Mark Chao
Mark Chao (Chinese: 趙又廷; born September 25, 1984) is a Taiwanese-Canadian actor and model renowned for his versatile performances in Chinese-language television series and films.[1][2] Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Chao is the son of Taiwanese actor and television host Allen Chao (also known as Chao Shu Hai).[3] He spent part of his childhood in Canada, attending elementary school there and later graduating from the University of Victoria with a double major in sociology and economics.[4] After completing his studies, Chao returned to Taiwan and entered the entertainment industry, making his acting debut in the 2009 crime drama television series Black & White, where he portrayed the idealistic police officer Wu Yingxiong.[4] His breakthrough performance earned him the Golden Bell Award for Best Leading Actor in a Television Series at the 44th Golden Bell Awards, marking him as a rising star in Taiwanese media.[1][4] Chao transitioned successfully to film, securing his first major role as Mosquito in the 2010 gangster drama Monga, directed by Giddens Ko, for which he received the Best Newcomer award at the 5th Asian Film Awards.[1][4] He continued to build acclaim with lead roles in notable productions such as Caught in the Web (2012), where he won Best Actor at the Huabiao Awards, and Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon (2013), a historical action film by Tsui Hark.[1] Further honors include the Best Actor award at the 16th Huading Awards for his performance in Black & White: The Dawn of Justice (2014).[1] Chao's career spans genres from romance and fantasy to action and drama, with standout appearances in So Young (2013), The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity (2020), and more recent works like Her Story (2024) and the 2025 science fiction film Resurrection, in which he plays a supporting role as the Commander.[5][2] In 2017, he ranked 36th on the Forbes China Celebrity 100 list, reflecting his prominence in the Asian entertainment industry.[1] On a personal note, Chao married Chinese actress Gao Yuanyuan in June 2014 after meeting on the set of Caught in the Web two years earlier; the couple has a daughter born in 2019 and maintains a low-profile family life in Beijing.[6] Represented by the agency Prajna Works, Chao continues to select projects that align with his interest in complex characters and storytelling.[4]Early life and education
Family background and childhood
Mark Chao, born Zhao Youting on September 25, 1984, in Taipei, Taiwan, grew up in a family deeply connected to the entertainment industry.[3] His father, Chao Shu Hai—professionally known as Allen Chao—is a prominent Taiwanese actor, singer, television host, songwriter, and director who debuted in theater with the stage play Chu Han Fengyun in 1979.[7] Chao's mother, Dai Yiyu, was trained in law.[3] As the second son, with an older brother named Zhao Zhongting (also known as John Chao), young Chao experienced a family dynamic shaped by his father's high-profile career, which often brought the worlds of performance and media into their home life.[3] From an early age, Chao was exposed to the entertainment sector through his father's extensive work in acting and theater, fostering a familiar yet peripheral awareness of the profession during his formative years in Taiwan.[7] His childhood hobbies included learning to play the piano and drums, as well as enjoying singing, activities that reflected a creative inclination but not a focused pursuit of performance arts.[3] Despite the familial ties to show business, Chao displayed an initial disinterest in acting during his early childhood, preferring other interests over following in his father's footsteps at that stage.[3] This period in Taipei laid the groundwork for his later path, though his immediate family environment emphasized a balanced upbringing amid his father's professional demands.Move to Canada and higher education
During his primary school years, Chao and his family relocated from Taiwan to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.[8][3] Upon arrival, Chao attended local elementary schools in the Victoria area, where he adapted to a multicultural environment and became fluent in English, the language of instruction.[3] He continued his secondary education at Oak Bay High School in Victoria, completing it amid Canada's diverse cultural landscape.[3][9] Following high school, Chao enrolled at the University of Victoria, his hometown institution, pursuing higher education in the social sciences.[3] He graduated in 2007 with a double degree in sociology and economics, equipping him with a broad understanding of societal structures and economic principles.[10][3] During his university years, Chao worked part-time at Ming's Restaurant in Victoria, gaining practical experience in customer service and operations.[10]Career
