BAI LING

Some think Hollywood is about blondes, long extensions and designer labels… maybe so, but if you are looking to break free of the ‘cookie-cutter-crowd’ carve out your own identity, and still see your name in lights—then listen up and take a few notes from actress Bai Ling.  

One of very few actresses in Hollywood not afraid to stand out in a crowd, Ling is known as much for the unbridled creative fashion parade she puts on everywhere she goes as she is for the diverse roles she plays. They say looks can be deceiving, well never more than with this captivating actress.  I must admit I didn’t know what to expect before our interview as her public appearances seem to entail a paparazzi camera-fest focused on just her costume-style fashions.   But if you think that Ling is all about flash… think again.  She is a delightfully free spirit who is not afraid to walk her talk.  The longer we spoke the more I realized that her independent streak not only guides her own desire for individuality and freedom of self, but is a calling card for everyone afraid to go for their dreams because fear is holding them back.  In the world of Bai Ling…fear is not an option—something she hopes will inspire all women to believe and live.

Bai Ling was born in the southern city Cheng Du of China.  She says her humble beginnings gave her the determination and spirit not to be afraid to go for her dreams. Ling got an early start learning the meaning of hard work and discipline when at age 14 she enlisted in the Chinese People’s Liberation Army where she spent three years in a performance troop entertaining soldiers who were stationed in Tibet.  By the time her term of service was up the thrill of acting was in her blood—the next stop Hollywood.  Not one to get lost in a crowd, her exotic look and her willingness to learn and grow in her acting performances caught the eye of big name agents, producers and directors.  The more she worked, the more audiences and critics liked what they saw.  

Although voted one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world by People magazine, unfortunately in Hollywood it takes more than beauty to stay afloat.  Not to worry…over the years Ling has earned many awards for her acting including, the Spirit Diversity Award by The Hollywood Motion Picture Association, prestigious Breakthrough Performance Award from the National Board of Review and the Discovery Star awarded by the Hollywood Women’s Press Club for its Golden Apple Award and was also awarded the Asian Oscar for her daring and quite brilliant performance in the Hong Kong film “Dumplings”.

Ling’s innate ability to transform into whatever character a script calls for has put her front row and center working for and alongside some of the biggest names in the movie industry: Oliver Stone in “Nixon”, George Lucas in “Star Wars III”; Will Smith in “Wild Wild West”; Spike Lee in “She Hates Me”; Jodie Foster in “Anna the King”; Ang Lee in the “Wedding Banquet”; Alex Proya’s “The Crow”; Angelina Jolie in “Sky Captain World of Tomorrow” and Luc Besson’s French movie “Taxi 3″.  Performances on broadway have included Terrence Malik’s “Sansho the Bailiff” and television roles are many, and can be seen from portrayals of a sexy, mysterious Achara in the hit TV series “Lost” to a seductive and exhilarating in the HBO mega hit “Entourage.    

ST:  There’s little doubt that you dress to impress… Any thoughts on your choice of wardrobe?     

BL:  I discovered that I have this ancient spirit living inside of me—a tiny little girl that goes all over the world with me where ever I go.  When I’m out shopping or getting my nails or hair done her wild personality really shines through.  She is a little fashionista and the one leading my fashion world.  She is fearless and likes to have fun and doesn’t care what other people think,  about designer labels or what’s the “IN” look of the moment.  She follows her own instincts and is delightfully passionate, colorful and talented in keeping me young in heart, mind and spirit.  It’s so easy for me to pick out the clothes I wear because I am having so much fun just pleasing myself.  I came from very humble beginnings and therefore, I am not a slave to designer labels.  Of course, designers are wonderfully talented, but I have noticed that here in the Western culture people tend to rely on a designer labels and buy what designers like—rather than choosing for themselves and have fun dressing up.  I just go for it.  I have no boundaries.  Women  should be happy to celebrate their sexiness, and wear their favorite colors and let their personalities shine.

ST:  You give so generously to so many charities and endorse numerous organizations around the world. How do you have the time to do so much?   

BL:  It’s funny you mentioned this.  I am in the process of organizing my own charity event.  I’ve  thought about it for a very long time and feel that I am at a place where I will be able to help others in a way now that I never thought possible.  I attend charity events all over the world.  It’s important that celebrities use their name and goodwill to generate coverage for important causes that can save lives and improve the quality of those needing help.  As celebrities we have an obligation to use our fame to make the world a better place for all.  I will help any- one if it helps people and is for the right reason. 

ST:  So much is going on today.  As you travel the world tell me what is your take on what you see.

BL:  I grew up in the largest and most primitive area in south west China and learned about the beauty of my country and traditions of my culture.  And that is the way most people live.  What I‘ve discovered traveling the world is a feeling I believe is shared by people in all countries.   It’s not so much that we as people are different…I think it’s the boundaries placed on us by the governments that sperate us and force us to into a place of war with each other, rather than peace.  We are all God’s people.  We are all brothers and sisters.  We breathe the same air. It seems now that countries have turned people against one another in the name of cultural or religious belief, but is this what people really want?  I don’t think so.  I believe that people in every country are tired of war.   If one day I would be president of the world, I would diminish the category of “country” and allow people to live together as one. 

Ling’s up coming film “Southland Tales”, directed by Richard Kelly was in competition at Cannes Film Festival this year.  She also starred and was Executive Producer on the movie “Shanghai Baby”. She has eight movies in the works including “The Hustle”, “The Gene Generation” and “A beautiful life” and recently worked with Mr. Taylor Hackford in “Love Ranch”, co-staring with Helen Mirren and Joe Praci.  In April 2009 the worldwide release of Lionsgate comedy action ” Crank 2″ hit theaters and Ling  co-starred with Jason Atethem.  Ling is making her CD debut and has a book called “Nipples” to be published by Harper Collins. Currently Bai Ling is in post production of her own movie ” Nipples–Pieces Of My Dream” in which makes her directoral debut.

By Suzanne Takowsky