While many of the most famous American celebrities are fairly well-known in China (the Chinese, like most of the rest of the world are goo goo for Lady Gaga), the reverse is not true. The vast majority of Chinese celebrities are virtually unknown to most Americans (and others outside China). One reason for this is that the Chinese language is not as internationally common as English so unless a Chinese celebrity is also reasonably fluent in English (e.g., Jackie Chan, Zhang Ziyi), there's little chance of achieving worldwide celebrity status. Another reason is that the entertainment industries in China are not as well developed as in the United States and many other Western countries. Regardless, with its over 1.3 billion population, its possible for Chinese celebrities to have more fans than many celebrities that are much more well known internationally.
So here's a short summary of the top 10 Chinese celebrities of 2012 according to the Forbes Top 20 list. My guess is that most Americans will know who 2 of the top 10 are (maybe 3 if you're a serious tennis fan).
1. Jay Chou (Singer): very popular throughout much of Asia although pretty much unknown in America. He's also acted in a few movies in the past few years including a forgettable role in his one forgettable Hollywood film, The Green Hornet.
This song is a bit old, but its called "Fragrant Rice" - can't get more Chinese than that
2. Andy Lau (Actor/Singer): From Hong Kong, Lau has been one of the most popular Chinese actors for the past 30 years or so. I think Lau has been in every Chinese movie made over the past 30 years (I'm exaggerating, but only slightly). He's also one of the most popular Cantopop singers in Hong Kong.
2011 film trailer for "Shaolin" starring Andy Lau and the much more well known in the West, Jackie Chan
3. Fan Bingbing (Actress): She's considered by many Chinese to be one of the most beautiful Chinese women due to her perfectly shaped face (according to some Chinese ideal).
4. Faye Wong (Singer/Actress): Wong sort of retired in 2005, but has remained exceptionally popular in China and performed a series of sold out concerts in 2010. She also appeared in a few critically acclaimed Chinese films, including. Here's a video clip from one of her films, Chungking Express, with Faye acting as well as her Cantonese cover of a Cranberries song as the musical background.
5. Li Na (Tennis Player): Her 2011 French Open win made her a star in China, but she hasn't played all that great since.
6. Zhao Benshan (Sitcom actor): If you don't watch Chinese TV, you're not likely to have ever seen him.
7. Jolin Tsai (Taiwan pop singer): Very typical teen-oriented Chinese pop.
8. Yao Ming (Retired NBA Basketball Player): Most Americans know big Yao (7'6") who played for the Houston Rockets before injuries to his big foot led to his retirement and return to China in 2011.
9. Jackie Chan (Actor): Chan is probably the most internationally known Chinese celebrity due to his roles in many Hollywood movies (Rush Hour, Shanghai Noon, etc.) and his blend of kung fu martial arts skills and comedic persona. What you may not know is that in China, he's also famous as a singer.
10. Lin Chi-ling (Taiwan model/actress): Very pretty; she's been in some movies and lots of commercials in China.
Out of the rest of the Chinese celebrities in the Forbes 2012 Top 100, I'd estimate that most Americans might know some of the following five:
- Zhang Ziyi at #14 - one of very few Chinese actresses that have achieved international celebrity status (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Memoirs of a Geisha) although ironically she's not as well-liked in China.
- Shu Qi #19 - Sexy Hong Kong actress who a few Americans might know her from her role in the film The Transporter, in which she co-starred with Jason Statham.
- Jet Li #22 - An actor who's been in many martial arts films and been a hit in Hollywood (Lethal Weapon 4, The Expendables, etc.) as well as China.
- Chow Yun-fat #44 - Another martial arts actor who's had some success in Hollywood (one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, etc.) as well as China.
- Lang Lang #48 - Internationally known classical pianist who tours internationally and now lives in New York.
How many do you know? If more than 7, I'd say you're probably above average. Here's a link to the Top 100 list in Chinese (sorry, couldn't find an English version, but use Google Translate if you're interested and illiterate in Chinese).
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