Li Meiqi

Li Meiqi, born in 1980, is of mixed Vietnamese and Western descent. Her father was a American soldier of Polish and Irish ancestry who served in the Vietnam War. Her mother was Vietnamese, who returned to Honolulu, Hawaii with her father after the war. She has four siblings. During her childhood, Li Meiqi exhibited exceptional athletic talent, participating in school track and swimming teams and competing in various sports throughout her student years.

After obtaining her high school diploma, at age 17, Li Meiqi heeded a friend's advice and left her small hometown in Honolulu to pursue a modeling career in Japan. However, she faced rejection and hardship in the Japanese industry, struggling to even secure three meals a day. Later, she moved to Taiwan, China, to continue her modeling pursuits but was repeatedly rejected and only managed occasional appearances on magazine covers. She lived in a dark, damp Clock Inn and faced financial difficulties. After a chance encounter with a stranger who offered assistance, Li Meiqi went to Hong Kong and contacted the connection pointed out by the woman — Meeyian Yong. From that point, Meeyian Yong became her agent for the next ten years.

In Hong Kong, Li Meiqi’s entertainment career gradually gained momentum. In 1998, she co-starred in the family drama "Dragon Hall," gaining recognition for her role. In 2000, she appeared in the fantasy horror film "Ghost Models," playing the dual personality character Carrie. That same year, she starred in the action film "Black Mask," marking her entry into martial arts cinema. Between 2001 and 2007, she achieved notable success in Hong Kong martial arts movies, attracting media attention. In 2001, she graced the cover of Asia edition of Time magazine, labeled as a “discovery in the modeling industry.” In 2002, she portrayed Anya in the action thriller "Naked Weapon." In 2003, she starred in "One House Two Fires," playing the elegant and mature Fu Wei. In 2004, she played Fu Wei again in "Magical Kitchen," and also appeared in "Around the World in 80 Days" and "Hainan Chicken Rice."

In 2006, she played the role of "Jenny" in the Hollywood film "Mission: Impossible III," which marked a turning point in her career. Subsequently, she participated in several blockbuster films, including working with Tom Cruise. In 2007, she starred in the action movie "Die Hard 4," playing Mai, showcasing her mastery of Asian martial arts. During this period, her international influence continued to grow.

After 2008, Li Meiqi took on important roles in numerous films and television dramas, including "Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon," "Suspect File," and the TV series "Nikita." Her portrayal of the lead character Nikita in the series "Nikita" made her one of the few successful Asian actresses to lead a major American series. She continued expanding her acting career, appearing in multiple Hollywood and Asian films such as "Divergent," "The Trackers," and "The Disciples."

In 2019, she had a brief relationship with actor Dylan McDermott, but they ended their engagement in February 2019. In 2025, she publicly announced her marriage. She has also actively participated in social charitable activities, including shooting promotional photos and advertisements for animal protection organizations, advocating for vegetarianism and animal welfare.

Li Meiqi’s career spans film, television, and social activism. She has received various award nominations and honors, including a nomination for Best Actress at the 2022 Critics Choice Super Awards. With her diverse roles and international influence, she holds a prominent position in the entertainment industry.