Jackson Yee


Yi Yangqianxi, also known as Jackson Yee, is a Chinese actor, singer, and member of the boy band boygroup TFBoys. After gaining fame as a member of the boy group TFBoys, his breakthrough performance in Better Days earned him multiple Best New Actor awards, including the Hong Kong Film Awards, the Hundred Flowers Awards, and the Asian Film Awards. He subsequently starred in A Little Red Flower, Nice View, Full River Red, Big World and Resurrection. Yee is the first post-2000 Chinese actor to surpass ¥20 billion in cumulative box office earnings and the first to win the Golden Rooster Award for Best Actor.
Yee ranked 8th on Forbes Forbes [China Celebrity 100|China Celebrity 100] list in 2019, and 1st in 2020 and 2021.

Career

2005–2013: Career beginnings, ''Fashion Youngster''

Yee began his career as a child star, appearing in several variety programs from 2005 to 2008. In 2009, Yee became a member of former Chinese idol group Fashion Youngsters. He left the group in 2011. In 2010, Yee made his acting debut in the television series Iron Pear.
In March 2012, Yee participated in Hunan TV's reality talent show Up Young and entered the top 100. Despite being eliminated, he attracted the attention of TF Entertainment and was invited to audition with the company. Prior to debuting with TFBoys, Yee released his first solo single Dream Skyscraper. He also acted in several short films and appeared in the music video for Father, a song by The Voice of China contestant Zhang Hexuan.

2013–2016: TFBoys and solo activities

Yee officially debuted as a member of TFBoys in August, 2013. In 2015, he voiced the main character for the Chinese dub of the animated movie The Little Prince.
In July 2016, he starred in the xianxia television series, Noble Aspirations, playing a fox demon. In November, he released his second solo single "You Say". The single was produced by music producer Lee Wei Song and written by Leehom Wang. The same month, he joined the cast of the variety show Let Go of My Baby.

2017–present: Mainstream popularity

In January 2017, Yee joined the voice cast of the animated movie GG Bond: Guarding, playing the character of a mysterious man. Yee starred as the young version of the male protagonist in historical drama Song of Phoenix. He also released his own rendition of Li Sao for the soundtrack of the drama.
In September 2017, it was announced that Yee has set up his own independent studio for his solo activities. In November, Yee released his first English language single, titled Nothing to Lose, produced by Harvey Mason Jr., while Yee participated in the lyrics writing. Five days later, he released another single, titled Unpredictable, produced by David Gamson and with lyrics written by Dave Gibson.
In 2018, Yee was confirmed to join the dance-oriented variety show Street Dance of China as a captain. Yee was invited to attend the 60th Grammy Award Ceremony on 28 January 2018, held in New York as the Music Ambassador of Radio 101, a China Music Vision guest. He was also the youngest Chinese musician ever to be officially invited to the ceremony. The same month, Yee was named as one of the top 10 influential charity stars by Sina. Later in the year, it was announced that he will star in the fantasy animated film L.O.R.D: [Legend of Ravaging Dynasties 2]. He was invited to perform at the closing ceremony of 2018 Asian Games to promote the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games. This year, he was accepted into Beijing's prestigious Central Academy of Drama after placing first and achieving the highest score for both his college entrance examination and live audition.
In 2019, Yee starred in the film Better Days, adapted from a Chinese novel In His Youth, In Her Beauty. His performance earned him the Best New Performer Award at the 39th Hong Kong Film Awards. The same year, he starred in the historical mystery drama The Longest Day in Chang'an. On 22 December 2019, he held his first solo concert, Su Er in Shanghai, China.
In 2020, Yee starred in period action drama Forward Forever. In November 2020, he released Backseat Theater, a cover album. He recreated his imaginary "backseat concert" based on his numerous journey of going back and forth between North 2nd Ring Road and Changping when he was small. His second film, A Little Red Flower, was released in the theaters on 31 December 2020.
In 2021, Yee's first war film,The Battle at Lake Changjin, was released in the cinemas on 30 September 2021, and it became the highest-grossing film of all time in China. He was featured in the short film, A Date with Snow and Ice, that promotes Beijing Winter Olympic Torch Relay with Eileen Gu. The next year, Yee starred in a sequel to the film, The [Battle at Lake Changjin II], was released on 1 February 2022.
In January 2023, Yee starred in the film Full River Red, directed by Zhang Yimou. The film gained a box office of 4.5 billion RMB, becoming one of the highest-grossing film of all time in mainland China. On 14 April 2023, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong and Shanghai joined together to unveil two brand new wax figures of Yee. He is also the first-ever millennial to have three different wax figures at Madame Tussauds. His first figure was unveiled in 2018.
In January 2024, Yee was elected as a member of the Chinese Film Association Council, making him the youngest among the 167 members. On 24 June 2024, Yee has been appointed as the first Olympic™️ Friend in the People's Republic of China and will be championing the Olympic Values and Paris 2024 in his homeland. Two days later, with 30 days left until the 2024 Paris Olympics, Yee spoke about the Olympic spirit in an International Olympic Committee promotional video.
In 2025, Yee starred in the art-house film Resurrection, which was selected for the main competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival and awarded a Special Award. He became the first Chinese actor born after 2000 to surpass ¥20 billion in cumulative box office earnings and was named Best Actor by the China Film Director's Guild. On 15 November 2025, Yee won the Best Actor award at the 38th Golden Rooster Awards for his role in Big World, becoming the youngest actor and the first post-2000 actor to receive the honor. He sang the Mandarin version of the theme song, Together to the Mountains and Seas, for the 2025 National Games for [Persons with Disabilities of China].

