Rae Dawn Chong
Acting • Born 1961-02-28
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
91 credits
The Color Purple
Movie • 1985
Squeak
The Principal
Movie • 1987
Hilary Orozco
Commando
Movie • 1985
Cindy
Tales from the Darkside: The Movie
Movie • 1990
Carola (segment ‘Lover’s Vow’)
Far Out Man
Movie • 1990
Herself
Soul Man
Movie • 1986
Sarah Walker
Crying Freeman
Movie • 1995
Detective Forge
Hideaway
Movie • 1995
Rose Orwetto
The Borrower
Movie • 1991
Diana Pierce
Choose Me
Movie • 1984
Pearl Antoine
American Flyers
Movie • 1985
Sarah
Max Havoc: Ring of Fire
Movie • 2006
Sister Caroline
Quest for Fire
Movie • 1981
Ika
Constellation
Movie • 2007
Jenita
Cyrus: Mind of a Serial Killer
Movie • 2010
Vivian
Beat Street
Movie • 1984
Tracy Carlson
Time Runner
Movie • 1993
Karen Donaldson
Deadly Skies
Movie • 2006
Madison Taylor
Fear City
Movie • 1984
Leila
Dangerous Attraction
Movie • 2000
Ann Rich
Goodbye America
Movie • 1997
Special Agent Danzig
Boulevard
Movie • 1994
Ola
Jeff, Who Lives at Home
Movie • 2012
Carol
Valentine's Day
Movie • 1998
Sally
Running Out of Luck
Movie • 1987
Slave Girl
When the Party's Over
Movie • 1993
M.J.
The Squeeze
Movie • 1987
Rachel Dobs
Mask of Death
Movie • 1996
Cassandra Turner
Pegasus vs. Chimera
Movie • 2012
Mayda
The Mistress
Movie • 2023
Amazon
Movie • 1990
Paola
Denial
Movie • 1990
Julie
Boca
Movie • 1994
J.J.
Prison Stories: Women on the Inside
Movie • 1991
Rhonda
Father & Son: Dangerous Relations
Movie • 1993
Yvonne
We Are Gathered Here Today
Movie • 2022
Mary Reed
Things I Forgot to Remember
Movie • 1999
Mary
Curiosity Kills
Movie • 1990
Jane
Highball
Movie • 2002
Rae Dawn Chong
Power of Attorney
Movie • 1995
Joan Armstrong
The Break
Movie • 1995
Jennifer Irons
Starlight
Movie • 1996
Casey at the Bat
Movie • 1986
Circe Lafemme
City Limits
Movie • 1985
Yogi
Knock 'em Dead
Movie • 2014
Jenny
Walking After Midnight
Movie • 1988
Self
Cheech & Chong's The Corsican Brothers
Movie • 1984
The Gypsy
Scared to Death
Movie • 2026
Ruth
Chaindance
Movie • 1991
Ilene Curtis
Alibi
Movie • 1997
D.A. Linda Garcia
Shiver
Movie • 2012
Detective Burdine
Small Time
Movie • 1996
The Woman
Badge of the Assassin
Movie • 1985
Christine Horn
Stony Island
Movie • 1978
Janetta
Five Minutes
Movie • 2017
Delores
The Visit
Movie • 2001
Felicia
Reborn
Movie • 2018
Dory Ryder
The Tulsa Lynching of 1921: A Hidden Story
Movie • 2000
Tales Behind The Darkside: The Making Of Four Ghoulish Fables
Movie • 2020
Herself
The Sleeping Negro
Movie • 2021
Black Woman
For Hope
Movie • 1996
Woman at Bar (uncredited)
The Whiz Kid and the Mystery at Riverton
Movie • 1974
Greta
Zabagabee
Movie • 1987
Moodswing Whiskey
Movie
Mama Marks
À propos de 'La guerre du feu'
Movie • 1981
Self
FEEL
Movie • 2025
Sitter 5
The Raven
Movie • 2025
Nurse Virginia
Greasy Rider
Movie • 2006
Relapse
Movie
Accountant
St. Elsewhere
TV • 1982
Hooker
Judging Amy
TV • 1999
Atty. Westland
Mysterious Ways
TV • 2000
Dr. Peggy Fowler
E! True Hollywood Story
TV • 1996
That's So Raven
TV • 2003
Lynn Thomas
Melrose Place
TV • 1992
Carrie Fellows
Wild Card
TV • 2003
Sophie Mason
The Hitchhiker
TV • 1983
Leesa White
The Outer Limits
TV • 1995
Karen Heatherton
Open Access
TV • 2004
Self
Charity Jam
TV • 2005
Self
American Crime Story
TV • 2016
Betty Currie
Celebrity Family Feud
TV • 2015
Self
Celebrity Ghost Stories
TV • 2009
Self
Interview with the Vampire
TV • 2022
Florence de Pointe du Lac
Highlander: The Series
TV • 1992
Claudia Jardine
Tall Tales & Legends
TV • 1985
Circe Lafemme
9-1-1
TV • 2018
Stacey Mullins
The Dick Cavett Show
TV • 1968
Self - Guest
Better Things
TV • 2016
Top of the Hill
TV • 1980
Rita
Late Night with David Letterman
TV • 1982
Self - Guest