Zhou Yun

Zhou Yun was born into a business family in Wenzhou, China. Her exact date of birth is not known. According to publicly available information, she was raised by her grandmother from a young age because her parents were busy with their business and unable to devote much time to their children. She grew up in Wenzhou and has an introverted personality and is not very outspoken. At the age of 15, she participated in the Wenzhou Miss Beauty Pageant, and after changing her name, she successfully won the championship. This pageant was an important early experience for her. After graduating from high school, she entered a certain organization to work in finance and accounting, leading a relatively ordinary life.

In the winter of 1999, Zhou Yun traveled to Beijing with friends and developed an interest in learning foreign languages. On the advice of an acquaintance from the Oriental Song and Dance Troupe, she applied to the Central Academy of Drama's acting program and was accepted after passing the entrance exams.

In 2001, Zhou Yun made her first appearance in an advertisement, collaborating with Tony Leung in a commercial for the Binjiang World Trade Center. That same year, she signed a contract with Zedong Film Company, run by director Wong Kar-wai, and received opportunities to star in three of his films. Subsequently, in 2002, she starred in the TV drama "Walking Through Happiness," directed by Ye Daying, playing the neighbor girl Zhu Xiaobei. In 2003, she appeared in her first feature film, "Hero of Heaven and Earth," marking her debut on the big screen. That same year, she also starred in the television series "Tibet Police," playing Cai Lanjing, and in the series "My Brothers and Sisters," portraying the character Qi Miao.

In 2004, she played Ren Yuzheng in the CCTV urban drama "Moon in Shanghai." In 2005, she co-starred in the film "Peach Blossom Days," playing Xingzi. That year, she also appeared in Jiang Wen's directed film "The Sun Also Rises," playing "Crazy Mom." In 2007, she played Wu Liu in Jiang Wen's self-directed film "Gone with the Wind." In 2010, she portrayed Shuman in the TV series "Golden Wedding: Winds and Rain," directed by Zheng Xiaolong, earning her the Best Actress award at the Asian Television Rainbow Awards. During the same period, she also played the role of Flower Sister in Jiang Wen's film "Let the Bullets Fly."

In 2014, she starred as Wu Liu in Jiang Wen's "Gone with the Wind." In 2015, she played Jingjing in Hou Hsiao-hsien's "The Assassin," a role that earned her the Best Supporting Actress award at the 10th Asian Film Awards. In 2018, she participated in the comedy film "Never Say Die," playing seamstress Guan Qiaohong. In recent years, she has continued to be active in the entertainment industry. In June 2024, her TV drama "Nothing but a Grocery Store" aired.

Zhou Yun's personal life includes her marriage to director Jiang Wen; they registered their marriage at the end of 2005. She has two sons; her eldest is named "Mahu," and her second son was born in September 2006. After marriage, Zhou Yun mainly took care of her family while continuing her career in acting. She also actively participates in public service and social activities.