Li Chen

Li Chen (, born 24 November 1978), also known as Jerry Li, is a Chinese actor and director. He is a cast member and leader of the popular variety program, Keep Running. Li is also known for his roles in the television series Beijing Love Story (2012), Beijing Youth (2012) and The Good Fellas (2016); as well as films Ultimate Rescue (2008), which won him the China Movie Channel Media Awards and Aftershock (2010). Li made his directorial debut in 2017 with Sky Hunter. Career Li made his acting debut in the 1997 television series, Seventeen Year-Olds Don't Cry, and was remembered for his role as a young, energetic and pure boy. Li's career went quiet for several years, in which time he embarked on several unsuccessful business ventures and flirted with the idea of becoming a racing car driver. In 2002, under the recommendation of his mentor Lü Liping, Li got the role of Qi Beile in the palace romance drama 13th Princess and started to re-gain attention. Though the drama wasn't a huge success, Li got attention for his performance and was subsequently cast in several productions. In 2006, he rose to fame again for his performance in the 2006 drama Soldiers Sortie, and was signed onto Huayi Brothers. Li was then cast in the film Assembly (2007) by Feng Xiaogang. In 2008, Li starred in the television film Ultimate Rescue where played a rough-edged taxi driver who is caught in the thick of a spontaneous rescue mission, and was widely praised for his realistic portrayal. Li was nominated at the International Emmy Awards for Best Actor, and won the Best Newcomer award at the China Movie Channel Media Awards. He continued his upward trajectory with several high profile films and television series including My Chief and My Regiment (2009) and Aftershock (2010); his performance in the latter resonated with the audience and earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Hundred Flowers Awards. Li then co-starred in the romantic drama Beijing Love Story (2012), which he also acts as producer. The series was popular during its run, recording 1 billion views and had a cult following online. The same year, he starred in Beijing Youth, the third installment of Zhao Baogang's Youth trilogy. The drama won positive reviews all-round for its realistic portrayal of youth. Li experienced a surge in popularity, and was named 'Artist of the Year' at the China TV Drama Awards.