← Back to explore

Rae Dawn Chong

Acting

Born February 28, 1961 · Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Also known as ری داون چونگ

Biography

Rae Dawn Chong, a Canadian-American actress, has graced screens for decades. Born in Edmonton in 1961, the daughter of comedian Tommy Chong, her heritage reflects a rich mix of African-American, Native American, Asian, and Scottish-Irish ancestry. After her debut in the 1978 film "Stony Island," Chong's breakthrough came in 1981 with "Quest for Fire," which earned her a prestigious Genie Award for Best Actress. Throughout the 80s, she thrived with diverse roles in films like "Beat Street," "The Color Purple," "Commando," and "Soul Man," showcasing her versatility across comedies, dramas, and thrillers. Continuing to act in the 90s and beyond, Chong has also been a philanthropist, supporting charities and even discovering a future star (Chris Pratt) during his early days as a waiter. With her impactful performances, Rae Dawn Chong remains a remarkable figure in the entertainment industry.

Filmography50+ titles

9-1-1

2018as Stacey Mullins

Stony Island

1978as Janetta

Celebrity Family Feud

2015as Self

The Outer Limits

1995as Karen Heatherton

The Color Purple

1985as Squeak

American Crime Story

2016as Betty Currie

Interview with the Vampire

2022as Florence de Pointe du Lac

Highlander: The Series

1992as Claudia Jardine

Celebrity Ghost Stories

2008as Self

That's So Raven

2003as Lynn Thomas

Better Things

2016

Quest for Fire

1981as Ika

Beat Street

1984as Tracy Carlson

The Dick Cavett Show

1968as Self - Guest

Commando

1985as Cindy

The Principal

1987as Hilary Orozco

Reborn

2018as Dory Ryder

Jeff, Who Lives at Home

2011as Carol

Father & Son: Dangerous Relations

1993as Yvonne

Tales from the Darkside: The Movie

1990as Carola (segment ‘Lover’s Vow’)

The Break

1995as Jennifer Irons

American Flyers

1985as Sarah

Choose Me

1984as Pearl Antoine

Melrose Place

1992as Carrie Fellows

Constellation

2007as Jenita

St. Elsewhere

1982as Hooker

Badge of the Assassin

1985as Christine Horn

Far Out Man

1990as Herself

Fear City

1984as Leila

Power of Attorney

1995as Joan Armstrong

Soul Man

1986as Sarah Walker

Goodbye America

1997as Special Agent Danzig

Hideaway

1995as Rose Orwetto

Denial

1990as Julie

The Borrower

1991as Diana Pierce

The Squeeze

1987as Rachel Dobs

When the Party's Over

1993as M.J.

Cheech & Chong's: The Corsican Brothers

1984as The Gypsy

Dangerous Attraction

2000as Ann Rich

Boulevard

1994as Ola

The Mistress

2022

Time Runner

1993as Karen Donaldson

Shiver

2012as Detective Burdine

Deadly Skies

2006as Madison Taylor

Max Havoc: Ring of Fire

2006as Sister Caroline

Pegasus vs. Chimera

2012as Mayda

Mask of Death

1996as Cassandra Turner

The Sleeping Negro

2021as Black Woman

Scared to Death

2026as Ruth

The Raven

2025as Nurse Virginia