Tzi Ma, a veteran of over forty years in the Hollywood entertainment industry, has portrayed traditional and loyal fathers in Disney’s “Mulan” and struggled with familial and cultural identity in the independent film “The Farewell”. Recently, he was honored with the “2025 Congressional Leadership of the Year Awards” for his outstanding contributions as a community activist.
As one of the prominent figures representing Asian Americans in the film and television industry, Tzi Ma has long been dedicated to promoting diverse portrayals of Asian characters. With his versatile interpretations and solid acting skills, he has successfully shattered stereotypes surrounding Asians. His performances across film, television, and stage productions have created a broader space for Asian actors in Hollywood.
Born in Hong Kong and raised in Staten Island, New York, Tzi Ma started his career in the New York theatre scene while helping out at his family’s Chinese restaurant. He collaborated with renowned playwrights such as David Henry Hwang and Eric Overmyer, who even tailored scripts specifically for him.
In 1978, Tzi Ma made his debut on the big screen in “Cocaine Cowboys” and went on to be part of various film and television works like “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and the “Rush Hour” series during the 1980s and 1990s, steadily gaining recognition.
“Asian Americans—not just Chinese Americans—have made immense contributions to American society,” Tzi Ma remarked. “However, we are often only recognized as ‘Americans’ when we win awards. Our contributions go beyond just accolades.”
He believes that Asians still need to strive for their rightful place in society. “We will continue to fight to be fully integrated into American society because we have been here for a long time.”
Therefore, Tzi Ma stated, “With every film, TV show, or stage production I participate in, my hope is to help change the stereotypes about us and show that we are all human beings with just different skin colors.”
According to Tzi Ma, cultural communication is vital. When people say China is a “dragon,” it may sound threatening, but China also has adorable, kind, and gentle “pandas.” It all depends on how people communicate and interact. He believes that Chinese people should promote harmony among different ethnicities as there are no real barriers between humans.
Tzi Ma’s acting skills have garnered critical acclaim. In 2017, he received a Best Actor nomination from the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television for his role in “Meditation Park,” a film that straddles both commercial and independent cinema.
Entering the 2000s, Tzi Ma has appeared in at least 25 television productions, taking on more nuanced roles. In the 2010s, he ventured into voice acting for animations and video games, expanding his performance horizons. Since 2020, he has remained active in the entertainment industry, notably starring in the new TV series “Kung Fu.”
Currently, Tzi Ma resides in both Los Angeles and Vancouver. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and continues to advocate for diverse Asian representation, steadfastly promoting change through performance and action. ◇