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Rae Dawn Chong

Actor

Rae Dawn Chong

Born February 28, 1961 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada64 films

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.

Start here

The best way into Rae Dawn Chong's work
The Color Purple posterFirst watchThe Color Purple19857.7as SqueakAn epic tale spanning forty years in the life of Celie, an African-American woman living in the South who survives incredible abuse and bigotry.View film

Essential films

Ranked by acclaim and reach
Commando poster6.7Commando1985Quest for Fire poster7.0Quest for Fire1981Jeff, Who Lives at Home poster6.2Jeff, Who Lives at Home2012Tales from the Darkside: The Movie poster6.2Tales from the Darkside: The Movie1990Crying Freeman poster6.4Crying Freeman1995The Principal poster6.4The Principal1987Beat Street poster6.9Beat Street1984American Flyers poster6.2American Flyers1985

Filmography

64 films as actor
  1. TBARelapseAccountant
  2. 2026Moodswing WhiskeyMama Marks
  3. 2026Scared to DeathRuth
  4. 2025The RavenNurse Virginia
  5. 2025FEELSitter 5
  6. 2023The Mistress
  7. 2022We Are Gathered Here TodayMary Reed
  8. 2021The Sleeping NegroBlack Woman
  9. 2018RebornDory Ryder
  10. 2017Five MinutesDelores
  11. 2014Knock 'em DeadJenny
  12. 2012Pegasus vs. ChimeraMayda
  13. 2012ShiverDetective Burdine
  14. 2012Jeff, Who Lives at HomeCarol
  15. 2010Cyrus: Mind of a Serial KillerVivian
  16. 2007ConstellationJenita
  17. 2006Deadly SkiesMadison Taylor
  18. 2006Max Havoc: Ring of FireSister Caroline
  19. 2002HighballRae Dawn Chong
  20. 2001The VisitFelicia
  21. 2000Dangerous AttractionAnn Rich
  22. 1999Things I Forgot to RememberMary
  23. 1998Valentine's DaySally
  24. 1997AlibiD.A. Linda Garcia
  25. 1997Goodbye AmericaSpecial Agent Danzig
  26. 1996For HopeWoman at Bar (uncredited)
  27. 1996Small TimeThe Woman
  28. 1996Starlight
  29. 1996Mask of DeathCassandra Turner
  30. 1995The BreakJennifer Irons
  31. 1995Power of AttorneyJoan Armstrong
  32. 1995Crying FreemanDetective Forge
  33. 1995HideawayRose Orwetto
  34. 1994BocaJ.J.
  35. 1994BoulevardOla
  36. 1993Father & Son: Dangerous RelationsYvonne
  37. 1993Time RunnerKaren Donaldson
  38. 1993When the Party's OverM.J.
  39. 1991The BorrowerDiana Pierce
  40. 1991ChaindanceIlene Curtis
  41. 1991Prison Stories: Women on the InsideRhonda
  42. 1990AmazonPaola
  43. 1990Curiosity KillsJane
  44. 1990Far Out ManRae Dawn Chong
  45. 1990Tales from the Darkside: The MovieCarola (segment ‘Lover’s Vow’)
  46. 1990DenialJulie
  47. 1987The PrincipalHilary Orozco
  48. 1987The SqueezeRachel Dobs
  49. 1987Running Out of LuckSlave Girl
  50. 1987Zabagabee
  51. 1986Soul ManSarah Walker
  52. 1986Casey at the BatCirce Lafemme
  53. 1985The Color PurpleSqueak
  54. 1985CommandoCindy
  55. 1985City LimitsYogi
  56. 1985American FlyersSarah
  57. 1985Badge of the AssassinChristine Horn
  58. 1984Choose MePearl Antoine
  59. 1984Cheech & Chong's The Corsican BrothersThe Gypsy
  60. 1984Fear CityLeila
  61. 1984Beat StreetTracy Carlson
  62. 1981Quest for FireIka
  63. 1978Stony IslandJanetta
  64. 1974The Whiz Kid and the Mystery at RivertonGreta