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Summary/Intro:
Kerry Berry Brogan is an American actress presently based in Beijing, China. She has appeared in over 50 films and television series in a wide variety of dramatic, comedic, starring and supporting roles. A fluent Mandarin speaker who began studying the language in high school, Brogan has a bilingual website and a popular Chinese-language blog that logged 840,000 hits in just two days before the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She is also a periodic guest and commentator on Chinese prime-time television shows.

Off screen, Brogan has played an active role in promoting East-West cultural exchange, and has received the Sino-American Friendship Award from the U.S.-China Foundation (2009), and the Goddess Artemis Award (2009), bestowed by the Euro-American Women’s Council and the Greek Ministry of Culture. She also served as the “International Green Ambassador” for the 2011 International Horticultural Exposition in Xi’an, China, and has been selected for a number of honorary positions including Film Ambassador for New Zealand’s Film Auckland and Goodwill Ambassador for the Flying Tiger Historical Organization. In addition to her acting work, Brogan is a celebrity spokesperson for Ruyi Art Pavilion in Guangxi and Aoting Cosmetics in Beijing, and frequently hosts and emcees bilingual cultural events, concerts and product launches for Fortune 500 companies.

In 2012, Brogan established Lotus Ray Media to facilitate film and television co-productions between China, New Zealand and the United States.

Photo: English name:			Kerry Berry Brogan Chinese name:			凯瑞 (Kai Rui) Nationality:				American Birthplace:				Newton, Massachusetts Occupation:			Actress Years active:			2002-present Current location:		Beijing, China

Early Life and Education
Born to Irish-American parents originally from the Bronx, New York, Kerry Berry Brogan grew up in Newton, Massachusetts. She got her first acting role at the age of 11, when she was cast as Alice in a local theatre production of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Bitten early by the acting bug, she appeared in a number of local productions in her junior high and high school years.

When she was 16, Brogan spent several months in Beijing studying Mandarin and living with a local Chinese family as part of the Newton-Jingshan High School Cultural Exchange Program.(1)(2) She continued her study of Chinese language and culture as an undergraduate at Bard College in Annandale, New York, where she majored in Asian Studies and appeared in operatic productions such as Pelleas and Melissande and L’Orfeo. In her second year of college, Brogan spent a semester pursuing advanced performance studies in the Acting Department of Beijing’s prestigious Central Academy of Drama. Fluent in Mandarin, Brogan has also studied French and German, and was an exchange student in Heidelberg, Germany, during the summer after her junior year in college. After graduating from Bard College, Brogan returned to China to pursue her acting career full-time.

Acting Career
Kerry Brogan has acted in over 50 films and television series, portraying a diverse range of fictional and real-life characters. Her first lead film role was in the 1999 movie Garden of Happiness, filmed on location in China’s southwestern Yunnan Province. Since then, Brogan has maintained a steady filming schedule, shooting on location in China and overseas, and often appearing in as many as 10 films and television programs per year.

Memorable film roles include Tricia Nixon in The Master Plan (2011), a film about Nixon’s historic visit to China; American martial arts student Lucy in Shaolin Kongfu (2010); the mermaid Dada in Empires of the Deep (2010); Mary in the Chinese western/action film Unusual Love (2009); Hannah, the troubled, drug-addicted daughter of an American businessman in the 2008 dark comedy Gasp, and journalist Helen Foster Snow in Heart to Heart, a 2008 feature film produced by August 1st Studios. [See Filmography, below, for more details on film roles.]

Notable television roles include Sister Eileen, a French nurse caught up in the Chinese Civil War in The Good Hero (2011); Helen, the wife of an American pilot in the Flying-Tigers-themed series The Great Rescue (2010); secret agent Laney Pierce in Wilting of a Wildflower (2007); Russian Princess Sophia in the Huayi Brothers-produced Qing Dynasty comedy Royal Tramp (2006-7); and Emma, an American orphan raised by a Chinese family in Storm on the River Song (2007). [See Filmography, below, for more details on television roles.]

Performance Training and Influences
At Bard College, Kerry Brogan studied theatre with professors Jeffrey Sichel and Naomi Thornton and later trained briefly with acting coaches John Homa and Warner Laughlin in Los Angeles. In 2009, she completed an intensive course in digital filmmaking at the New York Film Academy in New York City. 2011 found Brogan in Galway, Ireland, training with Andreas Martorell, a well-known practitioner and coach of “speech level singing”, while researching local musical traditions and penning a number of songs and lyrics of her own. That same year, Brogan underwent intensive training with Shakespeare and Company in the Berkshires, where she studied under acclaimed director Tina Packer using the Linklater technique. Brogan, who studied gymnastics from the ages of 6 to 16, has also added a number of martial arts and on-screen fighting techniques to her performance repertoire.

