Cast & creator
Chao Li Chi
Best known for M*A*S*H, Falcon Crest, Quincy, M.E.
Chao-Li Chi (冀朝理; 5 April 1927, Shanxi Province, China – 16 October 2010, Granada Hills, California) was a Chinese-American actor and dancer, one of the first native Chinese actors to break into Hollywood. He fled China at age 12 during the Second Sino-Japanese War, became an accomplished dancer who toured with Maya Deren, and studied acting through Pearl S. Buck's East-and-West Association. He was best known for his 227-episode run as Chao-Li on Falcon Crest (1981–1990). His film credits include Big Trouble in Little China (1986), The Joy Luck Club (1993), Blood Work (2002), and The Prestige (2006, his final film). On television he also appeared in M*A*S*H, Barney Miller, NYPD Blue, and Pushing Daisies. He was also a philosopher and teacher who promoted Taoist philosophy and Tai Chi in the U.S. He died peacefully in his sleep at age 83. No major awards are on record.
Also known as: 冀朝理, Chaoli Chi, Chi Chaoli, Chao-Li-Chi, Chao-Li Chi
31
film credits
17
television credits
46
1949–2007 · acting roles
6.6
average across scored titles
Signature credits
Known for
Across film & television
Filmography (48)
Showing 48 of 48 credits
M*A*S*H
Korean Husband
1972
Falcon Crest
Chao-Li
1981
Quincy, M.E.
1976
Batman: The Animated Series
Yoru (voice)
1992
Party of Five
Ling
1994
Barney Miller
Victor Ling (as Chao-Li Chi)
1975
Trapper John, M.D.
1979
Fantasy Island
The Elder
1978
Providence
Tao
1999
Martial Law
Timothy Chang
1998
The Prestige
Chung Ling Soo
2006
Pushing Daisies
Hua Jaing
2007
The Hardy Boys / Nancy Drew Mysteries
1977
The Single Guy
Mr. Pao
1995
Faerie Tale Theatre
Gardener
1982
CHiPs
1977
Wedding Crashers
Old Chinese Man
2005
S.W.A.T.
1975
Hello, Larry
Mr. Wong
1979
The Nutty Professor
Asian Man
1996
Big Trouble in Little China
Uncle Chu
1986
Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story
Elder
1993
Blood Work
Mr. Kang
2002
The Big Brawl
Kwan
1980
The Master of Disguise
Mongolian
2002
The Joy Luck Club
Canning Woo
1993
American Dreamz
Chinese Premiere
2006
Warriors of Virtue
Master Chung
1997
Eyewitness
Mr. Long
1981
Still Breathing
Formosa Bartender
1997
What's Cooking?
Grandpa Nguyen
2000
The Archer: Fugitive from the Empire
Astrologer
1981
The Dukes of Hazzard: Hazzard in Hollywood
Chinese Man
2000
First Family
Chinese Ambassador
1980Damien: The Leper Priest
1980
Eye of the Stranger
Mr. Lee
1993
The Nightingale
Gardener
1983
Seeds of Tragedy
Dishwasher
1991
Rosetti and Ryan: Men Who Love Women
Waiter
1977
Jay Leno's Family Comedy Hour
Self
1987Bob Hope on the Road to China
Production Assistant
1979
Extreme Days
Grandpa G
2001
In the Mirror of Maya Deren
Himself
2002
Meditation on Violence
Himself
1949Meditation on Violence
Writer
1949
Open the Door and See all the People
Wei 3
1964
Inspector Perez
Master Fong
1983
Now Chinatown
Mr. Quong
2000