Acting debut and breakthrough (2009–2011)
After graduating from the University of Victoria in Canada with a double major in sociology and economics, Mark Chao returned to Taiwan and decided to pursue a career in acting, a choice he later described as his most "ridiculous" and life-changing decision.[11] As the son of veteran Taiwanese actor and television host Allen Chao, who also appeared in supporting roles during his early projects, Chao entered the industry through familial ties in entertainment circles.[3] Chao made his acting debut in the 2009 Taiwanese television series Black & White, portraying the character Wu Yingxiong, an idealistic and uncompromising police officer driven by a strong sense of justice.[1] The role quickly established him as a symbol of the "righteous cop" archetype in Taiwanese media, resonating with audiences through its portrayal of moral integrity amid corruption.[12] His breakout performance in the series, which blended action, drama, and social commentary, earned widespread acclaim and propelled him to stardom.[13] For this debut role, Chao received the Golden Bell Award for Best Leading Actor in a Television Series at the 44th Golden Bell Awards in 2009, marking him as a talented newcomer.[14] Transitioning to film, Chao starred in his first feature, Monga (2010), directed by Doze Niu, where he played Mosquito, a naive transfer student drawn into the gritty world of 1980s Taipei gang culture and themes of loyalty among friends.[15] The coming-of-age crime drama achieved significant box office success, earning NT$270 million (approximately US$8.4 million) in Taiwan and becoming one of the highest-grossing local films of the year, while critics praised its authentic depiction of brotherhood and urban youth struggles.[16] Chao's popularity surged further with his leading role as Ko Ching-teng in the 2011 romantic comedy You Are the Apple of My Eye, directed by and adapted from Giddens Ko's bestselling semi-autobiographical novel about first love and high school nostalgia.[17] The film emerged as a cultural phenomenon across Greater China, grossing over US$18 million in Taiwan alone—making it the second-highest-grossing Taiwanese film at the time—and captivating audiences with its relatable humor and emotional depth, which significantly expanded Chao's fanbase throughout the region.[18]Film roles and international recognition (2012–2020)
Following his breakthrough in television, Mark Chao expanded into feature films with a collaboration alongside director Doze Niu in the romantic anthology Love (2012), where he portrayed the character Mark in one of the interconnected stories exploring modern relationships. This role marked a shift toward lighter romantic genres, allowing Chao to showcase a more vulnerable and charismatic side compared to his earlier intense portrayals. He continued this trajectory in First Time (2012), a youth-oriented romantic comedy opposite Angelababy, and So Young (2013), a coming-of-age drama directed by Zhao Wei, in which he played the brooding college student Chen Xiaozheng, earning praise for his nuanced emotional depth in youthful love stories.[19] Chao diversified into action and fantasy with prominent roles in high-profile productions, beginning with Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon (2013), directed by Tsui Hark, where he starred as the titular young detective Di Renjie investigating supernatural threats in Tang Dynasty China. The film, a prequel to the Detective Dee series, grossed approximately $98.8 million worldwide, highlighting Chao's emerging appeal in genre cinema. He further solidified his action-hero credentials in the The Four trilogy—The Four (2012), The Four II (2013), and The Four III (2014)—directed by Gordon Chan, portraying the stoic constable Cold Blood in a wuxia-infused tale of divine constables battling corruption, blending martial arts choreography with fantasy elements.