When you think of Chinese movie stars, who comes to mind? If it takes you a few moments to come up with a name or two, don't worry – you're not alone. While Hollywood film stars seem to have global recognition, stars in the Chinese film industry have yet to become household names outside of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. But now that you're a bonafide expat, don't you think it's time for you to familiarize yourself with those actors and actresses who serve as pillars of Chinese pop culture? Read on for a basic guide to the major stars.

Jackie Chan 成龙

Perhaps the most famous name to come out of Asia, the question might be who hasn't heard of Jackie Chan? Born in Hong Kong on April 7, 1954, Chan was promptly enrolled by his parents in the China Drama Academy when he flunked out of primary school. He quickly became a master at (surprise!) martial arts, and became a member of the elite “Seven Little Fortunes,” a group comprised of the school's most promising students. Working as a stuntman in Bruce Lee films such as Fist of Fury, Chan quickly made a name for himself on his own right by starring in mega hits like The Young Master (1980) and Police Story 3: Super Cop, for which he was nominated for Best Actor at the 1993 Hong Kong Film Awards. Success in the Western film scene came slowly, but his 1995 cult hit Rumble in the Bronx provided the push needed (he also happened to win Best Action Choreography for this movie at the Hong Kong Film Awards). Rush Hour, coming out just three years later, launched him into immediate popularity. Chan continues to crank out hits to this day, with Rush Hour 2 raking in $347,325,802 USD at the worldwide box office.