Chinese language is now one of the most popular foreign languages in the world Mandarin Chinese learning is growing globally. Every day more and more people start learning Chinese for different reasons – such as better job opportunities, international business development, cultural immersion or pure curiosity. Many language learners fall in love with Chinese characters, tones and grammar and wish to become part of Chinese culture.
When we talk about Mandarin learners, we’re not just referring to students or expats learning Chinese in China or online. There are also many famous celebrities who speak Chinese including Mandarin-speaking Hollywood actors, international stars who speak Mandarin fluently and multilingual celebrities. Some can even speak it fluently impressing both their global and Chinese fans.
In this post discover the top 13 celebrities who can speak Chinese. Explore famous people who learned Mandarin and how speaking Chinese helped them build stronger international fan bases.
Meet Top 13 Celebrities who can speak Chinese!
01. Kevin Rudd – A Politician Who Speaks Fluent Chinese
When it comes to foreign politicians who speak Chinese, former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd stands out. He is known as one of the most fluent Mandarin-speaking Western politicians. In 1976 Rudd enrolled at the Australian National University majoring in Chinese language and Chinese history which laid the foundation for his strong Mandarin skills.
In 2008 he visited China and delivered a speech in fluent Chinese at Peking University (Beijing University) impressing both local students and the global media. His Mandarin Chinese fluency is widely praised and he often makes light-hearted jokes about his language abilities. One of his favorite expressions is:
中国有个说法，叫‘天不怕，地不怕，就怕老外开口说中国话
Zhōngguó yǒu ge shuōfǎ, jiào ‘tiān búpà, dì búpà, jiù pà lǎowài kāikǒu shuō zhōngguó huà’
Chinese people have a saying: “Fear neither Heaven nor Earth (= fear nothing at all), fear only a foreigner who opens his mouth and starts speaking Chinese”
Kevin Rudd is a great example of how learning Chinese as a second language can enhance diplomatic relationships, cross-cultural communication and even international public speaking. His commitment has inspired many Mandarin learners worldwide making him a role model among celebrities who can speak Chinese fluently.
02. Park Geun-hye – South Korea’s Former President Fluent in Chinese
Park Geun-hye, the former President of South Korea, is not only known for her political legacy, but also for her fluency in Mandarin Chinese. Park has impressed audiences in China with her ability to speak fluent Mandarin confidently during state visits and diplomatic meetings.
Park’s fluency in Chinese has earned her admiration across China with many viewings her as a Mandarin expert among world leaders, her passion extends beyond just communication — she’s deeply interested in Chinese culture and philosophy, often quoting classical Chinese texts and discussing Confucian values during her speeches.
Her ability to communicate directly with Chinese leaders and the public in their native language enhanced South Korea-China relations during her presidency and positioned her as a powerful example of how Mandarin Chinese proficiency can be an asset in global politics.
03. Mark Zuckerberg – Facebook Founder Who Speaks Mandarin
Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO of Facebook, is a globally recognized tech entrepreneur who surprised many when he delivered a 20-minute speech in Mandarin at Tsinghua University in Beijing back in 2015. His Mandarin Chinese skills caught both media and audiences off guard — not just for his willingness to speak but for his impressive vocabulary and fluency for a non-native speaker.
Zuckerberg has been learning Chinese for over five years driven in part by his Chinese-American wife Priscilla Chan and his genuine interest in Chinese culture. He’s also a fan of Chinese martial arts particularly Huo Yuanjia – a legendary figure in Chinese martial arts history.
Zuckerberg’s effort to master Mandarin has earned him praise and respect from Chinese speakers around the world and has highlighted the importance of Mandarin Chinese in international business and tech.
04. Mark Henry Rowswell (Dashan) – The Most Famous Foreigner in China
Mark Henry Rowswell better known by his Chinese stage name Dashan (大山) is one of the most recognized foreign celebrities in China. He is known as the “most famous foreigner in Chinese media”, thanks to his fluency in Mandarin Chinese and active involvement in Chinese cultural entertainment.
Rowswell began studying Chinese language and East Asian Studies in 1984 at a university in Toronto. After graduating in 1988 he deepened his studies at Peking University, focusing on Chinese literature. His breakthrough came in 1989 when he appeared on CCTV’s New Year Gala, China’s most-watched annual TV event. Playing a student named Dashan his performance made him an instant celebrity.
He went on to study xiangsheng (相声) — traditional Chinese comedic dialogue — under renowned comedian Jiang Kun Dashan has since become a bridge between Chinese and Western cultures advocating cultural exchange through humor and language.
In 2012 he was named Canada’s “Goodwill Ambassador” in China and in 2015 he launched his own show Dashan’s Gossip (大山侃大山) promoting cross-cultural communication through Chinese comedy.
