Chinese Name: 楊謹華 (Yang Chin-hua)
Born: 1977
Did You Know That…?
Cheryl Yang began her career in 1992 at the age of 15 by appearing in commercials. At 19, she played the female lead in the music video for “Icy Rain (冰雨)” by the renowned Hong Kong star Andy Lau (劉德華).
At 18, Yang joined a girls’ idol group, but the group later disbanded due to limited performing opportunities and the bankruptcy of their management company. She then shifted her focus to acting. In 2002, she joined the cast of “My Secret Garden (我的秘密花園),” which went on to become a classic Taiwanese drama. Yang played the female lead’s best friend, a role that served as an early showcase for her acting talent. Although it was a supporting role, her performance left a strong impression on viewers and helped lay a solid foundation for her future success.
In 2005, Yang delivered a powerful performance in the critically acclaimed series “The Hospital (白色巨塔),” adapted from the novel by popular author Hou Wen-yong (侯文詠). The drama explores power struggles, fame, and ethics within a prestigious hospital. Yang played a journalist and was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series at the 42nd Golden Bell Awards.
In 2008, she appeared in the film “1895,” which had a production budget of NT$60 million and was the first Taiwanese film to feature the Hakka language. Based on a story by noted author Li Chiao (李喬), the film portrays the turmoil in a Hakka village during the Japanese invasion of Taiwan in 1895. Yang played Huang Hsien-mei (黃賢妹), a strong-willed and well-educated woman from a wealthy family in Toufen, Miaoli. Although she is not of Hakka descent, Yang studied the Hakka language diligently to deliver an authentic performance.
Yang rose to A-list status in 2009 with the hit television drama “My Queen (敗犬女王).” She played Shan Wu-shuang (單無雙), a 30-year-old woman grappling with challenges in both her love life and career. Her portrayal resonated deeply with audiences, highlighting the pressures faced by modern urban women. Her performance earned her a nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Television Series at the 44th Golden Bell Awards, along with widespread recognition for her acting skills.
In 2016, Yang starred in the Taiwanese period drama series “A Touch of Green (一把青),” captivating audiences with its rich narrative and historical depth. Set during the Chinese Civil War, the series explores the political and societal upheaval across the Taiwan Strait. Yang played a complex woman whose personal journey was closely intertwined with historical events. Her outstanding performance earned her the Best Actress award at the 21st Asian Television Awards in Singapore.
In 2021, Yang once again showcased her exceptional acting skills in the Netflix series “Light the Night (華燈初上),” where she played the role of Su Ching-yi (蘇慶儀), the owner of a Japanese-style nightclub. With a beautiful appearance and a conflicted personality, Yang impressed audiences by revealing the emotional depth and complexity of her character.
In 2024, Yang won the Golden Bell Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series for her role in “Oh No! Here Comes Trouble (不良執念清除師).” She portrayed the male lead’s mother, delivering a nuanced and heartfelt performance that captured the intricacies of the mother-son relationship.