Rosalind Chao
ActingLos Angeles, California, USARosalind Chao (born September 23, 1959) is an American actress of Chinese heritage. Chao's most notable roles are as South Korean refugee Soon-Lee Klinger on CBS' AfterMASH, as Keiko O'Brien on both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Dr. Kim on The O.C., Rose Hsu Jordan in The Joy Luck Club (1993), and Hua Li, Mulan’s mother, in the live-action version of Mulan (2020). Chao is married to voice actor Simon Templeman; they have 2 children.She began acting at the age of five in a California-based Peking opera traveling company at the instigation of her parents who were already heavily involved, and during the summers they sent her to Taiwan to further develop her acting skills. As a child, she played the daughter of a laundry owner (played by James Hong) on the 1970 episode of Here's Lucy entitled "Lucy the Laundress".For some time, Chao worked at Disneyland as an international tour guide.Deciding not to pursue acting, Chao enrolled in the communications department at the University of Southern California where she earned her degree in journalism. However, after spending a year as a radio newswriting intern at the CBS-owned Hollywood radio station KNX, she soon returned to acting.Her big break was with the role of Soon-Lee, a South Korean refugee, in the final episodes of the TV series M*A*S*H. Soon-Lee married longtime starring character Maxwell Klinger (Jamie Farr) in the series finale "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen", the most-watched U.S. sitcom television episode of all time as of 2021. Chao continued playing the character in the M*A*S*H sequel series: AfterMASH (1983), her first role billed at co-starring status.Chao regularly portrayed the Japanese exo-botanist Keiko Ishikawa O'Brien on both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. She was also originally considered for the part of Enterprise security chief Tasha Yar.She's had recurring roles as Miss Chung on season 5 of Diff'rent Strokes, Li Ying on season 5 of Falcon Crest, Dr. Judith Lin on Citizen Baines, Dr. Kim on seasons 1 & 3 of The O.C., Pastor Jin on Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment B, Mrs. Wu on Sin City Saints, Caroline on Better Things, and Tina Tchen on The First Lady.She's guest starred on numerous shows including This is Us, Code Black, The Catch, black-ish, The OA, Hawaii Five-O, Castle, Forever, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Bones, The Event, CSI, Private Practice, Grey's Anatomy, According to Jim, Six Feet Under, The Parkers, Monk, Without a Trace, Dharma & Greg, Once and Again, The West Wing, Family Law, ER, Brimstone, Chicago Hope, Murder She Wrote, thirty something, Jake & the Fatman, Miami Vice, Beauty and the Beast (1988), The A-Team, St. Elsewhere, Riptide, M*A*S*H,One Day at a Time (1981), Emergency!, The Incredible Hulk (1978), Here's Lucy, and more.She has starred in several movies including The Joy Luck Club, North (1994), What Dreams May Come, Impostor, I Am Sam, Freaky Friday (2003), Just Like Heaven, Mulan (2020) as Mulan’s mother, Together Together, and The Starling.In 2019, Chao was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences citing her contributions to critically acclaimed films The Joy Luck Club and I Am Sam.
Liam Cunningham
ActingDublin, IrelandLiam Cunningham, born in June 1961 in Dublin, has established himself as a versatile actor capable of portraying a wide range of characters. His early career began in the theatre, where he honed his craft and developed a deep appreciation for performance art. The energy of live theatre imbued him with a certain rawness that he later translated onto the screen.
His breakthrough came with the film A Little Princess, where he captivated audiences with his poignant portrayal that showcased his ability to infuse characters with authenticity and depth. This performance opened doors for Cunningham, leading to roles in notable films such as First Knight and Jude, where he demonstrated his knack for both drama and action.
Cunningham's acting style is marked by a genuine approach, often embodying characters who possess a rich inner life. His performances resonate with audiences, as he conveys complex emotions with subtlety and nuance. Whether playing a hero or a villain, he brings a level of intensity that captivates viewers.
Throughout his career, he has appeared in various television series, including the BBC One science-fiction drama Outcasts, which further showcased his ability to adapt to different genres. His role in the critically acclaimed series Game of Thrones as Davos Seaworth solidified his place in popular culture, garnering him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. This role highlighted his talent in portraying morally complex characters with a sense of integrity.
A notable aspect of Cunningham's career is his commitment to his craft. He has worked with a range of directors and actors, which has enriched his experience and refined his skills. His ability to collaborate effectively has made him a respected figure in the industry, influencing both emerging and established actors.
Recognition for his work has come in various forms, with Cunningham receiving nominations and awards that acknowledge his contributions to film and television. His performances often linger in the minds of viewers, leaving a lasting impact that speaks to his talent.
As an actor, he has not only entertained but also inspired many with his dedication to storytelling. His legacy lies in his ability to bring characters to life in a way that resonates deeply, making him a significant figure in the acting community.
Insomniacs Trivia
- Cunningham began his career in acting later than many of his peers, initially working as a plumber before fully committing to theatre.
- He has a strong connection to the stage, having performed in numerous productions with the renowned Gate Theatre in Dublin.
- Cunningham is known for his advocacy of the arts, often speaking out about the importance of supporting theatre and film in Ireland.
- He has appeared in several historical dramas, showcasing his versatility in various genres.
- In addition to his film and television work, Cunningham has lent his voice to video games, including the popular title Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series.
Insomniacs Take
Liam Cunningham’s career reflects a remarkable journey of growth and adaptability. His performances are a masterclass in the art of acting, blending emotional depth with a captivating presence. Specifically, his role in Game of Thrones not only elevated his profile but also showcased his ability to navigate complex narratives. As he continues to take on diverse roles, Cunningham remains a significant figure in the entertainment industry, inspiring a new generation of actors to explore the depths of character portrayal.
Jess Hong
ActingAuckland, New ZealandJess Hong is a New Zealand actress born in Auckland in 1997. She is known for playing Jin Cheng in the Netflix series, "The 3 Body Problem" created by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, and based on the legendary work of the writer Liu Cixin.
Marlo Kelly
ActingSydney, AustraliaMarlo Kelly, born on November 21, 2000, in Sydney, Australia, is a rising actress known for her compelling performances in television series. She began her acting career with the role of Skye Peters in the Australian soap opera "Home and Away" from 2015 to 2016.In 2019, Kelly gained international recognition for her portrayal of Beth Cassidy in the USA Network series "Dare Me," a psychological drama centered around high school cheerleaders.In 2022, she appeared as Jamie Murdock in the Peacock miniseries "Joe vs. Carole," which delves into the rivalry between Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin. Most notably, in 2024, Kelly starred as Tatiana in the Netflix science fiction series "3 Body Problem," an adaptation of Liu Cixin's acclaimed novel. Her performance as Tatiana, a complex character deeply involved in the series' central mysteries, has been praised for its depth and intensity.
Alex Sharp
ActingWestminster, London, England, UKAlexander Ian Sharp (born 2 February 1989) is an English actor. He is known for originating the role of Christopher Boone in the Broadway production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.After graduating from the Juilliard School in the summer of 2014, he made his Broadway and acting debut in the play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time in the autumn. For his role as the autistic teenager Christopher Boone, he was awarded the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play, Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Play, and the Outer Critics Circle Award.