Biography
The Chinese actress, singer and film producer was voted the most popular female singer in mainland China in 2017 and is believed to be the most successful Chinese actress today, with a net worth estimated at around $30 million as of September 2017. Yang has become popular among brands and publications — she was a global ambassador for Michael Kors and Versace, with whom she has collaborated on a handbag, has starred in an Estée Lauder campaign and has graced the cover of dozens of magazines, including Elle China.
Yang began her acting career at the age of 4 in a television series called Tang Ming Huang. Throughout her childhood, Yang appeared in minor roles, but many credit her official acting debut with The Story of a Noble Family in 2002. In 2011, she achieved fame with her lead role in Palace. Another series in which she featured, Interpreter, became the highest rated drama of 2016 in China. Yang continues to appear in various TV programmes, films and franchises, which are often huge financial successes. In 2017, Forbes China Celebrity 100 ranked the actress 3rd in the country, based on earnings and popularity. She has starred in over 30 films and more than 35 television series.
Yang’s Weibo microblogging account alone reflects her popularity within both China and internationally, having amassed over 105 million followers on the social media network. CBNData and Alibaba Group reported that the actress had the most influence on consumer purchases in China in the first quarter of 2018.
In 2014, Yang established her own agency called Jay Walk Studio, where she fosters the newest talent in China. The same year, she married Hong Kong actor and singer Hawick Lau.