[20] Venturing into international cinema, Chao took on his first major English-language role in The Warriors Gate (2016), a Franco-Chinese fantasy adventure directed by Matthias Hoene and produced by Luc Besson, where he played the warrior Zhoo tasked with protecting a princess in ancient China. The film presented challenges for Chao, including performing extensive action sequences and delivering dialogue in English to appeal to Western audiences, marking a deliberate step toward global recognition despite mixed reviews and modest box office returns. He returned to period dramas with Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly Kings (2018), again under Tsui Hark's direction, reprising Di Renjie in a tale of political intrigue and mysticism that emphasized his commanding presence in historical epics. Additionally, in the lavish TV series The Longest Day in Chang'an (2019), produced with cinematic scale and featuring intricate Tang-era sets, Chao led as the guard Li Bi in a suspenseful conspiracy narrative, blurring lines between television and film production quality. Chao's action-hero status peaked with the fantasy epic The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity (2020), directed by Guo Jingming, where he portrayed the sorcerer Qin Ming in a visually stunning adaptation of Onmyoji folklore, relying heavily on CGI for demon battles and ethereal realms. The film, which grossed over $68 million globally, underscored his versatility in blending romance, mysticism, and high-stakes combat. Overall, this period represented Chao's pivot from TV idol to a versatile film actor, as he transitioned from Taiwanese roots to pan-Asian and international projects, with key films like Young Detective Dee and The Yin-Yang Master achieving significant commercial success and broadening his profile beyond domestic audiences.[21]Television and recent projects (2021–2025)
In 2021, Mark Chao returned to television with a lead role as Xia Ming, a principled engineer navigating corporate intrigue, in the urban workplace drama The Ideal City. The series, which aired on Tencent Video and iQIYI, garnered significant acclaim for its realistic portrayal of professional challenges in China's construction industry, achieving high viewership ratings and topping online charts during its premiere week.[22] Chao's performance earned him a nomination for Best Actor in a Television Series at the 2021 Huading Awards, highlighting his ability to convey moral complexity in a high-stakes environment.[14] Chao continued his television resurgence in 2023 with the lead role of Zhou Xiaofeng, the deputy chief physician in the cardiology department of a major hospital, in the medical drama The Heart. The 38-episode series explored themes of professional ethics, personal loss, and redemption amid intense medical scenarios, allowing Chao to delve into the emotional depth of a character grappling with past traumas while mentoring younger doctors.[23] His portrayal was praised for capturing the quiet intensity of a healer confronting systemic flaws in healthcare.[24] Shifting to film in 2024, Chao appeared in a supporting role as the ex-husband in Her Story, a dramedy centered on female friendships, divorce, and self-discovery. In the narrative, his character provides comic relief through his awkward yet endearing attempts at reconciliation, adding layers to the film's examination of post-marital dynamics and personal growth.[25] The movie received positive reviews for its balanced tone and relatable character arcs, with Chao's contribution noted for injecting humor into the relationship-focused storyline.[26] Looking ahead to 2025, Chao is set to star as the Commander in the sci-fi action-thriller Resurrection, directed by Bi Gan, where he supports leads Jackson Yee and Shu Qi in a dystopian tale of lost dreams, immortality, and rebellion against a dreamless society.[27] The film promises high-tension sequences blending thriller elements with philosophical undertones. Additionally, he will make a major television comeback as He Han in the 40-episode modern romance drama Lady Liberty, adapted from Yi Shu's novel, portraying a mature, introspective male lead opposite Tang Yan in a story of independent women navigating love and autonomy, though its initial broadcast date was retracted in November 2025 due to production delays.[28] Following a period of reduced activity after his 2020 project Ordinary Glory, Chao has adopted a more selective approach to roles, prioritizing projects that align with his values and allow time for family life alongside his wife Gao Yuanyuan and their daughter. This shift reflects his emphasis on work-life balance, as he has expressed in interviews that family responsibilities guide his career decisions more than prolific output.Music career
