Rae Dawn Chong Bio, Wiki, Age, Height, Parents, Spouse, Daughter, Net Worth, Movies and TV Shows

Rae Dawn Chong Biography

Rae Dawn Chong is a Canadian-American actress who born and brought up in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She is widely known for her roles in Commando as Cindy, Interview with the Vampire as Florence de Pointe du Lac, Quest for Fire as Ika, Impeachment: American Crime Story as Betty Currie, and in The Sleeping Negro as Black Woman.

Chong began her acting career in the late 1970s and early 1980s, appearing in films such as “Quest for Fire” (1981) and “Choose Me” (1984). She gained wider recognition for her role as Squeak in Steven Spielberg’s “The Color Purple” (1985).

Chong went on to appear in a variety of films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including “The Break” (1995), “Soul Man” (1986), and “The Principal” (1987). She also had a recurring role on the television series “Melrose Place” in the 1990s.

In addition to her acting career, Chong has also worked as a director and producer. She directed the film “Cursed Part 3” (2000) and produced the documentary “The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross” (2013).

---

10 Quick Facts About Rae Dawn Chong

1. Name: Rae Dawn Chong
2. Age: 62 Years (As of 2023)
3. Birthday: 28 February
4. Zodiac Sign: Pisces
5. Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.72 m)
6. Nationality: Canadian-American
7. Occupation: Actress
8. Marital Status: Divorced
9. Salary: Under Review
10. Net worth: $4 Million

---

Rae Dawn Chong Age

Chong is 62 years old as of 2023, she was born on 28 February 1961, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She celebrates her birthday on 28 February every year and her birth sign is Pisces.

Rae Dawn Chong Height

Chong stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (1.72 m). Her body measurements are 35-27-36 inches.

Rae Dawn Chong Weight

Chong Weighs 55 kg (121 lbs). She has dark brown eyes and dark brown hair.

Early Life and Education

Chong was born on February 28, 1961, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Her father, Tommy Chong, is a Canadian-American comedian and actor, and her mother, Maxine Sneed, is of Afro-Canadian and Chinese-Canadian descent. Chong spent her early childhood in Canada before her family moved to the United States.

Chong attended the Banff School of Fine Arts in Banff, Alberta, Canada, where she studied acting. She later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting and began studying at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.

Rise to Fame

Chong’s rise to fame began in the mid-1980s with her role in the Steven Spielberg-directed drama film “The Color Purple” (1985). Chong played the character of Squeak, the girlfriend of Harpo (played by Willard E. Pugh). Her performance in the film received critical acclaim and helped to launch her acting career.

Following “The Color Purple,” Chong appeared in a number of other popular films, including the action movie “Commando” (1985), in which she played the character of Cindy, and the romantic comedy “Soul Man” (1986), in which she played the character of Whitney Dunbar.

Chong’s success in film led to television appearances as well. She had a recurring role on the popular series “Melrose Place” in the mid-1990s, and also appeared on other shows like “Nash Bridges” and “Stargate SG-1.”

In addition to acting, Chong has also worked as a producer and director, and has continued to act in films and television shows throughout her career.

Rae Dawn Chong Family, Parents

Chong was born to her parents Tommy Chong and Robbi Chong in Edmonton. She has three younger half-brothers who are adopted. Chong also has a half-sister from her father’s second wife. Two of her sisters have also pursued acting careers together with Marcus Chong her half brother.

According to Chong, her paternal grandfather left a poor village in China in the 1930s to live with an aunt in Vancouver, where Chinese immigrants were mostly sequestered in a small area due to racial discrimination, and that although he spoke Cantonese, he refused to teach it to his children or grandchildren.

She said, “I think my grandfather had great racial shame, which was hard on us growing up. … We grew up desperate to know anything about our Chinese culture.” However, later in life, her grandfather “saw the error of his ways and embraced his heritage.” Chong belongs to American-Canadian nationality.

Rae Dawn Chong Siblings

Chong has four half-siblings, two brothers named Gilbran Chong and Paris Chong and two sisters named Precious Chong and Robbi Chong. Her sister, Maxine Sneed Robbi Chong, is a model and actress.

Rae Dawn Chong Spouse

Chong was married to Owen Bayliss who was a stockbroker. They later had a son named Morgan Baylis. However, they divorced in the year 1982. Then, she married actor C. Thomas Howell her co-star in the film Soul Man.

They got divorced in the year 1990. She then married Nathan Ulrich in the year 2001 and divorced in 2014 after 13 years of marriage.

