Tong Dawei (simplified Chinese: 佟大为; traditional Chinese: 佟大為; pinyin: Tóng Dàwéi, born 3 February 1979) is a Chinese actor and singer. Tong is best known for starring in the television series Jade Goddess of Mercy (2003), Struggle (2007), and Tiger Mom (2015); as well as the films Lost in Beijing (2007), The Flowers of War (2011) and American Dreams in China (2013).
Tong ranked 97th on Forbes China Celebrity 100 list in 2013, 84th in 2014, and 51st in 2015.
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Early life and career
Tong Dawei was born in 1979 in Fushun, Liaoning. He joined the Shanghai Theater Academy in 1997 and graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in Acting.
Tong first gained attention for his role in the romantic film I Love You (2002) by acclaimed director Zhang Yuan. He then starred in Jade Goddess of Mercy (2003), which was a huge hit with the audience in China and launched Tong into a household name. After the success of Jade Goddess of Mercy, none of Tong's performance struck a chord in the audience, till he starred in the youth drama Romantic Life (2006). His powerful performance in the series left a deep impression on the audiences, and Tong returned to the limelight once again.
Tong hit a new peak in his career with his most successful television series yet; Struggle (2007). Based on the popular novel by Shi Kang, Struggle gained unexpected acclaim and was seen as a breakthrough in Chinese TV production as it broke from the usual Chinese TV series focusing in traditional legends and series. Tong's character, Lu Tao, reflected the rise in a new social class in modern China. The same year, he starred in Lost in Beijing which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival and earned Tong a Best New Actor nomination at the Busan Film Critics Awards. He released his debut vocal album titled Da Shi Jie Xiao Zuo Wei (A Small Action in a Big World) in 2007.