Honors and Awards
Ever since her participation in the Newton-Jingshan Exchange program and her first stay in China at age 16, Brogan has emphasized the importance of cross-cultural understanding and has incorporated it into all aspects of her work. She has been involved with a number of organizations dedicated to these goals, and has been recognized for her contributions to promoting East-West friendship. A 2008 front-page, feature article in the Boston Globe praised Brogan for her role as a "Sino-American cultural ambassador.”(3) In June 2009, Brogan was invited to Athens, Greece, to accept the Goddess Artemis Award from the Greek Ministry of Culture and the Euro-American Women’s Council (EAWC), an association dedicated to building strategic alliances to strengthen the status of women in the global marketplace.(4) Mrs. Loula Loi Alafoyiannis, president and founder of the EAWC, said that Brogan’s contributions to international exchange “exemplify what the Goddess Artemis Award is all about: outstanding personal achievement, the protection and promotion of women […] and a passion to create a better understanding between cultures.”(5)

In October 2009, Kerry Brogan became the youngest recipient of the Sino-American Friendship Award, given by the U.S.-China Foundation (USCF). (6) Brogan traveled to New York to accept the award and emcee a special gala concert, held at the Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, commemorating 30 years of diplomatic relations between China and the United States. The son-in-law of Richard Nixon, Edward Cox, who was also honored during the series of events, commented on Brogan’s receiving the award, “I cannot think of anyone better to symbolize the friendship between the United States and the People’s Republic of China than you.”

Kerry Brogan also holds a number of honorary ambassador titles. In 2010, she was appointed Film Ambassador by Film Auckland, an industry-led organization that markets Auckland as a film production and post-production locale and provides on-the-ground services for international film and television producers.(7) In 2011, Brogan traveled to New Zealand to attend the 2011 Rugby World Cup Finals in a trip sponsored by Film Auckland and ATEED (Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development). During the trip, Brogan met the prime minister of New Zealand and met with the heads of the New Zealand Film Commission, Film Auckland, Film Wellington and Film Queenstown, as well as other industry leaders, to discuss opening the door to greater collaboration between the film industries of China and New Zealand.

In 2011, the Flying Tiger Historical Organization (FTHO) named Kerry Brogan as their Goodwill Ambassador for her assistance in supporting and promoting the Flying Tiger Heritage Park and Museum in Guilin, China.(8) In a statement thanking Brogan for her acceptance of the appointment and welcoming her to the ranks of the FTHO, Major General James Whitehead, Chairman of the FTHO Board of Directors, said: “We are excited to have Kerry Brogan in this role promoting the mission we have to build the FTHO museum, memorial plaza and Walk of Heroes […] We thank you for your efforts in the past and look forward to your continuing support in the future for the FTHO mission.” As “International Green Ambassador” for the 2011 International Horticultural Exposition in Xi’an, China, Brogan promoted eco-awareness among college students through a university-outreach program sponsored by the Expo, and helped to launch an environmentally-themed drawing contest for Chinese and international schoolchildren.(9) Five hundred pieces of student artwork, selected from among thousands of submissions from China and abroad, were later exhibited in a special pavilion at the International Horticultural Exhibition in Xi’an, China.

Spokesperson and Endorsement Work
Since 2009, Kerry Brogan has been an image spokesperson for Aoting, a Beijing-based company active in promoting women’s health, beauty and lifestyle products and programs.(10) Announcing the choice of Brogan as their celebrity spokesperson, the Chairwoman of Aoting, Yu Xiaoyan, said: “As a leading figure in the global entertainment community, Kerry is the ideal person to represent Aoting's high international standards, improve our brand recognition and raise our profile worldwide.” Brogan is also a cultural ambassador for Ruyi Arts Pavilion, a Guangxi-based company that produces hand-carved wooden sculptures and bloodstone statuary based on historical Buddhist figures and themes in classical Chinese literature.(11) In addition to her work as a spokesperson, Kerry Brogan is also a frequent host and emcee for bilingual events, concerts and product launches for Fortune 500 companies including Hewlett Packard, Volkswagon and Volvo.(12)

Challenges of Being a Foreign Actor in China
The People’s Republic of China, the world’s most populous country and the second-largest in terms of land area, is a single-party state governed by the Communist Party of China, which exercises extensive control over media and entertainment content. The issue of the role the Western face plays in the domestic Chinese entertainment industry is only recently gaining attention; not much in-depth reporting or scholarly work has been done on this topic. While some media reports describe easy exposure or access to “one-off” roles for foreigners, very few Westerners have achieved long-standing careers in the entertainment industry in China.

