Rae Dawn Chong

Rae Dawn Chong

Born:February 28, 1961

Place of Birth:Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Known For:Acting

Biography

Rae Dawn Chong, a trailblazing Canadian-American actress, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema with her captivating performances. Born in Edmonton in 1961, she hails from a diverse heritage that encompasses African-American, Native American, Asian, and Scottish-Irish roots, which undoubtedly contribute to her unique on-screen presence and versatility.

Making her silver screen debut in 1978's "Stony Island," Chong quickly caught the attention of audiences and critics alike with her natural talent and charisma. However, it was her role in the 1981 film "Quest for Fire" that truly propelled her into the spotlight, earning her the esteemed Genie Award for Best Actress and solidifying her as a rising star in the industry.

Throughout the vibrant era of the 80s, Rae Dawn Chong continued to captivate audiences with a diverse range of roles that showcased her exceptional acting abilities. From the musical drama "Beat Street" to the powerful adaptation of "The Color Purple," and the action-packed thriller "Commando," Chong proved her ability to excel in various genres with grace and skill.

Not one to be typecast, Chong's talent shone through in every role she undertook, whether it be in heart-wrenching dramas or light-hearted comedies. Her performance in the thought-provoking film "Soul Man" further demonstrated her versatility as an actress who could tackle complex and nuanced characters with depth and authenticity.

As the 90s unfolded and beyond, Rae Dawn Chong continued to leave a lasting impact on the entertainment industry with her unwavering dedication to her craft. Beyond her contributions to film and television, Chong has also devoted her time and resources to various charitable causes, embodying a spirit of generosity and compassion that extends beyond the silver screen.

In addition to her acting prowess, Rae Dawn Chong has also demonstrated a keen eye for talent, as evidenced by her discovery of future Hollywood star Chris Pratt during his humble beginnings as a waiter. Her ability to recognize potential and nurture emerging talent further cements her legacy as a multifaceted and influential figure in the industry.

With a career spanning decades and a portfolio of memorable performances, Rae Dawn Chong remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring actors and a beloved icon for audiences around the world. Her contributions to cinema, coupled with her philanthropic endeavors, have solidified her status as a remarkable and enduring presence in the entertainment landscape.

Images

Rae Dawn Chong
Rae Dawn Chong
Rae Dawn Chong

Filmography

Acting

Commando

Commando

Cindy

1985

John Matrix, the former leader of a special commando strike force that always got the toughest jobs done, is forced back into action when his young daughter is kidnapped. To find her, Matrix has to fight his way through an array of punks, killers, one of his former commandos, and a fully equipped private army. With the help of a feisty stewardess and an old friend, Matrix has only a few hours to overcome his greatest challenge: finding his daughter before she's killed.
The Color Purple

The Color Purple

Squeak

1985

An epic tale spanning forty years in the life of Celie, an African-American woman living in the South who survives incredible abuse and bigotry. After Celie's abusive father marries her off to the equally debasing 'Mister' Albert Johnson, things go from bad to worse, leaving Celie to find companionship anywhere she can. She perseveres, holding on to her dream of one day being reunited with her sister in Africa.
Tales from the Darkside: The Movie

Tales from the Darkside: The Movie

Carola (segment ‘Lover’s Vow’)

1990

A young boy tells three stories of horror to distract a witch who plans to eat him.
Quest for Fire

Quest for Fire

Ika

1981

In the prehistoric world, a Cro-Magnon tribe depends on an ever-burning source of fire, which eventually extinguishes. Lacking the knowledge to start a new fire, the tribe sends three warriors on a quest for more. With the tribe's future at stake, the warriors make their way across a treacherous landscape full of hostile tribes and monstrous beasts. On their journey, they encounter Ika, a woman who has the knowledge they seek.
Soul Man

Soul Man

Sarah Walker

1986

A white prospective grad student's affluent family won't pay his way through law school, so he takes tanning pills to darken his skin in order to qualify for an African-American scholarship at Harvard. He soon gets more than he bargained for, as he begins to learn what life is really like for blacks in America.
Crying Freeman

Crying Freeman

Detective Forge

1995

A lethal assassin for a secret Chinese organisation, who sheds tears of regret each time he kills, is seen swiftly and mercilessly executing three Yakuza gangsters by a beautiful artist. She is captivated by the grace of his kill and later falls in love with him. An intense power struggle for the leadership of the Yakuza Clans ensues as they seek vengeance for the death of their leader.
Beat Street

Beat Street

Tracy Carlson

1984

An aspiring DJ, from the South Bronx, and his best friend, a promoter, try to get into show business by exposing people to hip-hop music and culture.
The Principal

The Principal

Hilary Orozco

1987

Burglary. Drugs. Assault. Rape. The students at Brandel High are more than new Principal Rick Latimer bargained for. Gangs fight to control the school using knives - even guns - when they have to. When Latimer and the head of security try to clean up the school and stop the narcotics trade, they run up against a teenage mafia. A violent confrontation on the campus leads to a deadly showdown with the drug dealer's gang, and one last chance for Latimer to save his career... and his life.
Jeff, Who Lives at Home

Jeff, Who Lives at Home

Carol

2012

Dispatched from his basement room on an errand for his mother, slacker Jeff might discover his destiny (finally) when he spends the day with his brother as he tracks his possibly adulterous wife.
Choose Me

Choose Me

Pearl Antoine

1984

Several lost-soul night-owls, including a nightclub owner, a talk radio relationship counselor, and an itinerant stranger have encounters that expose their contradictions and anxieties about love and acceptance.

Production