Mark Chao's foray into music began in 2009 with his contribution to the soundtrack of his debut television series Black & White, where he performed the theme song "Rogue Justice" (無賴正義). This track, featured on the official soundtrack album released by Sony Music Taiwan, marked his initial venture into singing as a promotional tie-in for his early acting role. He performed the song live at promotional events, including a 2009 concert in Kaohsiung for the series, highlighting his emerging on-stage presence alongside his modeling background from pre-2009 gigs.[29] [from playlist, but use official] Following the success of his 2010 film Monga, Chao continued contributing to soundtracks in 2012 with two singles for the romantic drama First Time, in which he starred opposite Angelababy. The emotional ballad "Cry Like A Little Child" (哭得像小孩), composed by Yuan Yonglin with lyrics co-written by Yuan Yonglin, Jia An, and Luo Yuxuan, captured the film's themes of love and loss, while "Stand By Me" served as an uplifting counterpart. Both tracks were released on the First Time original soundtrack by JVR Music and received attention for Chao's sincere vocal delivery, aiding the movie's promotional campaign.[30] Chao's music output remained sporadic, with additional singles such as "Me and You" and "We Are Not Opponents" (我們不是對手) released in 2012, often linked to his acting projects rather than standalone efforts. In a notable shift, he explored spoken-word poetry in 2017 with the bilingual audio album Among All Sounds, I Listen to You (在所有的声音中，我倾听你), a collaboration with the "Read Poetry for You" platform. The 15-track collection, distributed by platforms like QQ Music and available on streaming services, features Chao reciting 12 classic English poems—covering themes of love, nature, and life—first in their original language and then in Chinese translations, accompanied by subtle musical arrangements. Produced as his first full-length project, the album highlighted his fluency in English from his Canadian upbringing and earned praise for its intimate, reflective style during interviews promoting the release.[31][32] Despite these releases, Chao's discography is limited, prioritizing his acting career over extensive musical pursuits. He has made occasional appearances at award shows and concerts, performing soundtrack songs to support his films, but has not pursued large-scale tours or commercial albums beyond promotional contexts.[33]Personal life
Marriage to Gao Yuanyuan
Mark Chao and Gao Yuanyuan first met on the set of the 2012 film Caught in the Web, directed by Chen Kaige, where they portrayed romantic interests in a thriller centered on online scandals and personal entanglements. Their on-screen chemistry sparked a real-life romance, with Chao later describing the collaboration as the beginning of their deep connection. The film's production in Beijing allowed them to bond amid intense schedules, laying the foundation for their relationship despite the pressures of their rising careers in Chinese cinema.[34][6] The couple publicly confirmed their relationship in April 2012, shortly after wrapping production on Caught in the Web, drawing significant media attention due to Gao's status as a beloved "goddess" figure in Chinese entertainment. They maintained a low-key dating style, often spotted together at airports and private vacations in Taiwan, while navigating scrutiny from fans and paparazzi who speculated on their future. By 2013, they appeared in joint photoshoots for publications like L'Officiel Hommes, showcasing their compatibility and shared interests in fashion and travel. Their engagement followed naturally, leading to a marriage registration on June 5, 2014, in Beijing, followed by a private wedding ceremony and banquet on November 28, 2014, at the Le Méridien Hotel in Taipei. The event was intimate, attended by close family, friends, and industry figures from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China, emphasizing their desire for a personal celebration away from excessive publicity.[35][36][37] Post-marriage, Chao and Gao made select joint public appearances, including red-carpet events and promotional activities that highlighted their partnership. For instance, they attended the 2014 wedding-related media sessions and later shared glimpses of their life together through coordinated brand endorsements. Their mutual support has been evident in their careers, with Chao openly encouraging Gao to pursue challenging roles and international opportunities, even if it meant time apart, while she has advocated for his projects in Hollywood and Chinese blockbusters by sharing positive endorsements on social media and in interviews. This collaborative dynamic has allowed both to balance demanding schedules without compromising their bond. Following their union, the couple has focused on building a shared family life, prioritizing privacy amid ongoing professional commitments.[38][39][40]Family and privacy