Throughout her career, Brogan has managed to avoid many of the pitfalls that afflict other foreign actors in China. She is known for choosing her roles carefully and for dedication to her craft over opportunities for short-term gain or overnight fame. Popular comedic actor Ge You commented on Kerry’s professionalism: “QUOTE.”(13)

The portrayal of foreign characters in film and on television can be a sensitive topic in China. Chinese films and television series featuring foreign actors (particularly in lead roles) are often heavily censored, subject to delayed release dates, or never released or aired at all. For example, one of Brogan’s favorite television projects, Storm on the River Song, was aired on Chinese television only briefly, and then in very limited form, despite the fact that the series featured outstanding writing, stunning cinematography and an A-list of Chinese actors. In the series, Brogan portrayed protagonist Emma, the daughter of American missionaries who was orphaned at a young age and raised by a Chinese foster mother. A truly bicultural young woman, Emma attends university in the United States and eventually returns to China to become a successful international journalist. Storm on the River Song is unusual for the depth and believability of its non-Chinese dramatic characters, a fact that may account for the hurdles it faced with Chinese censors. Brogan says that the character of Emma is still her favorite television role to date. Any actor working in the film and television industry must be prepared for his or her share of hurdles and disappointments: performances that end up on the cutting room floor, series that don’t get picked up by the networks, or shows that get cancelled. In China, censorship and extreme government scrutiny of film and television mean a few added hurdles for the foreign performer. Of Kerry Brogan’s over 50 film and television projects, a number have met with unexpected or unexplained delays. Brogan, however, remains undaunted and continues her active career in film and television.

Film Production and Co-Production
In 2012, Brogan established Lotus Ray Media to facilitate film and television co-productions between China, New Zealand and the United States.

Filmography
(All films produced and filmed in China unless otherwise noted.)

2011		THE MASTER PLAN			LEADING: Tricia Nixon	DIR: Song Jiangbo

2011		DEEP SLEEP NO MORE		LEADING: Annette		DIR: Carmelo Musca; Australian Film Bureau 2010		SHAOLIN KONGFU			LEADING: Lucy		DIR: Wu Yue; The Movie Channel 2010		EMPIRES OF THE DEEP		LEADING: Dada		DIR: Michael French; Fontelysee Prod. 2009		UNUSUSAL LOVE				LEADING: Mary		DIR: Zhang Xin; Ningxia Film Studios 2009 	GRADUATION DAY			LEADING: Sophie		DIR: Han Yiyi 2009 	LOOKING FOR LEIFENG		LEAD: Sophie			DIR: Yin Dawei; The Movie Channel 2008		GASP						LEADING: Hanna		DIR: Zheng Zhong; Ciwen Productions 2008		GENE MUTATION				LEADING: Jenny		DIR: Yi Ding 2008 	HEART TO HEART			LEADING: Helen Snow	DIR: He Xiaojiang; August 1st Studios 2008 	SMILE WRISTLET 			LEAD: Annie			DIR: Pu Jian 2006		SALVATION OF DONGJI ISLAND	LEAD: Kelly			DIR: Zhang Xin; Lisbon Productions 2006		LITTLE QI FRIEND OF THE SEA	LEADING: Casey		DIR: Qian Xiaohong; Shandong Film Studios 2005		BEIJING LOVE STORY			LEAD: Katie			DIR: Peng Jinsong; The Movie Channel 2004		LOTUS RAIN					LEAD: Helen			DIR: Wang Guoxian; Golden Chang Media 2002		MOON OF STONE				LEADING: Margaret	DIR: Wang Wei; Yunnan Film Productions 1999		GARDEN OF HAPPINESS		LEAD: Kerry 			DIR: Sun Sha; Yunnan Film Productions