 Rae Dawn Chong Net Worth

Chong has an estimated net worth of $4 million dollars as of 2023. This includes her assets, money and income. Her primary source of income is her career as an actress. Through her various sources of income, Rae has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.

Rae Dawn Chong Measurements and Facts

Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Rae Dawn.

Rae Dawn Chong Wiki

• Full Names: Rae Dawn Chong
• Popular As: Rae
• Gender: Female
• Occupation / Profession: Actress
• Nationality: American-Canadian
• Race / Ethnicity: Multiracial (Chinese, Scots-Irish, and Black Canadian descent)
• Religion: Not Known
• Sexual Orientation: Straight

Rae Dawn Chong Birthday

• Age / How Old?: 62 years (2023)
• Zodiac Sign: Pisces
• Date of Birth: 28 February 1961
• Place of Birth: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
• Birthday: 28 February

Rae Dawn Chong Body Measurements

• Body Measurements: 35-27-36 inches
• Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 8 inches (1.72 m)
• Weight: 55 kg (121 lbs)
• Eye Color: Dark Brown
• Hair Color: Dark Brown
• Shoe Size: 8 (US)
• Dress Size: 6 (US)
• Breast Size: 35 inches
• Waist Size: 27 inches
• Hip Size: 36 inches

Rae Dawn Chong Family and Relationship

• Father (Dad): Tommy Chong
• Mother: Maxine Sneed
• Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Robbi, Precious, Marcus, Paris, and Gilbran Chong
• Marital Status: Divorced
• Husband/Spouse: Owen Bayliss ​(div. 1982)​, C. Thomas Howell ​(m. 1989; div. 1990)​, Nathan Ulrich ​(m. 2011; div. 2014)​
• Dating / Boyfriend: Single
• Children: Sons (Morgan Baylis) Daughter(s) (None)

Rae Dawn Chong Net worth and Salary

• Net Worth: $4 Million
• Salary: Under Review
• Source of Income: Actress

Rae Dawn Chong Career and Commando

After Rae appeared in various television shows back in the day, Rae was given a second film feature Quest for Fire. This performance made her win the Genie Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading role back in 1983.

Rae’s other notable roles have been in the film Choose Me, Beat Street, The Color Purple, and Commando. She also made an appearance together with her father in Cheech & Chong’s The Corsican Brothers in 1984 and also the 1990 Far Out Man.

Rae’s most active moments was during the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s. She also continued to work in television and films from there onwards. She was given the role of Anne Lindsey in the Highlander Series.

Rae Dawn Chong Soul Man

Rae played the role of Sarah Walker in this American comedy film about a white man who wears make-up in order to pretend to be black. His motive was to qualify for a black-only scholarship at Havard School of Law.

Rae Dawn Chong Color Purple

Rae played the role of Squeak in this American Coming of age period drama film and based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning 1982 novel of the same name.

Rae Dawn Chong Beat Street

Rae played the role of Tracy Carlson in this 1984 American drama dance film featuring New York City hip hop culture. It also includes graffiti and also the early 1980s break dancing moves.

Rae Dawn Chong Chris Pratt

Chong performed the love interest in Mick Jagger’s video “Just Another Night”. Chris Pratt, at 19 years old, was waiting tables at the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company restaurant in Maui when he was scouted by Chong; she cast him in her directorial debut, the short horror film Cursed Part 3, which was filmed in Los Angeles.

Rae Dawn Chong Movies and TV Shows

Movies

• 1978 – Stony Island Janetta
• 1980 – Top of the Hill Rita TV movie
• 1981 – Quest for Fire Ika Genie Award for Best Actress
• 1984 – Beat Street Tracy Carlson

• 1985 – Commando Cindy
• 1986 – Soul Man Sarah Walker
• 1987 – The Squeeze Rachel Dobs
• 1989 – Rude Awakening Marlene

• 1990 – Denial Julie
• 1991 – Prison Stories: Women on the Inside Rhonda TV movie
• 1992 – When the Party’s Over M.J.
• 1993 – Time Runner Karen Donaldson

• 1994 – Boulevard Ola
• 1995 – Hideaway Rose Orwetto
• 1996 – Mask of Death Cassandra Turner
• 1997 – Alibi D.A. Linda Garcia TV movie

• 1998 – Valentine’s Day Sally Video
• 1999 – Cosas que olvidé recordar Mary
• 2000 – Dangerous Attraction Ann Rich
• 2005 – Constellation Jenita

