Tzi Ma
Quick Facts
Biography
Tzi Ma (Chinese: 馬志; born June 10, 1962) is a Hong Kong American actor who has made numerous appearances in American films and television series.
Early life and education
Ma was born in Hong Kong, the first of eight children.
Career
Ma's film career includes major roles in the films The Quiet American and the remake of The Ladykillers as well as appearances in Asian American independent films The Sensei, Red Doors, Catfish in Black Bean Sauce and Baby. He is recognized for his role as Consul Han in Rush Hour and in the third installment, Rush Hour 3.
He has appeared in Akeelah and the Bee and thriller Dante's Peak.
Ma appeared in Denis Villeneuve's 2016 film Arrival as General Shang, the commander of the Chinese military.
Ma is among the actors, producers, and directors interviewed in the documentary The Slanted Screen (2006), directed by Jeff Adachi, about the representation of Asian and Asian American men in Hollywood.
Television
He is also known for his recurring role as Cheng Zhi, the head of security for the Chinese Consulate (Los Angeles), on the television series 24, first appearing in the series's fourth season and reprising the role in 24: Live Another Day. He also voiced Bàba Ling, Francine's adoptive father, in the animated TV series American Dad!.
He also had a role in the first season of Martial Law as Lee "Nemesis" Hei, first major antagonist and Sammo Law's arch-nemesis.
Ma's other TV credits include guest appearances on MacGyver, Walker, Texas Ranger, Law & Order, ER, Boomtown, Commander in Chief, Chicago Hope, The Unit, Star Trek: The Next Generation, L.A. Law, NYPD Blue, Millennium, Fringe, Cold Case, NCIS: Los Angeles, Hawaii Five-0, Lie to Me, The Cosby Show, Grey's Anatomy, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hell on Wheels. Ma also had a voice role in the video game Sleeping Dogs. He also appeared on the ABC series Once Upon a Time as "The Dragon". He also appeared as a zen master on the USA series Satisfaction.
He appeared as General Onoda in the Amazon show The Man In The High Castle, and as Tao on AMC’s Hell On Wheels.
Filmography
Film
Year | Title | Notes |
---|---|---|
1979 | Cocaine Cowboys | |
1981 | They All Laughed | Uncredited |
1986 | The Money Pit | |
1990 | RoboCop 2 | |
1992 | Rapid Fire | |
1993 | Golden Gate | |
1995 | Make a Wish,Molly | Short film |
1996 | Chain Reaction | |
1997 | Dante's Peak | |
1997 | Red Peak | |
1998 | Rush Hour | |
1999 | Catfish in Black Bean Sauce | |
2002 | The Quiet American | |
2004 | The Ladykillers | |
2006 | Akeelah and the Bee | |
2007 | Baby | |
2007 | Rush Hour 3 | |
2007 | Battle in Seattle | |
2008 | The Sensei | |
2008 | Management | |
2009 | Formosa Betrayed | |
2012 | The Campaign | |
2013 | Made in Chinatown | Short film |
2014 | Million Dollar Arm | |
2014 | Sutures | Short film |
2015 | Diablo | |
2016 | Arrival |
Awards
Ma has received awards for his acting roles including the Cine Golden Eagle Award for Best Actor for The Dance and The Railroad, and the Garland Award for his acting in Flower Drum Song.