Other ventures

Philanthropy and Advocacy

In June 2017, Yee was chosen as one of the WHO China Tobacco Control Champion by the World Health Organization.
In September 2017, Yee called for preserving and protecting the historic sites, and to stop uncivilized actions on cultural relics and monuments. He was named ambassador of the China Foundation for Cultural Heritage Conservation's Great Wall Charity Campaign Guardian of the Great Wall.
In November 2017, Yee was invited by the World Health Organization to Geneva as one of the four youth leaders from China, to give a speech a calling for the elimination of AIDS discrimination. Shortly after, he was awarded the title of WHO China Special Envoy For Health. As the special envoy for WHO in China, he naturally put an emphasis on healthy living, and also mentioned his support for the Children's Companion Program, a project that aims to help children in rural provinces whose parents have moved away to work in major cities. The same month, he collaborated with 16 other celebrities on the song "Embracing You", which serves as the theme song for 30th World AIDS Day.
At his birthday concert, held on 28 November 2017, Yee announced the establishment of the Jackson Yee Fund. Its first phase will help raise ¥1.5 million to support a charity program for the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation to help more than 12,000 rural, "left-behind" children, whose parents have moved to urban areas to earn a living with temporary jobs.
In 2019, Yee represented China at the United Nations Economic and Social Council Youth Forum. Joined by nearly 1,000 other youth advocates in New York on 8 and 9 April, he met with government ministers and officials to advance the role of young people in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Using the phrase "Yi qi lai ba!", Yee launched a new collaboration with WHO China encouraging young people to join to choose active, healthy lifestyles.
On 9 November 2019, Yee was announced as the China Forest Fire Management Charity Ambassador to promote the awareness of forest fires - to prevent forest fires and protect our green homes.⁣
In July 2021, Yee donated one million to Red Cross Society of China Zhengzhou Branch plus another one million to Han Hong Love Charity Foundation to relieve the damages done in 2021 Henan floods.
In respond to 2025 Tibet earthquake, Yee donated money to Han Hong Love Charity Foundation. In the same year, Yee lent his voice to United Nation Ocean Conference to promote World Oceans Day, calling on all sectors of society to pay attention to and protect our shared blue planet.

