Ming-na Wen
About
Biography
Biography
This attractive stage-trained performer appeared in a number of off-Broadway shows before making her breakthrough performance in "The Joy Luck Club" (1993) as part of a strong ensemble of Asian actresses. Wen (whose name means enlightenment) began her professional career in the Playwrights Horizon presentation of "Tiny Mommy." She went on to appear for three seasons as Lien Hughes in the on-going daytime serial "As the World Turns" (1956-2010). In her second feature, "Street Fighter" (1994), Wen appeared as a kick-boxing TV reporter opposite Jean-Claude Van Damme and Raul Julia. She had a recurring role as an ambitious third-year med student during the freshman year of the NBC medical drama "ER" (1994-2009). Wen was subsequently cast as a regular on the sitcom "The Single Guy" (NBC, 1995-97) as Trudy, the caustic owner of a SoHo art gallery. When the series ended, she headed to Broadway where she debuted in David Henry Hwang's "Golden Child" (1998). That same year, Wen also provided the speaking voice for the Disney animated heroine "Mulan" (1998).
Life Events
1988
Appeared as Lien Hughes in the daytime soap, "As the World Turns"; first Asian actor in a contract role on a soap
1992
Feature acting debut, "Rain Without Thunder"
1993
Breakthrough feature, "The Joy Luck Club"
1993
TV movie debut, "Blind Spot"
1995
Appeared in recurring role of med student Deb Chen on NBC drama "ER"
1998
Broadway debut as co-star of "Golden Child", written by David Henry Hwang
1998
Voiced the title character in Disney's animated "Mulan"
2000
Rejoined "ER" reprising her role as Jing-Mei (Deb) Chen; signed to remain with show through the 2002-2003 season
2001
Provided voice for the leading character of Dr. Aki Ross in the CGI animated feature "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within"
