggars, where she played the daughter of the main character portrayed by Stephen Chow. As a teenager, she appeared in the television series Hou Wa, which earned her recognition for her talent.
In 2001, Yang entered the entertainment industry as a model for advertisements. By 2003, she had officially launched her acting career with her first script in The Story of a Noble Family. Her popularity surged in the late 2000s with her roles in Strange Tales of Liaozhai and The Return of the Condor Heroes.
Her breakout role came in 2011 with the historical romance drama Palace, where she played a time-traveling heroine. This performance earned her the title of Most Popular Actress at the 17th Shanghai Television Festival. Yang also sang the show's theme song, which became a hit and won Best Theme Song at the 6th Huading Awards.
In the following years, Yang starred in several successful projects, including Beijing Love Story (2012), Swords of Legends (2014), and The Interpreter (2016), which became one of the highest-rated dramas of the year. Her role in Eternal Love (2017), adapted from a popular xianxia novel, further solidified her status as a leading actress in China.
Yang's versatility is evident in her diverse roles across different genres, including fantasy, romance, and horror. She also ventured into film, starring in the Tiny Times series from 2013 to 2015, which, despite mixed reviews, was a major box-office success.
In addition to acting, Yang Mi has taken on the role of a producer, marking her debut with the web series V Love in 2013. She continues to be a powerful figure in the entertainment industry, co-founding her agency, Jiaxing Media, in 2014, which has further expanded her influence in the field.
Yang's personal life includes a high-profile marriage to Hong Kong actor-singer Hawick Lau, which began in January 2014 after their engagement in November 2013. They welcomed a daughter on 1 June 2014. However, in December 2018, they announced their divorce.
As of 10 May 2023, Yang has left Jiaxing Media to pursue new opportunities. Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards and accolades, consistently ranked among the top celebrities in China by platforms like Forbes.
Yang Mi remains a prominent figure in the Asian entertainment landscape, captivating audiences with her talent and charm. Her dedication to her craft has earned her a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