Endorsements

On 28 July 2021, Yee was announced as the Nescafé brand ambassador as they shared the same attitude of "dare to think and act".

Fashion

On 5 April 2021, Armani beauty made Yee as its global makeup and skincare ambassador. He had been the ambassador for Giorgio Armani makeup for China since January 2020 and an Emporio Armani global ambassador since August 2020. "Jackson Yee really has a voice in China," Véronique Gautier, global president of Armani Beauty, told WWD. She said he also resonates with young people and his human engagement echoes that of Giorgio Armani. On 19 January 2022, Armani beauty made Yee its Giorgio Armani Global Beauty Ambassador.
On 16 April 2021, Yee was promoted to Tiffany & Co.'s global ambassador as his endorsement of the brand at a regional level in China since his appointment June 2020 has "generated impressive levels of social media fan growth and consumer engagement that well exceeded our expectations," said CEO Alessandro Bogliolo. President Anthony Ledru mentioned in fall 2023 that the utilization of a digital Chinese Valentine's Day campaign with Yee had produced remarkable results as they looked for novel ways to draw in new audiences.
On 1 November 2022, Yee was appointed as the global ambassador of Jaeger-LeCoultre. "I greatly admire Jaeger-LeCoultre for its elegant and timeless style, rich heritage and constant quest for innovation," Yee said of his latest appointment. "I feel honored to work with the Maison and very much look forward to our new collaboration."
On 19 June 2024, Yee was selected as the global brand ambassador of Lindberg. He embodies the brand's spirit of "design, innovation, and personalization" through his versatility and eagerness to explore new creative realms.
On 20 August 2024, Yee was named the Golden Goose global brand ambassador. According to Silvio Campara, the CEO of Golden Goose, he is a true embodiment of creative energy and passion, aligning beautifully with the core values and authentic essence of the brand. The band appreciate his diverse approach to creativity and how it reflects the brand's identity.

Controversy

In August 2019, Yee ended his contracts with Givenchy after the brand produced a T-shirt listing Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan as separate countries.
In March 2021, Yee distanced himself with Adidas after the brand announced its decision to not use cotton sourced from the Xinjiang region where there were alleged human rights issues.
On 6 July 2022, Yee, a graduate of the Central Academy of Drama, was announced as one of the candidates admitted to the National Theatre of China as part of its 2022 cohort of fresh graduates. The announcement of a celebrity securing a bianzhi—a stable job with lifetime benefits at a government or government-backed institution—sparked heated discussion online over alleged irregular recruitment practices, lack of transparency, and unfair acquisition of such coveted positions, particularly amid China’s dire job market at the time. On 16 July, the National Theatre of China issued a statement confirming that the recruitment process was conducted in accordance with established procedures and requirements. On 17 July, Yee announced his withdrawal from the position to quell the controversy.

Discography

  • Temperature Curve
  • Back Seat Theater
  • Liu Yanfen
  • ''Keystone''

    Filmography

Film

Television series

Web series

YearEnglish titleChinese titleRoleNotes
2013The Legend of Yunchu Temple云居寺传奇Fugui
2014Hi-Tech Belle高科技少女喵Lee Kenan's younger brotherCameo
2014Surprise Season 2万万没想到第二季Cameo
2016Finding Soul超少年密码Chen Haoxuan

