Gong Li was born in Shenyang, Liaoning, China, as the youngest of five children. Her father, Gong Lize, had been a professor of economics at Liaoning University until being transferred to Shandong University a few years before … See more

In 1987, while at college, Gong was discovered by Zhang Yimou, who cast her for the lead role in Red Sorghum, his first film as a director. The film won the Golden Bear at the 38th Berlin International Film Festival, … See more

Gong's personal and professional relationship with director Zhang Yimou has been highly publicized. Their relationship started in 1986 on the set of Red Sorghum, when Zhang was married to his first wife Xiao Hua w… See more