Television
(All television shows produced and filmed in China unless otherwise notes. All series are 20-40 episode miniseries except for “Rediscovering China,” a documentary series.) 2011		THE GOOD HERO					LEADING: Sister Eileen	DIR: Zhang Guoqing 2011		MA YONG ZHEN					LEADING: Lily		DIR: Zhang Qiefeng 2010		CIVILIAN KING					LEADING: Maria		DIR: Zhang Guoli 2010 	THE GREAT RESCUE				LEADING: Helen		DIR: Xie Gong 2009		MARRYING IN, MARRYING OUT	LEAD: Jenny			DIR: Xu Qiang 2009		WOMEN OF THE NEW 4TH ARMY	LEADING: Annie		DIR: Ding Hei 2008		AWAY AT SEA					LEADING: Madeline	DIR: Zhang Xin 2007		WARRIORS OF A NEW EMPIRE		LEADING: Katherine	DIR: Pu Zhengmin; CCTV 2007		HEROES OF THE SEA				LEADING: Corazon		DIR: Hu Minkai; CCTV 2007		STORM ON THE RIVER SONG		LEADING: Emma		DIR: Zhang Shao Guang; CCTV 2007		WILTING OF A WILDFLOWER		LEADING: Laney		DIR: Wangjia; Shenyang Production Studios 2006-7	ROYAL TRAMP					LEADING: Princess Sophia DIR: Yu Min; Huayi Brothers/ Wenlin Studios 2006		QI PAO							LEADING: Salya		DIR: Wangzi 2006		EIGHT BROTHERS				LEADING: Ellen		DIR: Yang Yazhou: Beijing Lianmang Studios 2006		THE 1937 COUP OF XI’AN			CAMEO: Agnes Smedley	DIR: Ye Dayin; Xi’An Production Studios 2006		SWORD STAINED W/ ROYAL BLOOD	CAMEO: Rocklyn		DIR: Zhao Jian; Wenlin Studios 2005		THE PRICE OF PROFIT				LEAD: Alex			DIR: Bate’er; CCTV 2005		MR. LI, MR. GOOD				LEADING: Aimei		DIR: Wang Xiaomin; BTV-4 2005		MOON ON THE DIANCHI RIVER		LEAD: Isabella		DIR: Chen Xie; CCTV-1 2005		DR. NORMAN BETHUNE			LEADING: Sister Herr	DIR: Yang Yang, CCTV 2005 	REDACTION HERO TIGER COURAGELEADING: Mary		DIR: Yu Liqing 2004		SANDA FIGHTING KING			LEADING: Jenny		DIR: Hu Linjiao; CCTV 2004		THE WIND BLOWS, THE SKIES PART LEADING: Jenny		DIR: Liu Xingang; Xinboayuan Movie & T.V. 2004		MOON OVER SHANGHAI			LEADING: Marlene		DIR: Chen Jie, Wang Yongchun; CCTV 2004		JADE OF BLOOD					LEAD: Lucy			DIR: Li Jiaqi; Hairun Online Productions 2003		ODE TO YAN’AN					CAMEO: Helen Snow	DIR: Song Yeming; CCTV-1 2003    	THE PEKING INCIDENT			LEAD: Anni the Spy 	DIR: Qian Xiaohong; Shandong T.V. Station 2003 	THE ANTAGONIST				LEADING: Lisa		DIR: Zhong Shujia; Eastern Art Studios 2002		WHEN WE WERE STILL YOUNG	LEADING: Helen		DIR: Shi Xuehai; Yunnan Film Productions 2002		AN UNEXPECTED FATE (2 episodes)	LEAD: Nisha			DIR: Sun Yashu; CCTV 2002		REDISCOVERING CHINA			HOST/REPORTER		CCTV-4/9, International Channel 2002		MEETING OF THE CENTURY 		LEADING: Nachars		DIR: Wang Wenjie; CCTV-1

Stage
(All theatre performed in the United States unless otherwise noted.)

2003		SUBURBAN MOTEL			LEAD: Lily Cape		DIR: Skott Taylor; Beijing, China 2000		L’ORFEO (Monteverdi Opera)		PRINCIPAL			DIR: Jeff Sichel 1998		PELLEAS & MELISANDA (Opera)PRINCIPAL			DIR: Jeff Sichel 1997		HARD TIMES					LEAD: Sissy Jupe		DIR: James Honeyman 1996		HAMLET						SUPPORTING			“Shakespeare & Company” 1996		THE GOOD DOCTOR			LEAD: Schizophrenic	DIR: James Honeyman 1995		AS YOU LIKE IT				SUPPORTING			“Shakespeare & Company” 1994		STATE OF THE ADOLESCENT 	LEADING: Lucy		DIR: M. Levy-Spouronnis 1992		ALICE IN WONDERLAND		LEAD: Alice			DIR: Sashi Kempfmann

References and Further Reading
(1)	http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/JingshanExchange/ (2)	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton-Beijing_Jingshan_School_Exchange_Program (3)	http://www.boston.com/sports/other_sports/olympics/articles/2008/08/06/mining_gold_for_chinese_silver_screen/ (4)	Euro-American Women’s Council (EAWC) website: http://www.eawc.org/ (5)	2009 13th Euro-American Women’s Council Artemis Awards: http://www.eawc.org/attachments/article/527/programme.pdf (6)	http://www.uscfinfo.org/ywb/share/look.asp?id=713 (7)	http://www.screenauckland.com/pg/blog/pete/read/9574/film-auckland-appoints-kerry-brogan-as-china-film-ambassador (8)	http://www.flyingtigerhistoricalorganization.com/NEWSLETTERS/NEWSLETTER_Vol1No3.pdf (9)	http://video.sina.com.cn/v/b/40428327-1693398981.html (10)	Aoting link? (11)	Ruyi Art Pavilion link? (12)	Emcee work link (from KBB website?) (13)	Ge You quote on Brogan’s professionalism?

10 External links

Official site (Chinese and English): www.kerrybrogan.com Chinese blog