Background
Ma was born in British Hong Kong, the first of eight children.
馬志
Ma was born in British Hong Kong, the first of eight children.
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 show"s fourth season & reprising the role in 24 season 09 (Live Another Day).
He also voiced Bàba Ling, Francine"s adoptive father, in the animated television 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 television credits include guest appearances on MacGyver, Walker, Texas Ranger, Law & Order, Emergency, Boomtown, Commander in Chief, Chicago Hope, The Unit, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Los Angeles Law, New York City Police Department Blue, Millennium, Fringe, Cold Case, NCIS: Los Angeles, Hawaii Five-0, Lie to Maine, The Cosby Show, Grey"s Anatomy, Agents of South.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 American Broadcasting Company series Once Upon A Time as "The Dragon".
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.
