Tzi Ma

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BIOGRAPHY 

For more than four decades, Tzi Ma (pronounced “TAI MA”) has been a pioneering force for Asian American representation in Hollywood. Celebrated for his remarkable versatility across film, television, and theater, his body of work spans major studio blockbusters such as Disney’s Mulan and the Rush Hour series, as well as critically acclaimed independent films including The Farewell, Meditation Park, and Arrival. His performances are widely praised for their depth, authenticity, and emotional resonance.

An outspoken advocate for equity and inclusion, Ma has long refused stereotypical or demeaning roles, helping expand opportunities and reshape industry standards for Asian American actors. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Staten Island, he developed his craft in New York’s theater community, collaborating with emerging playwrights David Henry Hwang and Eric Overmyer, who wrote roles specifically for him. His early stage work laid the foundation for a career defined by integrity and range.

After making his screen debut in 1978’s Cocaine Cowboys, Ma became a consistent presence throughout the 1980s and 1990s with appearances in acclaimed television series such as MacGyver, Star Trek: The Next Generation, ER, and 24, alongside major films including Rush Hour and Dante’s Peak. As the industry evolved, he seamlessly balanced mainstream studio projects with independent and international cinema, earning a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Meditation Park.

In recent years, Ma has continued to reach new audiences with powerful performances in Netflix’s Tigertail, Disney’s live-action Mulan, The CW’s Kung Fu, Hulu’s Interior Chinatown, and global streaming projects for Netflix, Amazon, and Paramount+. A member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, he remains one of the most respected and enduring actors of his generation, residing between Los Angeles and Vancouver while continuing to shape the future of film and television.