• 2006 – Max Havoc: Ring of Fire Sister Caroline
• 2010 – Cyrus: Mind of a Serial Killer Vivian
• 2011 – Jeff, Who Lives at Home Carol
• 2012 – Shiver Detective Burdine

• 2013 – Mud Lotus Kim Short
• 2014 – Knock ’em Dead Jenny Logan
• 2015 – Drizzle Of Hope Ms. Johnson Short
• 2017 – Five Minutes Delores Short

• 2018 – Reborn Dory Ryder
• 2021 – The Sleeping Negro Black Woman
• 2022 – We Are Gathered Here Today Mary Reed
• TBA – Street Signs: Homeless But Not Hopeless Narrator Voice
• TBA – The Raven Nurse Virginia

TV Shows

• 1974 – Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color Greta
• 1980 – Lou Grant Adrienne
• 1983–85 – St. Elsewhere Billie Vaughn
• 1986 – Tall Tales & Legends Circe Lafemme

• 1991 – The Hitchhiker Leesa White
• 1992 – Nitecap Herself/host
• 1992–93 – Melrose Place Carrie Fellows
• 1994 – Lonesome Dove: The Series May Lawson

• 1995 – The Outer Limits Karen Heatherton
• 1996 – Highlander: The Series Claudia Jardine
• 1997 – Poltergeist: The Legacy Tanya Moreau
• 2000–02 – Mysterious Ways Dr. Peggy Fowler

• 2002 – Judging Amy Atty. Westlandy”
• 2003–04 – Wild Card Sophie Mason
• 2007 – That’s So Raven Lynn Thomas
• 2016 – Better Things Patty Donner

• 2018–19 – 9-1-1 Stacey Mullins
• 2019 – My Sister Is So Gay Parker
• 2021 – Impeachment: American Crime Story Betty Currie
• 2021 – Saturday Morning All Star Hits! Sheena Murphy
• 2022 – Interview with the Vampire Florence de Pointe du Lac

Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences

Rae Dawn Chong has had many notable travel, events, and experiences throughout her life. Here are a few:

• Growing up around famous figures: Dawn was born in Edmonton, Canada, in 1961 to a Canadian mother and a Black American father who was a comedian and actor. She grew up around famous figures such as Richard Pryor, who was a close family friend.
• International travel: Dawn has traveled extensively throughout her life, both for work and for pleasure. She has visited many countries, including Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, and France.
• Filming “The Color Purple”: One of Dawn’s most notable experiences was filming “The Color Purple” in 1985. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, was a critical and commercial success, and Chong’s performance was widely praised.
• Running the Paris Marathon: In 2014, Dawn ran the Paris Marathon, completing the 26.2-mile course in just over five hours. She trained for months leading up to the event and described it as a life-changing experience.
• Participating in the Women’s March: Dawn was one of the many women who participated in the Women’s March in Washington, D.C., in January 2017. The march was a protest against President Donald Trump’s policies and rhetoric, and Dawn was vocal about her opposition to his administration.
• Writing and producing her own films: Dawn has also had experiences as a writer and producer, creating films such as “Cursed Part 3” and “The Visit”. These projects allowed her to take creative control and explore her own vision as an artist.

Future Aspirations and Goals

• Continuing her acting career: Dawn has had a successful career in film and television, and it’s possible that she may continue to pursue acting opportunities in the future.
• Expanding her entrepreneurial endeavors: Dawn has already founded her own skincare line, Chongson, and it’s possible that she may continue to develop and expand her business ventures in the future.
• Advocating for important causes: Dawn has been an advocate for issues such as environmentalism, human rights, and women’s rights, and it’s possible that she may continue to speak out and support these causes in the future.
• Writing and directing her own projects: Dawn has already explored her creative vision through writing and producing her own films, and it’s possible that she may continue to pursue these interests in the future.
• Exploring new interests: Dawn has had a diverse range of experiences throughout her life, and it’s possible that she may continue to explore new interests and opportunities in the future.

Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement

Rae Dawn Chong has been involved in various philanthropic, charitable, and community activities throughout her life. Here are a few examples:

• Humanitarian work: Dawn has been involved in humanitarian work for many years. She has worked with organizations such as UNICEF and the Canadian Red Cross to help improve the lives of people in need around the world.
• Environmental activism: Dawn has been an outspoken advocate for the environment and has worked with organizations such as Greenpeace to promote sustainability and protect the planet.
• Women’s rights advocacy: Dawn has been a vocal supporter of women’s rights and has spoken out about issues such as gender inequality and domestic violence. She has also worked with organizations such as Women in Film & Video Vancouver to promote gender equity in the film industry.
• Community involvement: Dawn has been involved in various community activities throughout her life, such as volunteering at soup kitchens and supporting local charities.
• Philanthropic endeavors: Dawn has also been involved in philanthropic endeavors, such as donating to organizations that support cancer research and other important causes.

