Rosalind Chao Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Rosalind Chao stands as one of Hollywood’s quietly enduring talents — a performer whose journey from childhood stages to primetime television and major films illustrates resilience, versatility, and a subtle yet significant influence across decades of screen history.

A Childhood Stage-To-Screen: Early Motivations and Heritage

Born on September 23, 1957, Rosalind Chao entered a world that straddled both American and Chinese cultural currents.  Her parents — Chinese immigrants — operated a restaurant in Anaheim, California, and during her early childhood the family also ran a pancake house near Disneyland.  In that environment, Chao began performing at the tender age of five — she sang and danced in a Peking-Opera–style traveling troupe managed by her parents. 

Her early exposure to performance and multicultural roots shaped her sensibilities: she embraced both her Chinese heritage and her American upbringing — a duality that would later inform a variety of roles. She briefly explored a different career path, studying journalism at the University of Southern California (USC) and even interning at the CBS-owned radio station KNX. But the pull of acting proved stronger — she soon returned to the stage and screen, ready to carve out her own path.

When Opportunity Came Knocking: Breaking Into Television

Chao’s earliest credited screen appearance came in 1970 when she appeared as Linda Wong in an episode of Here's Lucy, acting alongside Lucille Ball. In 1972 she played Princess Serana in the short-lived sitcom Anna and the King.  Yet, after those early roles, Chao paused to attend college — a rare move for a child actor with early credits. 

Her return to acting was not just a relapse, but a reinvention. In the early 1980s she landed one of her breakthrough roles as Soon-Lee Klinger in the final episodes of the legendary wartime dramedy MAS*H — and later reprised the character in the spinoff AfterMASH (1983–84).  This role introduced her to a broad American television audience and solidified her status as a working actress capable of handling nuanced roles.

Navigating Hollywood as an Asian-American Woman: Major Roles and Milestones

Chao’s path wasn’t always smooth: as an Asian-American actress in the ’80s and ’90s, substantial roles were rare. Still, she persevered — and with perseverance came iconic parts. In the early 1990s, she landed the recurring role of Keiko O’Brien on Star Trek: The Next Generation, later continuing the role into its spinoff Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

In 1993, she achieved a career-defining moment in film with her performance as Rose Hsu Jordan in The Joy Luck Club — a groundbreaking movie for Asian-American representation.  Over the years, she balanced television and film, with credits spanning from supporting roles to major guest appearances, reflecting both her flexibility and consistent professionalism.

More recently, she broadened her portfolio further. She was cast as Hua Li — Mulan’s mother — in the live-action remake Mulan (2020), demonstrating her enduring relevance in the industry.

Off-Screen Life: Partnership and Privacy

In her personal life, Chao found stability and companionship. She has been married since 1989 to Simon Templeman, also an actor.  The couple share two children, a son and a daughter.

Despite her long career and visible roles, Chao has maintained a respectful level of privacy — rarely has she courted tabloid-style publicity. Instead, she’s let her work speak for itself, building longevity over flash.

Financial Snapshot – What Public Estimates Say

According to available public sources, notably a profile on Celebrity Net Worth, Rosalind Chao’s net worth is estimated at US$ 2 million.  The estimate is based on her decades-long career spanning television, film, and voice roles. As with all such estimates, it remains speculative — but it offers a modest benchmark of her financial standing.

What Her Journey Reflects: Representation, Resilience, and Reinvention

Rosalind Chao’s story is not one of overnight fame or celebrity excess. Rather, it’s a tale of steady dedication: a performer who embraced her heritage, navigated Hollywood’s often narrow filters for Asian actors, and built a career through persistence and adaptability. From child performer in her parents’ Peking-Opera troupe, to a television actress in landmark series, to a film presence that helped pave the way for richer Asian-American storytelling — Chao’s career speaks volumes about resilience and gradual progress.

Her journey reflects broader changes in the entertainment industry: the slow but meaningful opening of opportunities for actors of diverse backgrounds. Chao quietly contributed to representation long before it became a marketed virtue.

Her birthday — September 23, 1957 — reminds us of a generation raised in a time of far fewer visible platforms for Asian-American artists. That she carved a space for herself and remained active, relevant, and respected across decades offers a model of both endurance and understated influence.