Li Chen

Li Chen (, born 24 November 1978), also known as Jerry Li, is a Chinese actor and director. He is a cast member and leader of the popular variety program, Keep Running. Li is also known for his roles in the television series Beijing Love Story, Beijing Youth (2012) and The Good Fellas (2016); as well as films Ultimate Rescue (2008), which won him the China Movie Channel Media Awards and Aftershock (2010). Li made his directorial debut in 2017 with Sky Hunter.

Career Li made his acting debut in the 1997 television series, Seventeen Year-Olds Don't Cry, and was remembered for his role as a young, energetic and pure boy. Li's career went quiet for several years, during which time he embarked on several unsuccessful business ventures and flirted with the idea of becoming a racing car driver. In 2006, he rose to fame again for his performance in the 2006 drama Soldiers Sortie, and was signed onto Huayi Brothers.

In 2008, Li starred in the television film Ultimate Rescue where played a rough-edged taxi driver who is caught in the thick of a spontaneous rescue mission, and was widely praised for his realistic portrayal. Li was nominated at the International Emmy Awards for Best Actor, and won the Best Newcomer award at the China Movie Channel Media Awards. He continued his upward trajectory with several high profile films and television series including My Chief and My Regiment (2009) and Aftershock (2010); his performance in the latter resonated with the audience and earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Hundred Flowers Awards.

Li then co-starred in the romantic drama Beijing Love Story (2012), which he also acts as producer. The series was popular during its run, recording 1 billion views and had a cult following online. The same year, he starred in Beijing Youth, the third installment of Zhao Baogang's Youth trilogy. The drama won positive reviews all-round for its realistic portrayal of youth. Li experienced a surge in popularity, and was named 'Artist of the Year' at the China TV Drama Awards.

In 2014, Li became a cast member of the variety program Keep Running, which had explosive popularity in China and launched Li into a household name.

Li then co-starred in war drama The Good Fellas, which he also acts as the creator cum executive producer. The series was filmed back in 2013, but only got its release in 2016. Li's efforts paid off, and The Good Fellas won the Best Television Series award at the Shanghai Television Festival.

In 2017, Li starred in the historical drama The Advisors Alliance, playing Cao Pi. The same year, he launched his directorial debut, Sky Hunter, which is China's first aerial warfare film.

In 2018, Li was cast in the action thriller drama Seven Days.

Personal life On 16 September 2017, Li and actress Fan Bingbing were engaged after Li proposed to Fan at her birthday party. The couple announced their separation on 27 June 2019.

In January 2021, Li opened a high-end bar in Sanya, China.

Filmography Films

Television series

Variety show

Discography Singles Year English title Chinese title Album Notes 2008 "Decision"决定The Line OST 2011"By Your Side"在你身边Struggle OST"I Do"我愿意 2012"Living"活着Beijing Youth OST 2015 "Teenage Dream"少年梦Xiucai Encountered Soldiers OST 2019 "造亿万吨光芒" Keep Running theme song With Angelababy, Zheng Kai, Zhu Yawen, Wang Yanlin, Lucas Wong and Song Yuqi

Accolades Awards and nominations Year Award Category Nominated work Result 20085th China Movie Channel Media AwardsBest New Actor Ultimate Rescue 200947th International Emmy AwardsBest Performance by an Actor 20105th Huading AwardsNewcomer Award 20114th China Student Television FestivalMost Popular Actor 2012 31st Hundred Flowers AwardsBest Supporting Actor Aftershock 5th China Image Film FestivalBest Supporting ActorSaving General Yang 8th Huading AwardsBest Actor (Youth)Beijing Youth 20142nd Asia Rainbow TV AwardsOutstanding Actor Beijing Youth 10th National Top-Notch Television Production Ceremony Top 10 Actors Angel is Coming 201618th Huading Awards Best TV Actor 23rd Beijing Student Film FestivalMost Popular Actor MBA Partners 2018 9th China Film Director's Guild AwardsBest DirectorSky Hunter 23rd Huading Awards Best New Director 25th Beijing College Student Film Festival Students' Choice Award for Favorite Director 20196th The Actors of China Award Best Actor (Sapphire Category)Seven Days

Forbes China Celebrity 100 YearRank 2013 35th 201483rd 201519th 201755th 202089th