Sally Chen | Today's AI Wiki

1. Overview

Sally Chen (陳莎莉^Chinese), born in 1948, is a prominent Taiwanese actress renowned for her extensive career in television and film. She is widely recognized by her nickname, "Empress specialist," due to her frequent and acclaimed portrayals of numerous Chinese empresses and imperial consorts throughout her career. Her significant contributions to the entertainment industry have been acknowledged with several prestigious accolades, including the Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actress and multiple Golden Bell Awards for Most Favorite Actress.

2. Life

2.1. Birth and Early Life

Sally Chen was born on November 1, 1948, in Qingdao, China. She later established herself as a celebrated actress in Taiwan, becoming a significant figure in both Taiwanese and Chinese entertainment.

3. Career

3.1. Acting Career

Sally Chen embarked on an extensive acting career that has spanned several decades, showcasing her versatility across various roles in both television series and films. Her debut marked the beginning of a prolific journey in the entertainment industry, where she quickly gained recognition for her powerful performances. Over the years, she has become particularly known for her distinctive ability to embody historical figures, especially those of imperial lineage, which has cemented her status as a respected veteran actress.

3.2. Filmography

Sally Chen's filmography includes a wide array of roles in both television and cinema, demonstrating her enduring presence and influence in the acting world.

3.2.1. Television

Chen has appeared in numerous television series, with a notable specialization in portraying historical figures, particularly empresses and imperial consorts.

Year	English title	Original title	Role
1973	Violent Storm	光風暴雨
1978	New Dream of the Red Chamber	新紅樓夢
1981	The Legend of Two Seals	雙印傳奇	Empress Dowager Cixi
1985	The Princess of the Dynasty	一代公主	Empress Wei
1992	The Book and the Sword	書劍恩仇錄	Empress Xiaoshengxian
1994	The Chevaliers	俠義見青天	Empress Dowager Liu
1997	Legend of YungChing	江湖奇俠傳	Empress Xiaogongren
1998	Happy Flying Dragon	歡喜游龍	Empress Dowager Cixi
2000	The Prince of Han Dynasty	大漢天子	Empress Dowager Dou
2000	Princess Huai-yu	懷玉公主	Empress Xiaohuizhang
2001	Jade Finger Ring	玉指環	Empress Xiaogongren
2001	Scholars, Beauties and the Qianlong Emperor	才子佳人乾隆皇	Empress Xiaoshengxian
2005	Witness to a Prosecution III	月上江南之狄仁傑洗冤錄	Empress Wu Zetian
2008	War and Destiny	庚子風雲	Empress Dowager Cixi
2008	The Book and the Sword	書劍恩仇錄	Empress Xiaoshengxian
2012	The Emperor's Harem	後宮	Empress Qian
2011	Qin Xianglian	秦香蓮	Empress Dowager Liu
2013	Chinese Sherlock Shi	新施公案	Empress Xiaoshengxian
2012	Liu Lu's Groom	류루적신낭
2014	The Virtuous Queen of Han	衛子夫	Empress Dowager Dou
2015	Can We Still Love	다시 사랑할 수 있을까

3.2.2. Film

In addition to her television work, Sally Chen has also contributed to the film industry, including a notable role as a director.

Year	English title	Original title	Role
2017	The Bold, the Corrupt, and the Beautiful	血觀音	Director

4. Awards and Recognition

Sally Chen's acting prowess has been recognized with several significant awards and a distinctive nickname that highlights her unique contribution to historical dramas.

4.1. Major Awards

Chen has received critical acclaim throughout her career, marked by several prestigious awards. In 1971, she was honored with the Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actress, an early testament to her talent. Her consistent excellence was further acknowledged between 1977 and 1981, when she won the Most Favorite Actress award at the Golden Bell Awards for five consecutive years, a remarkable achievement that underscored her popularity and sustained performance quality.

4.2. "Empress Specialist"

Sally Chen is widely known by her distinctive nickname, the "Empress specialist." This moniker stems from her frequent and highly regarded portrayals of over a dozen Chinese empresses and imperial consorts in various television series. Her ability to embody these powerful historical figures with depth and authenticity has made her a go-to actress for such roles, solidifying her reputation in the genre and making the nickname synonymous with her career.

4.3. Acting Evaluation

Throughout her career, Sally Chen has garnered significant critical and public reception for her performances. Her consistent delivery of strong, memorable characters, particularly her iconic portrayals of empresses, has earned her a respected position in the acting field. The numerous accolades she has received, including the Golden Horse Award and multiple Golden Bell Awards, reflect her high standing among her peers and audiences. Her specialization in imperial roles has not only defined a significant portion of her career but also showcased her unique ability to bring historical narratives to life, contributing significantly to the landscape of historical dramas.