Born in Shenyang, grew up in Jinan, the daughter of an economics professor. Loved music from childhood, and dreamed of a singing career. After failing to gain entrance to China's top music school in 1985, applied for and was admitted to the Central Drama Academy in Beijing, from which she graduated in 1989. While still a student, was cast as the female lead in _Hong Gaoliang (1987)_ (aka "Red Sorghum"), the initial directing effort by Yimou Zhang. China's best-known actress in the West, she was named Best Actress at the 49th Venice International Film Festival for her role in Qiu Ju da guan si (aka "The Story of Qiu Ju"). Made a series of successful films with Yimou Zhang, a collaboration that apparently ended with the breakup of their personal relationship in 1995 and Gong's subsequent marriage to a tobacco company executive.
Was included in People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People. Representative of Shanghai Tang line of clothing. Graduated from the Central Drama Academy in Beijing (1989) Personal favorites: Meryl Streep, Dustin Hoffman Received New York Film Critics award for Farewell My Concubine (aka Farewell My Concubine). Dated Yimou Zhang [1987-1995] Head juror of the 2000 Berlin International Film Festival Head juror of the 2002 Venice Film Festival Head juror of the 2003 Tokyo International Film Festival Member of jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 1997 Her performance as Juxian in Farewell My Concubine (aka "Farewell My Concubine") (1993) is ranked #89 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time (2006). The youngest of five children. Had a song written about her by the Red Hot Chili Peppers ("Gong Li"). She was presented the French government's Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in June 1998 for contributions to the cinema. Was chosen and honored as one of TIME Magazine's "60 Years of Asian Heroes". Youngest person to be honored with the "Trophy of the Festival" award at Cannes. Can understand English but is uncomfortable in speaking it off camera and in interviews. Usually finds its easier to learn her lines for her English speaking roles phonetically. Michael Mann and Rob Marshall refer to her as the "Meryl Streep of China". Beauty ambassador for L'Oreal cosmetics. Her father and her older sister both died of cancer. Voted "Most beautiful woman in China" 2006. #52 on Premiere magazines "100 sexiest movie stars ever" (2008).