Mark Chao and his wife, Gao Yuanyuan, welcomed their first child, a daughter, on May 21, 2019, in Beijing.[41] Chao announced the birth on Weibo, stating that both mother and daughter were healthy, while expressing gratitude to supporters.[41] The couple, who had revealed Gao's pregnancy the previous month, chose to share only this basic information without disclosing the child's name or additional details at the time.[42] Since the birth, Chao and Gao have maintained a low public profile regarding their family, avoiding the release of photos or personal updates about their daughter.[43] When questioned about the child during public appearances, even family members like Chao's father, Taiwanese singer Allen Chao, have declined to provide further insights, reinforcing the couple's commitment to shielding their private life from media attention.[43] This approach aligns with Gao's broader reduction in public exposure following the marriage in 2014 and the arrival of their daughter, prioritizing family stability over frequent media engagements.[44]Filmography
Films
- Monga (2010) as Zhou Yi Wen (Mosquito), directed by Doze Niu.[10]
- Black and White Episode 1: The Dawn of Assault (2012) as Hero Wu, directed by Tsai Yueh-Hsun.[10]
- First Time (2012) as Gong Ning / Lu Xia, directed by Han Yan.[10]
- Love (2012) as Mark Na, directed by Doze Niu.[10]
- Caught in the Web (2012) as Yang Shou Cheng, directed by Chen Kaige.[10]
- So Young (2013) as Chen Xiao Zheng, directed by Zhao Wei.[10]
- Young Detective Dee: Rise of the Sea Dragon (2013) as Di Renjie, directed by Tsui Hark.[10]
- Black and White Episode 2: The Dawn of Justice (2014) as Wu Ying Xiong, directed by Tsai Yueh-Hsun.[10]
- Chronicles of a Ghostly Tribe (2015) as Hu Ba Yi (Adventurer), directed by Lu Chuan.[10]
- The Warrior's Gate (2016) as Zhoo, directed by Matthias Hoene.[10]
- Till the End of the World (2018) as Wu Fu Chun, directed by Wu You-yin.[10][45]
- Detective Dee: The Four Heavenly Kings (2018) as Di Renjie (Dee), directed by Tsui Hark.[10][46]
- Saturday Fiction (2019) as Tan Na, directed by Lou Ye.[10][47]
- The Yin-Yang Master: Dream of Eternity (2021) as Qing Ming, directed by Guo Jingming.[10][47][5]
- Her Story (2024) as Ex-husband, guest role.[10][46][5]
- Resurrection (2025) as Commander, supporting role.[5][47]
Television series
Mark Chao made his television debut in 2009 with the lead role of Wu Ying Xiong in the Taiwanese series Black & White, a 24-episode crime drama that marked his breakthrough in the industry.[48] In 2017, he starred as the dual roles of Mo Yuan and Ye Hua in the fantasy romance Eternal Love, a highly popular 58-episode Chinese series adapted from a novel, which garnered significant viewership across Asia.[49] That same year, Chao made a guest appearance as Mark in one segment of the anthology series Midnight Diner, contributing to its 36-episode run focused on urban short stories. Chao returned to leading roles in 2020 with The Ordinary Glory, portraying Wu Ke Zhi in this 41-episode workplace drama about corporate life and personal growth. In 2021, he took on the main role of Xia Ming in the streaming original The Ideal City, a 40-episode series exploring urban development and ambition, produced for Tencent Video. His 2023 miniseries The Heart featured him as the recurring lead Zhou Xiao Feng across 38 episodes, delving into medical and emotional narratives. Most recently, in 2025, Chao stars as He Han in the main role of Lady Liberty, a 40-episode drama addressing contemporary social themes.Discography
Albums
Chao has not released any full-length albums. His musical output consists primarily of soundtrack contributions from his early acting roles in Taiwanese productions, where he provided vocals for original soundtracks (OSTs). These releases marked his entry into music, blending his on-screen persona with thematic songs that complemented the narratives of crime dramas and romances. His discography in this area remains limited, with no new releases as of November 2025.[50]Singles and soundtracks
Mark Chao's contributions to singles and soundtracks primarily stem from his early acting roles in Taiwanese productions, where he provided vocals for original soundtracks (OSTs). These releases marked his entry into music, blending his on-screen persona with thematic songs that complemented the narratives of crime dramas and romances. His discography in this area remains limited, focusing on collaborative tracks rather than extensive solo endeavors. The following table enumerates his key singles and soundtrack contributions:| Year | Title (English/Chinese) | Associated Project | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Rogue Justice (無賴正義) | Black & White OST | Opening theme, performed with Color Band. The track captures the series' vigilante justice theme, sung by Chao as the lead actor.[51][52] |
