Rae Dawn Chong
Actor
Biography
Rae Dawn Chong, a Canadian-American actress, has graced screens for decades. Born in Edmonton in 1961, the daughter of comedian Tommy Chong, her heritage reflects a rich mix of African-American, Native American, Asian, and Scottish-Irish ancestry. After her debut in the 1978 film "Stony Island," Chong's breakthrough came in 1981 with "Quest for Fire," which earned her a prestigious Genie Award for Best Actress. Throughout the 80s, she thrived with diverse roles in films like "Beat Street," "The Color Purple," "Commando," and "Soul Man," showcasing her versatility across comedies, dramas, and thrillers. Continuing to act in the 90s and beyond, Chong has also been a philanthropist, supporting charities and even discovering a future star (Chris Pratt) during his early days as a waiter. With her impactful performances, Rae Dawn Chong remains a remarkable figure in the entertainment industry.
As Director
Filmography
Commando
as Cindy 1985
The Color Purple
as Squeak 1985
Jeff, Who Lives at Home
as Carol 2012
Quest for Fire
as Ika 1981
Tales from the Darkside: The Movie
as Carola (segment ‘Lover’s Vow’) 1990
Crying Freeman
as Detective Forge 1995
The Principal
as Hilary Orozco 1987
Hideaway
as Rose Orwetto 1995
Soul Man
as Sarah Walker 1986
American Flyers
as Sarah 1985
Fear City
as Leila 1984
Beat Street
as Tracy Carlson 1984
Cheech & Chong's The Corsican Brothers
as The Gypsy 1984
Reborn
as Dory Ryder 2018
The Borrower
as Diana Pierce 1991
Cyrus: Mind of a Serial Killer
as Vivian 2010
The Mistress
2023