Rae Dawn Chong Awards Accomplishments and Achievements

Rae Dawn Chong is a Canadian actress who has had a successful career in film and television. Here are some of her notable awards, accomplishments, and achievements:

• Genie Award: In 1983, Dawn won a Genie Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for her role in the film “Choose Me”.
• Saturn Award: Dawn was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in “Commando” in 1986.
• Canadian Screen Award: In 2016, Dawn was nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Supporting Role in a Dramatic Program or Series for her role in the TV series “The Romeo Section”.
• Career: Dawn has appeared in over 50 films and television series throughout her career, including “The Color Purple”, “Tales from the Darkside”, “The Sopranos”, and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”.
• Entrepreneurship: Dawn is also an accomplished entrepreneur, having founded her own skincare line called Chongson, which features all-natural, organic products.
• Advocacy work: Dawn is known for her advocacy work on issues such as environmentalism, human rights, and women’s rights. She has also spoken out about her own experiences with domestic violence and sexual assault.

Legacy

Rae Dawn Chong has left a lasting legacy as an actress, entrepreneur, and social activist. Here are some of the ways in which she has made an impact:

• Breaking barriers in Hollywood: Dawn was one of the few actresses of mixed race in Hollywood during the 1980s and 1990s, and she broke barriers for other actresses of color. Her performances in films such as “The Color Purple” and “Commando” were critically acclaimed and helped pave the way for other diverse actresses in Hollywood.
• Entrepreneurial spirit: Dawn founded her own skincare line, Chongson, which has been successful and popular among customers. Her entrepreneurial spirit and ability to launch and grow her own business is an inspiration for others.
• Social and political activism: Dawn has been an active supporter of various social and political causes, such as environmentalism, women’s rights, and human rights. Her advocacy work has helped raise awareness and make positive changes in these areas.
• Inspiring future generations: Dawn’s diverse experiences and accomplishments serve as an inspiration for future generations of women and people of color who aspire to achieve success in the entertainment industry or in entrepreneurial endeavors.
• Charity work: Dawn has been involved in various charitable endeavors throughout her career, donating to organizations that support cancer research, environmentalism, and other important causes. Her philanthropy has helped make a positive impact on many lives.

Hobbies and Interests

• Travel: Dawn has traveled extensively throughout her life and has a passion for exploring new cultures and experiencing new things. She has shared photos and stories from her travels on social media.
• Writing: Dawn has written and directed several films throughout her career, which showcases her interest in creative writing and storytelling.
• Skincare: Dawn founded her own skincare line, Chongson, which indicates her interest in skincare and natural beauty products.
• Gardening: Dawn has shared photos of her gardening projects on social media, indicating her love for gardening and horticulture.
• Fitness and wellness: Dawn has also shared her dedication to fitness and wellness on social media, often posting about her workouts and healthy lifestyle.

Personal Beliefs

• Environmentalism: Dawn has been an outspoken advocate for the environment and has spoken about the importance of protecting the planet and promoting sustainability.
• Women’s rights: Dawn has been a vocal supporter of women’s rights and has spoken out against gender inequality and violence against women.
• Human rights: Dawn has been involved in humanitarian work and has spoken about the importance of protecting human rights and helping those in need.
• Multiculturalism: Dawn has spoken about the importance of multiculturalism and diversity, and has been an advocate for greater representation of people of color in Hollywood.
• Self-care: Dawn has spoken about the importance of self-care and self-love, and has shared tips on how to prioritize mental and physical wellness.

Quotes

Final Thoughts

Dawn has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, as well as in social and political activism, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. Her diverse experiences and accomplishments have left a lasting legacy and continue to inspire others to pursue their passions and make a positive impact on the world.

From breaking barriers as an actress to promoting environmentalism and advocating for social justice, Dawn’s personal beliefs and values have been evident in her work and public statements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rae Dawn Chong

Rae Dawn Chong Contacts

• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Youtube
• Tiktok
• Website

Related Biographies

You may also like to read the Bio, Career, Family, Relationship, Body measurements, Net worth, Achievements, and more about:

• Meg Foster
• Dawn Morante
• Dawn Bailey-Grimes
• Victoria principal
• Elise Ecklund
• Wayne Coyne
• Bruce Timm
• Nicola Peltz