Early life and education

Ma was born in British Hong Kong, the first of eight children.

Career

Ma's film career includes major roles in the films The Quiet American and the remake of The Ladykillers as well as appearances in Asian American independent films The Sensei, Red Doors, Catfish in Black Bean Sauce and Baby. He is recognized for his role as Consul Han in Rush Hour and in the third installment, Rush Hour 3.

He is also known for his recurring role as Cheng Zhi, the head of security for the Chinese Consulate (Los Angeles), on the television series 24, first appearing in the series's fourth season & reprising the role in 24: Live Another Day. He also voiced Bàba Ling, Francine's adoptive father, in the animated TV series American Dad!.

He has appeared in Akeelah and the Bee and thriller Dante's Peak. He also had a role in the first season of Martial Law as Lee "Nemesis" Hei, first major antagonist and Sammo Law's arch-nemesis.

Ma's other TV credits include guest appearances on MacGyver, Walker, Texas Ranger, Law & Order, ER, Boomtown, Commander in Chief, Chicago Hope, The Unit, Star Trek: The Next Generation, L.A. Law, NYPD Blue, Millennium, Fringe, Cold Case, NCIS: Los Angeles, Hawaii Five-0, Lie to Me, The Cosby Show, Grey's Anatomy, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hell on Wheels. Ma also had a voice role in the video game Sleeping Dogs. He also appeared on the ABC series Once Upon A Time as "The Dragon". He currently appears as a zen master on the USA series Satisfaction.

Ma is among the actors, producers, and directors interviewed in the documentary The Slanted Screen (2006), directed by Jeff Adachi, about the representation of Asian and Asian American men in Hollywood.

Awards

Ma has received awards for his acting roles including the Cine Golden Eagle Award for Best Actor for The Dance and The Railroad, and the Garland Award for his acting in Flower Drum Song.

Personal life

Ma is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. He has been married to actress Christina Ma since 1994.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]