Rae Dawn Chong
Born: 1961-02-28 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Known For: Acting
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.
Filmography
2026
- Scared to Death as Ruth
- Moodswing Whiskey as Mama Marks
2023
2022
- Interview with the Vampire as Florence de Pointe du Lac
- We Are Gathered Here Today as Mary Reed
2021
- The Sleeping Negro as Black Woman
2020
2017
- Five Minutes as Delores
2016
- American Crime Story as Betty Currie
- Better Things
2015
- Celebrity Family Feud as Self
2014
- Knock 'em Dead as Jenny
2012
- Jeff, Who Lives at Home as Carol
- Shiver as Detective Burdine
- Pegasus vs. Chimera as Mayda
2010
- Cyrus: Mind of a Serial Killer as Vivian
2009
- Celebrity Ghost Stories as Self
2007
- Constellation as Jenita
2006
- Max Havoc: Ring of Fire as Sister Caroline
- Deadly Skies as Madison Taylor
- Greasy Rider
2005
- Charity Jam as Self
2004
- Open Access as Self
2003
- That's So Raven as Lynn Thomas
- Wild Card as Sophie Mason
2002
- Highball as Rae Dawn Chong
2001
- The Visit as Felicia
2000
- Mysterious Ways as Dr. Peggy Fowler
- Cursed Part 3 ... (Director)
- Dangerous Attraction as Ann Rich
- The Tulsa Lynching of 1921: A Hidden Story
1999
- Judging Amy as Atty. Westland
- Things I Forgot to Remember as Mary
1998
- Valentine's Day as Sally
1997
- Goodbye America as Special Agent Danzig
- Alibi as D.A. Linda Garcia
1996
- E! True Hollywood Story
- For Hope as Woman at Bar (uncredited)
- Starlight
- Small Time as The Woman
- Mask of Death as Cassandra Turner
1995
- The Outer Limits as Karen Heatherton
- Crying Freeman as Detective Forge
- Hideaway as Rose Orwetto
- The Break as Jennifer Irons
- Power of Attorney as Joan Armstrong
1993
- When the Party's Over as M.J.
- Father & Son: Dangerous Relations as Yvonne
- Time Runner as Karen Donaldson
1992
- Melrose Place as Carrie Fellows
- Highlander: The Series as Claudia Jardine
1991
- The Borrower as Diana Pierce
- Prison Stories: Women on the Inside as Rhonda
- Chaindance as Ilene Curtis
1990
- Tales from the Darkside: The Movie as Carola (segment ‘Lover’s Vow’)
- Amazon as Paola
- Curiosity Kills as Jane
- Denial as Julie
- Far Out Man as Herself
1988
- Walking After Midnight as Self
1987
- The Principal as Hilary Orozco
- The Squeeze as Rachel Dobs
- Zabagabee
- Running Out of Luck as Slave Girl
1986
- Soul Man as Sarah Walker
- Casey at the Bat as Circe Lafemme
1985
- Commando as Cindy
- Tall Tales & Legends as Circe Lafemme
- The Color Purple as Squeak
- American Flyers as Sarah
- Badge of the Assassin as Christine Horn
- City Limits as Yogi
1984
- Beat Street as Tracy Carlson
- Fear City as Leila
- Choose Me as Pearl Antoine
- Cheech & Chong's The Corsican Brothers as The Gypsy
1983
- The Hitchhiker as Leesa White
1982
- St. Elsewhere as Hooker
- Late Night with David Letterman as Self - Guest
1981
- Quest for Fire as Ika
- À propos de 'La guerre du feu' as Self
1980
- Top of the Hill as Rita
1978
- Stony Island as Janetta
1974
1968
- The Dick Cavett Show as Self - Guest