Personal details
- Birth Date: 1963-11-20
- Height: 5′ 4″ (1.63 m)
- Birth Location: Coloane Island, Macau
- Children: (2 children) Michaela Zee
- Children: (divorced) Michaela Zee
- Parents: Lin Chan Wen
- Professions: Actress, Soundtrack
Ming-Na, whose name pretty much screams “enlightenment,” kicked off her story on the tiny island of Macau, not too far from Hong Kong. Early on, things got bumpy—her mom, Lin Chan Wen, split from her dad when Ming-Na was just a little kid. She’s got an older brother, Jonathan, too. After the breakup, the family packed up for Hong Kong. Her mom hustled hard, working as a nurse, and eventually met Soo Lim Yee, some American businessman. Sparks flew, they got married, and Ming-Na found herself living in Queens, New York by the time she was four. Culture shock? Oh, for sure. Five years later, they shifted gears again, landing in Pittsburgh, because that’s where Yee’s family ran the Chinatown Inn. That restaurant’s a bit of a family legacy—Jonathan and Ming-Na’s half-brother Leong run it now. School wasn’t exactly a breeze for Ming-Na. She tried to blend in, even switched up her name to Maggie and Doris at different points (hey, kids just want to fit in, right?). Somewhere in the chaos, she got bitten by the acting bug—she played a klutzy bunny in an Easter play and fell for the stage right then and there. Her mom? Not thrilled. She wanted Ming-Na in scrubs, not scripts. But Ming-Na stuck to her guns, graduated from Carnegie Mellon with a theatre degree, and landed her first TV gig on “As the World Turns” in 1988. The real game-changer came with “The Joy Luck Club” in 1993. Fun fact: she met her future husband, Eric Michael Zee, because she needed a ride to the premiere. They clicked, started dating, got hitched in ’95, and now they even manage a boy band together. Wild, huh?
Back in 2008, People magazine put together its annual list of the world’s 100 Most Beautiful People, and—yep—this star made the cut. Talk about a flex! Not everyone gets their mug in that glossy lineup, so it’s kind of a big deal. The mag is known for mixing up the list with Hollywood A-listers, breakout TV darlings, and even a few surprises from sports and music. Landing a spot means you’re not just talented, but you’ve got that extra something—charm, style, maybe an aura that just grabs people. It’s basically a pop culture stamp of approval. And honestly, it’s not just about looks; People usually highlights personalities who are making waves, showing some heart, or standing out in their own way. Getting named in 2008? That’s one for the scrapbook, no doubt.
So, here’s the scoop: this one’s about a guy who’s just trying to get his shot, you know? He’s got talent, drive, all that jazz—just needs a fair shake. Doesn’t want any handouts or special treatment, just a real chance to land a role like anybody else. The story digs into how people sometimes get overlooked, even when they totally deserve a spot in the spotlight. There’s some frustration, a bit of hope, maybe even a few laughs along the way, but at its core, it’s about wanting to belong. Expect a few twists, some heart, and loads of moments where you’re rooting for the little guy. It’s relatable, a bit raw, and honestly, who hasn’t felt invisible once or twice? The whole thing really pushes you to think about what it means to be seen, to get your break, and to fight for your place in the world.
November 20, 1963
5′ 4″ (1.63 m)
Konidela Ram Charan
Coloane Island, Macau
Yes, Michaela Zee
Lin Chan Wen and Surekha
61 years old