Huang Qiuyan

Chinese Name: 黄秋燕
Citizenship: United States
Date of Birth: August 30, 1961
Age: 62
Birth place: Beijing, China
Occupation: Martial arts actress, beautician
Gender: Female
Relationships:
- Ex-husband: Jet Li
- Daughters: Li Si, Li Taimi

Huang Qiuyan, born on August 30, 1961, in Beijing, China, is a Chinese-American actress and beautician currently residing in the United States. Her journey began in the world of martial arts before transitioning into a successful acting career and, later, into the realm of beauty and cosmetology.

In July 1972, at the young age of eleven, Huang Qiuyan commenced her martial arts training at the Beijing Amateur Sports School in Shichahai, joining the class a year after the renowned martial artist Jet Li. Her dedication and skill were evident early on, leading to her selection for the prestigious Beijing Wushu Team in 1974, where she trained alongside Jet Li. Although Huang did not secure a medal during her tenure with the martial arts team, she demonstrated remarkable prowess in various competitions. Notably, in the 1982 Beijing Wushu Competition, she excelled in snake boxing and swordsmanship, clinching first and second place respectively.

Huang Qiuyan’s transition from martial arts to the silver screen occurred in 1984 when she made her film debut in “Kids From Shaolin” (少林小子), portraying the heroine San Feng (三凤). Her natural acting ability and compelling screen presence garnered immediate recognition and acclaim. Her on-screen chemistry with Jet Li, the film’s leading actor, sparked much speculation about their off-screen relationship. This collaboration continued, and in 1986, she again co-starred with Jet Li in “Martial Arts of Shaolin” (南北少林), playing the role of Sima Yan (司马燕), a lay disciple of Southern Shaolin.

Off-screen, their partnership took a personal turn, culminating in marriage in June 1987. The couple welcomed two daughters into their family. In March 1989, Huang Qiuyan and her family relocated to the United States.

The couple’s journey together reached a crossroad in 1991 when Huang and Jet Li divorced. Following this life-altering event, Huang embarked on a new career path, pursuing studies in beauty technology. Her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit led her to become a skilled beautician, eventually opening her own beauty salon in the United States. Despite her shift away from the limelight, Huang Qiuyan made a notable return to acting in 1993, starring as the heroine Li Siniang (李四娘) in “The Tale of a Heroine”(天山玉女剑). In 2005, she embraced a new chapter in her personal life by remarrying.

Huang Qiuyan’s life story, marked by transitions from martial arts to acting and then to the beauty industry, reflects her versatility and adaptability. Her journey is a testament to her talent, resilience, and dedication across various facets of her career and personal life.

Representative Works

Year	Title	Chinese Name	Role
1984	Kids From Shaolin	少林小子	San Feng (三凤)
1986	Martial Arts of Shaolin	南北少林	Sima Yan (司马燕)
1993	The Tale of a Heroine	天山玉女剑	Li Siniang (李四娘)