Michelle Chen


Michelle Chen Yanxi, born Chen Mei-hsuan, is a Taiwanese actress and singer. Chen rose to fame for her role in the 2011 film You Are the Apple of My Eye, which broke box office records for Taiwanese films in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. Her other notable works include films Hear Me, Badges of Fury, Pali Road, as well as TV series The Romance of the Condor Heroes, Teresa Teng, and Sniper Butterfly.

Early life and education

Chen was born and raised in Taipei. She has an older sister. After middle school, she attended the college-preparatory school Southwestern Academy in San Marino, California. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Science in business administration in 2005.
In 2006, while visiting family in Taiwan, Chen caught the eye of producer and manager Angie Chai. Chen wanted to break into music at the time, but due to the slow growth of the industry, was persuaded instead by Chai to start her career in acting.

Career

Chen signed a contract with the company Comic Dialogue Theme by Angie Chai. Initially she wanted to be a singer, but the company wanted her to try to advance in the field of cinema. She therefore played supporting roles in several films and television series and caught attention for her lovely and cute looks, but did not leave much impression.
In 2009, she starred in the movie Hear Me as a swimming athlete with hearing disabilities. Her acting captured people's hearts and helped her clinch the nomination for the "Best New Actress Award" at the 46th Golden Horse Film Festival and Awards.
In 2011, after seeing success with her debut film Hear Me, Chen starred in the hit Taiwanese film You Are the Apple of My Eye. The film was written and directed by Giddens Ko, produced by Angie as executive, and based on Ko's novel. In the film, Chen plays the role of Shen Chia-yi. The film broke records at the box office, becoming the 4th highest grossing domestic Taiwanese film. In the film's soundtrack, she also wrote and sang the song Haiziqi. For her performance in the film, Chen was also nominated for a "Best Actress" award at the 46th Golden Horse Film Festival and Awards.
In 2013, due to the success of You Are the Apple of My Eye, Michelle Chen was cast in the lead role of the film Badges of Fury starring Jet Li, Donnie Yen and Simon Yam. In May 2013, Chen released her debut album Me, Myself, and I. Including some self-composed songs, the album received an average response from critics and music listeners.
In 2014, after termination of the contract with the company Comic Voice Tri in 2012, Chen was cast as Xiaolongnü in The Romance of the Condor Heroes. Her casting announcement was met with widespread opposition from the public, with criticisms leveled at her appearance, which is not as light and angelic as the description of Xiaolongnu in the book.
In 2015, Michelle Chen starred in two new series. In the movie Young For You, she played the role of Qiu Zi. In the TV series The Legend of Qin, she portrayed Rong Duanmu.
In 2016, she starred in Pali Road, where she played the role of Lily with actor Jackson Rathbone. The movie, filmed and set in Hawaii, United States.

Personal life

Chen's first boyfriend after entering the entertainment industry was a man by the name of Aron. Both had studied in the U.S. and returned to Taiwan in 2006. After a relationship of 1 year and 4 months, they broke up during Christmas the following year. Aron was later sentenced to 16 years for marijuana trafficking. Chen's single Sorry was written in memory of this relationship.
In 2010, Chen dated Alan Ko for eight months.
In 2015, Chen began dating her The Romance of the Condor Heroes co-star Chen Xiao. On July 5, 2016, they registered their marriage in the city of Beijing and held a wedding ceremony on July 19 at Yanqi Lake in Huairou, Beijing. They held the guining banquet in Chen's hometown of Taipei on July 21, 2016. Chen gave birth to their son in 2016, named Chen Muchen. On 18 February 2025, the two announced that they were divorced.

Filmography

Film

Television series

Variety show

Studio albums

Other songs

All songs are in Mandarin.

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryNominated workNotes
200946th Golden Horse AwardsBest New PerformerHear MeNomitated
201148th Golden Horse AwardsBest Leading ActressYou Are the Apple of My EyeNomitated
2012New York Asian Film FestivalAsia Rising StarWon
20126th Asian Film AwardsBest ActressYou Are the Apple of My EyeNomitated
20126th Asian Film AwardsFavorite ActressYou Are the Apple of My EyeNomitated
2012Changchun Film FestivalBest ActressYou Are the Apple of My EyeNomitated
2012Chinese Film Media AwardsFavorite PerformanceYou Are the Apple of My EyeWon
2012Chinese Film Media AwardsFavorite ActressYou Are the Apple of My EyeNomitated
2012LeTV AwardsMost Influential Movie ActressYou Are the Apple of My EyeWon
2012Chinese Music AwardsBest Movie ActressYou Are the Apple of My EyeWon
201517th Huading AwardsBest Actress The Romance of the Condor HeroesWon
201619th Huading AwardsBest Actress The Legend of QinNomitated
20192nd Cultural and Entertainment Industry CongressBest Supporting Actress The Shadow PlayNomitated