Zhang Yuqi

Zhang Yuqi (; born 8 August 1987), also known as Kitty Zhang, is a Chinese actress best known for portraying Mrs. Yuen in the 2008 film CJ7 — which brought her media attention and kick-started her acting career, and Ruo Lan in the 2016 film The Mermaid. Early life and career Zhang was born in Dezhou, Shandong province. She left Shandong at the age of 15 to attend acting school in Shanghai. Zhang appeared in a minor, uncredited role in the 2007 film The Longest Night in Shanghai. Stephen Chow first noticed her in an advertisement for Kentucky Fried Chicken, and recruited her into his agency. Zhang was given arduous training in acting, dancing, and singing. She made her debut in the science fiction film CJ7, playing a young teacher. The role brought her major media attention, and because of Chow's tradition of placing stars alongside new actresses who later gain other major roles, Zhang has been called one of the "星女郎" (xīng nǚ láng, "star girls" or "Sing girls"—Sing Yeh is a common nickname of Chow's). After CJ7, Zhang appeared in the Japanese film Shaolin Girl (which was also produced by Chow). Chow considered casting her in Dragonball Evolution, but the role was ultimately given to another actress.