Person

Rae Dawn Chong

Acting · Born 1961-02-28 · Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Biography

Rae Dawn Chong, a Canadian-American actress, has graced screens for decades. Born in Edmonton in 1961, the daughter of comedian Tommy Chong, her heritage reflects a rich mix of African-American, Native American, Asian, and Scottish-Irish ancestry. After her debut in the 1978 film "Stony Island," Chong's breakthrough came in 1981 with "Quest for Fire," which earned her a prestigious Genie Award for Best Actress. Throughout the 80s, she thrived with diverse roles in films like "Beat Street," "The Color Purple," "Commando," and "Soul Man," showcasing her versatility across comedies, dramas, and thrillers. Continuing to act in the 90s and beyond, Chong has also been a philanthropist, supporting charities and even discovering a future star (Chris Pratt) during his early days as a waiter. With her impactful performances, Rae Dawn Chong remains a remarkable figure in the entertainment industry.

Known for

Filmography

2026Moodswing WhiskeyMama Marks
2026Scared to DeathRuth
2025The RavenNurse Virginia
2025FEELSitter 5
2023The Mistress
2022Interview with the VampireFlorence de Pointe du Lac
2022We Are Gathered Here TodayMary Reed
2021The Sleeping NegroBlack Woman
2020Tales Behind The Darkside: The Making Of Four Ghoulish FablesHerself
2018RebornDory Ryder
20189-1-1Stacey Mullins
2017Five MinutesDelores
2016Better Things
2016American Crime StoryBetty Currie
2015Celebrity Family FeudSelf
2014Knock 'em DeadJenny
2012Pegasus vs. ChimeraMayda
2012ShiverDetective Burdine
2012Jeff, Who Lives at HomeCarol
2010Cyrus: Mind of a Serial KillerVivian
2009Celebrity Ghost StoriesSelf
2007ConstellationJenita
2006Greasy Rider
2006Deadly SkiesMadison Taylor
2006Max Havoc: Ring of FireSister Caroline
2005Charity JamSelf
2004Open AccessSelf
2003Wild CardSophie Mason
2003That's So RavenLynn Thomas
2002HighballRae Dawn Chong
2001The VisitFelicia
2000Mysterious WaysDr. Peggy Fowler
2000The Tulsa Lynching of 1921: A Hidden Story
2000Dangerous AttractionAnn Rich
2000Cursed Part 3Director
1999Judging AmyAtty. Westland
1999Things I Forgot to RememberMary
1998Valentine's DaySally
1997AlibiD.A. Linda Garcia
1997Goodbye AmericaSpecial Agent Danzig
1996For HopeWoman at Bar (uncredited)
1996Small TimeThe Woman
1996E! True Hollywood Story
1996Starlight
1996Mask of DeathCassandra Turner
1995The BreakJennifer Irons
1995Power of AttorneyJoan Armstrong
1995Crying FreemanDetective Forge
1995The Outer LimitsKaren Heatherton
1995HideawayRose Orwetto
1994BocaJ.J.
1994BoulevardOla
1993Father & Son: Dangerous RelationsYvonne
1993Time RunnerKaren Donaldson
1993When the Party's OverM.J.
1992Highlander: The SeriesClaudia Jardine
1992Melrose PlaceCarrie Fellows
1991The BorrowerDiana Pierce
1991ChaindanceIlene Curtis
1991Prison Stories: Women on the InsideRhonda
1990AmazonPaola
1990Curiosity KillsJane
1990Far Out ManHerself
1990Tales from the Darkside: The MovieCarola (segment ‘Lover’s Vow’)
1990DenialJulie
1988Walking After MidnightSelf
1987The PrincipalHilary Orozco
1987The SqueezeRachel Dobs
1987Running Out of LuckSlave Girl
1987Zabagabee
1986Soul ManSarah Walker
1986Casey at the BatCirce Lafemme
1985The Color PurpleSqueak
1985CommandoCindy
1985Tall Tales & LegendsCirce Lafemme
1985City LimitsYogi
1985American FlyersSarah
1985Badge of the AssassinChristine Horn
1984Choose MePearl Antoine
1984Cheech & Chong's The Corsican BrothersThe Gypsy
1984Fear CityLeila
1984Beat StreetTracy Carlson
1983The HitchhikerLeesa White
1982St. ElsewhereHooker
1982Late Night with David LettermanSelf - Guest
1981Quest for FireIka
1981À propos de 'La guerre du feu'Self
1980Top of the HillRita
1978Stony IslandJanetta
1974The Whiz Kid and the Mystery at RivertonGreta
1968The Dick Cavett ShowSelf - Guest
—RelapseAccountant

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