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.
5. Related Figures
5.1. Dai Chunrong
Sally Chen is often associated with Dai Chunrong, another actress born in 1961, who also specializes in portraying Chinese empresses. Both actresses have become renowned for their commanding performances in similar historical roles, leading to comparisons and shared recognition within the entertainment industry for their contributions to the genre.