| 2009 | Ruffian and Hero (痞子英雄) | Black & White OST | Insert song, collaboration with Jason Zou (鄒承恩). It highlights the contrasting "ruffian" and "hero" dynamics central to the plot.[51][52] |
| 2010 | Tonight Tonight | Monga OST | Theme song, duet with Ethan Ruan. The energetic track underscores the film's gang loyalty and brotherhood motifs, marking both actors' recording debuts.[53][54] |
| 2012 | Cry Like a Little Child (哭得像小孩) | First Time OST | Lead single, reflecting the film's emotional coming-of-age story. Released as part of the soundtrack featuring multiple Chao performances.[55][30] |
| 2012 | Stand By Me | First Time OST | Supporting track, emphasizing themes of support and vulnerability in romance. Included in the First Time OST alongside other Chao contributions like "Rock 'n' Roll Man" and "Me and You."[55][56][57] |
| 2012 | Little Donkey (小毛驢) | First Time OST | Supporting track from the film's soundtrack.[58] |
| 2012 | We Are Not Opponents (我們不是對手) | First Time OST | Supporting track from the film's soundtrack. |
Awards and nominations
Golden Bell Awards
Mark Chao received his first and only Golden Bell Award in 2009 for his breakout performance as the righteous police officer Wu Yingxiong in the Taiwanese television series Black & White.[14] He won the Best Leading Actor in a Television Series category at the 44th Golden Bell Awards, recognizing his debut role that propelled him to stardom in Taiwan's television industry.[59] The ceremony took place on October 17, 2009, at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei, where local television stars gathered to celebrate achievements in broadcasting.[60] During his acceptance, Chao became visibly emotional, breaking down in tears on stage, which highlighted the personal significance of the honor as a newcomer to acting.[61] This win marked a pivotal moment in his career, affirming his talent in television drama.[14] Chao has not received any further nominations or wins at the Golden Bell Awards for his subsequent television roles.[14]Film awards
Mark Chao received his first major film recognition at the 5th Asian Film Awards in 2011, where he won the Best Newcomer award for his debut role as a troubled gang member in the Taiwanese crime drama Monga, directed by Doze Niu.[14][62] This accolade marked his breakthrough in cinema following his television success and highlighted his potential as a leading actor in East Asian productions. In 2013, Chao earned a win for Outstanding Actor from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas at the 15th Huabiao Awards for portraying a young man entangled in urban isolation in Chen Kaige's Caught in the Web, a film that explored modern alienation in China.[63] He was also nominated for Best Actor at the 9th Huading Awards for the same performance, underscoring his growing prominence in mainland Chinese cinema.[64] The following year, at the 8th Asian Film Awards, Chao received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Zhao Wei's directorial debut So Young, a coming-of-age story set against China's 1990s youth culture.[14] He was also nominated for Best Actor at the 5th China Film Director's Guild Awards for So Young. In 2015, he secured a Best Actor win at the 16th Huading Awards for his lead role as a detective in the action thriller Black & White: The Dawn of Justice, the cinematic sequel to his breakout TV series.[59] More recently, Chao garnered a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 38th Golden Rooster Awards in 2025 for his role in Shao Yihui's feminist comedy Her Story, which premiered in 2024 and addressed contemporary gender dynamics in urban China.[14] His performance in Bi Gan's 2025 film Resurrection, which won the Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, has yet to yield individual acting honors as of November 2025.[65]| Year | Award | Category | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Asian Film Awards | Best Newcomer | Monga | Won |
| 2013 | Huabiao Awards | Outstanding Actor from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas | Caught in the Web | Won |
| 2013 | Huading Awards | Best Actor | Caught in the Web | Nominated |
| 2014 | Asian Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor | So Young | Nominated |
| 2014 | China Film Director's Guild Awards | Best Actor | So Young | Nominated |
| 2015 | Huading Awards | Best Actor | Black & White: The Dawn of Justice | Won |
| 2025 | Golden Rooster Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Her Story | Nominated |