Variety show

Short film

Music video appearances

Accolades

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryNominated workResultsRef.
201616th Top Chinese Music AwardsMost Popular IdolWon
201616th Top Chinese Music AwardsMost Popular NewcomerWon
201616th Top Chinese Music AwardsMost Popular Variety IdolWon
2017Fresh Asia Chart FestivalTop Ten SongsYou SayWon
2017Fresh Asia Chart FestivalTop Ten SongsThe LamentWon
2017Billboard Radio China 2017Mandarin Song of the YearThe LamentWon
201710th Elle Style AwardsPopular Idol of the YearWon
2017Bazaar 2017 Men of the Year AwardsAttractive Celebrity of the YearWon
2017GQ Men of the Year Awards 2017Popular Idol of the YearWon
20187th iQiyi All-Star CarnivalMale Singer of the YearWon
2019GQ 2019 Men of the YearTop Ten Influential FiguresWon
20196th The Actors of China Award CeremonyBest Actor The Longest Day in Chang'anNomitated
201926th Huading AwardsBest ActorThe Longest Day in Chang'anNomitated
201926th Huading AwardsTop Ten Favorite ActorsThe Longest Day in Chang'anWon
2019Golden Bud - The Fourth Network Film And Television FestivalBest NewcomerThe Longest Day in Chang'anNomitated
20198th China Student Television FestivalMost Watched ActorThe Longest Day in Chang'anWon
2019Tencent Entertainment White PaperFilm Actor of the Year[Better Days |Better Days]Won
2019Tencent Entertainment White PaperReputable Variety Artist of the YearWon
2019Tencent Entertainment White PaperMost Commercially Valuable ArtistWon
2020Weibo Awards CeremonyHot Figure of the YearWon
202026th Hong Kong Film Critics Society AwardsBest ActorBetter DaysNomitated
202039th Hong Kong Film AwardsBest ActorBetter Days
202039th Hong Kong Film AwardsBest New PerformerBetter DaysWon
202028th Shanghai Film Critics AwardsBest New ActorBetter DaysWon
202027th Huading AwardsBest Actor in a Motion PictureBetter DaysNomitated
202027th Huading AwardsBest New PerformerBetter DaysWon
202035th Hundred Flowers AwardsBest NewcomerBetter DaysWon
202014th Asian Film AwardsBest NewcomerBetter DaysWon
202030th China TV Golden Eagle AwardGolden Eagle [Award for Best Actor |Best Actor]The Longest Day in Chang'anNomitated
202030th China TV Golden Eagle AwardAudience's Choice for ActorThe Longest Day in Chang'anNomitated
20207th The Actors of China Award CeremonyBest Actor The Longest Day in Chang'anNomitated
202017th Guangzhou College Student Film FestivalMost Popular ActorBetter DaysWon
202033rd Golden Rooster AwardsBest ActorBetter DaysNomitated
202128th Huading AwardsGlobal Best Young Actor/ActressBetter DaysNomitated
2021Sina Film & TV AwardsActor Of the YearBetter DaysWon
202130th Huading AwardsBest ActorA Little Red FlowerNomitated
2021Weibo Movie Awards CeremonyPopular Actor of The YearA Little Red FlowerWon
202134th Golden Rooster AwardsBest ActorA Little Red FlowerNomitated
202218th Guangzhou College Student Film FestivalMost Popular ActorA Little Red FlowerWon
202236th Hundred Flowers AwardsBest ActorNice ViewNomitated
202236th Hundred Flowers AwardsBest Supporting ActorChinese DoctorsNomitated
202235th Golden Rooster AwardsBest ActorNice ViewNomitated
202214th Macau International Movie FestivalBest ActorNice ViewNomitated
20221st Aollywood Five Continents International Film FestivalBest ActorNice ViewNomitated
202319th China Huabiao Film AwardsOutstanding ActorNice ViewNomitated
202318th Changchun Film FestivalBest ActorFull River RedWon
20231st Golden Panda AwardsBest Actor In A Leading Role, Film CategoryNice ViewNomitated
20245th Tencent Music Entertainment Awards2024 TMEA Annual Physical AlbumLiu YanfenWon
202437th Hundred Flowers AwardsBest ActorFull River RedNomitated
202516th China Film Directors' NightBest ActorBig WorldWon
202538th Golden Rooster AwardsBest ActorBig WorldWon

''Forbes''