Global FORCE

Checking in with Fan Bingbing.

Internationally known actress, producer, entrepreneur, and singer Fan Bingbing has major Chinese and global film projects on her resume—such as The 355, with a star-studded cast that includes Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, Diane Kruger, and Lupita Nyong’o, as well as the franchise blockbuster X-Men: Days of Future Past. Born in Qingdao, China, for years, Fan regularly topped international lists of the most well-known and influential Chinese actresses. In addition, she has since become, by all measures, a fashion and beauty icon. She was a juror at the 70th Cannes Film Festival in 2017 and returned to the Croisette this past May, drawing global attention to many Asian designers, including the Chinese designer Christopher Bu (see her printed dress featuring tigers in a bamboo forest), South Korean designer Sohee Park, Vietnamese designer Chung Thanh Phong, and Filipino designer Harvey Cenit. To cap it all off, in October of this year, she walked the runway at the Mugler Spring/Summer 2024 show.

In this conversation with L’OFFICIEL’s Global Chairman, Dr. Calvin Choi, Fan reflects on her decades-long career, her cinematic influences, and her approach to work, fashion, beauty—and life itself.

DR. CALVIN CHOI: How did your film career begin? Did you always want to be an entertainer?

FAN BINGBING: I have wanted to be an actress since I was a child. Playing another person’s life on screen, and inspiring people to reflect on it, gives me a sense of fulfillment.

CC: What do you consider to be some highlights of your career?