05. Koji Yano – Japanese Celebrity and Chinese TV Host
Koji Yano is a well-known Japanese celebrity popular in China recognized especially for hosting the hit Chinese TV show 天天向上 (Tiāntiān xiàngshàng) which means “Improve Every Day”. His fluency in Mandarin Chinese and presence on Chinese television have made him a prominent figure among foreign celebrities who speak Chinese.
Yano’s success as a Japanese TV host in China highlights the growing trend of international celebrities mastering Chinese language skills to build cross-cultural connections and expand their influence in the Chinese entertainment industry.
06. Arabella Trump – Young Celebrity Fluent in Chinese
Arabella Trump daughter of Ivanka Trump and granddaughter of Donald Trump gained attention for her remarkable Chinese language skills at a very young age. At just 6 years old Arabella sang the famous Chinese folk song “Jasmine Flowers” (茉莉花 Mòlìhuā) for Chinese President Xi Jinping during his 2017 visit to the United States. This heartfelt performance made her a young Chinese language star and was widely praised by media outlets like Newsweek.
Arabella began learning Mandarin Chinese at age 3 showing early dedication to mastering the language and embracing Chinese culture. Her fluency and love for China highlight the growing trend of young international celebrities learning Chinese language and culture to build global connections.
07. Vanessa Branch – British Actress Fluent in Chinese
Vanessa Branch is a British actress known for her surprising fluency in Mandarin Chinese. Showcased in the TV show Entourage and the film Suburban Girl she gained major recognition in China for her lead role in the Chinese movie 牛奶也风尚 (Milk and Fashion), where the director praised her as “the first non-Asian Hollywood actress to star in a Chinese-speaking lead role”.
Vanessa started learning Chinese language at Middlebury College majoring in Chinese and theatre arts. She starred in other notable Chinese films like 爱情国境线 (Love in Translation) and 功夫侠 (Kung Fu Man). Passionate about Chinese culture and cinema, Vanessa aims to continue working in Chinese film and exploring opportunities across China.
08. Mira Sorvino – American Actress Studied Mandarin
Mira Sorvino the American actress and Golden Globe winner is notable for her dedication to learning Mandarin Chinese. Although she hasn’t spoken Chinese on camera yet, she studied Mandarin and East Asian Studies at Harvard University. To improve her language skills, Mira also attended Beijing University for further Chinese language immersion.
In a 2014 Reddit AMA when asked about her fluency in Chinese, she modestly replied it was mǎmǎhūhū (马马虎虎) meaning “so-so” showing her continued interest in mastering the Chinese language.
09. Herbert Hoover – 31st U.S. President Fluent in Chinese
Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the United States, was unique as the only U.S. president who spoke fluent Chinese. Before entering politics, Hoover worked as an engineer in China where he developed his Mandarin Chinese language skills.
Interestingly, Hoover used his Chinese fluency in a practical way by speaking Mandarin Chinese with his wife inside the White House to prevent others from eavesdropping. Despite not using Chinese directly in U.S.-China diplomatic relations, his language ability remains a notable part of his legacy.
10. Bob Woodruff – Fluent Chinese Speaking TV Journalist and ABC News Anchor
Bob Woodruff, a well-known TV journalist and ABC News co-anchor, became widely recognized after an injury in Pakistan in 2006. Before his television career Woodruff studied law in Michigan and later moved to Beijing to teach law. During his time in China he learned Chinese quickly and became fluent in Mandarin.
His strong Chinese language skills helped him become a field reporter in China for CBS. Eventually he transitioned fully to journalism working for a local Chinese news station. Before joining ABC News Woodruff utilized his Mandarin fluency again when reporting for the ABC documentary China Inside Out.
11. Ming Na Wen – Actress Fluent in Mandarin Cantonese and Shanghainese
Ming Na Wen a Macanese-born American actress is best known for her role in the drama series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and for voicing the Disney princess Fa Mulan. When asked about her Chinese language skills, she confirmed that she speaks multiple Chinese dialects, including Mandarin Chinese Cantonese and Shanghainese.
Her multilingual ability in Chinese languages showcases her cultural connection and fluency, making her a notable celebrity fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese.
12. Takeshi Kaneshiro – Multilingual Actor Fluent in Mandarin Cantonese and More
Takeshi Kaneshiro is a popular Japanese-Taiwanese actor and singer known for his multilingual abilities. He speaks Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Cantonese, English and Taiwanese. Notably, in the movie Dragon (武俠 Wǔ xiá) Takeshi showcased his Mandarin speaking skills.
His fluency in multiple languages especially Mandarin and Cantonese makes him one of the well-known celebrities who speak Chinese in the entertainment industry.
13. WWE Star and Celebrity Who Speaks Chinese Mandarin
John Cena, famous professional wrestler, actor, rapper and television host surprised fans in 2016 when he delivered a speech in Mandarin Chinese at the WWE press conference in Shanghai.
He has become dedicated to mastering Mandarin, practicing regularly with a tutor. Despite his busy schedule John Cena is now known as one of the top celebrities who speak Chinese and continues to improve his Mandarin fluency.
