Lucille Soong Biography: Nationality, Age, Awards, Husband, Children, Net Worth, Height

Lucille Soong is a beloved Chinese-American actress whose journey from Beijing to Hollywood is a true American success story.

Her career began in Hong Kong with a role in Ferry to Hong Kong and took her to London’s Swinging Sixties, where she became the first Chinese model in the English Models Directory.

Profile

• Full Name: Jingxiu Song
• Stage Name: Lucille Soong
• Born: September 5, 1935
• Age: 89 years old
• Birthplace: Tianjin, China
• Nationality: Chinese-American
• Occupation: Actress, Former Model, Sculptor, Realtor, Author
• Height: 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m)
• Religion: Unknown
• Parents: Unknown
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $1 million to $5 million

Early Life & Education

Lucille Soong was born on September 5, 1935, in Tianjin, China, to a wealthy family. Her Chinese ethnicity significantly influenced her early years, but her religious affiliation isn’t publicly known.

Growing up during turbulent times, she and her family faced hardships after the Chinese Communist Revolution in 1949.

Details about Lucille’s formal education are not widely shared, as she grew up in a time of political upheaval in China.

She likely received basic schooling in Tianjin before moving to Hong Kong at the age of 21. After settling in the U.S., she worked with three acting coaches to prepare for her role in The Joy Luck Club (1993), showing her commitment to learning.

Career

Lucille’s career began in 1959 with an uncredited role as a bride in Ferry to Hong Kong, spotted by director Lewis Gilbert.

In the 1960s, she moved to London, becoming the first Chinese model in the English Models Directory and appearing in films like 55 Days at Peking (1963), The Knack… and How to Get It (1965), and The Brides of Fu Manchu (1966).

She guest-starred on British TV shows like The Avengers (1961–1969), The Prisoner (1967–1968), and Coronation Street (1969), where she played Billy Walker’s girlfriend, facing racist abuse in a storyline.

In 1970, she starred as a leading lady in One More Time with Sammy Davis Jr., directed by Jerry Lewis. Moving to the U.S. in 1973, she struggled for 19 years, working as a realtor and sculptor while taking minor roles.

Her big U.S. break came as Popo in The Joy Luck Club (1993). She later appeared in Freaky Friday (2003) as Pei-Pei’s mom, Mission: Impossible III (2006), and voiced Dang Hu in Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon (2021).

Her role as Grandma Huang in Fresh Off the Boat (2015–2020) made her a star, and she’s set to appear in Freakier Friday (2025).

Social Media

Lucille is minimally active on social media.

Personal Life

Lucille Soong, now 89, lives in Los Angeles, California, standing at 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m).

She’s single, with no known spouse or children, and has kept her love life private, focusing on her career.

In her 80s, she’s faced mobility issues and reportedly uses a wheelchair due to foot problems, but she stays positive, sharing tips on diet and health in interviews.

She once owned properties in London and ran a clothing store in the U.S. during tough times.

Net Worth

Lucille Soong’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million.

Her wealth comes from her long acting career, including Fresh Off the Boat, The Joy Luck Club, and Freaky Friday, plus earlier modeling and real estate work.

Filmography

• Ferry to Hong Kong (1959) – Bride (uncredited)
• 55 Days at Peking (1963) – Concubine (uncredited)
• The Knack… and How to Get It (1965) – Girl (uncredited)
• The Brides of Fu Manchu (1966) – Ling (uncredited)
• One More Time (1970) – Kim Lee
• The Joy Luck Club (1993) – Popo
• The Corruptor (1999) – Elderly Immigrant
• Freaky Friday (2003) – Pei-Pei’s Mom
• Mission: Impossible III (2006) – Shanghai Woman
• Sky High (2005) – Cook
• Nine Dead (2009) – Nhung Chan
• Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) – Dang Hu (voice)
• Freakier Friday (2025) – Role TBD
• The Avengers (1961–1969) – Various roles
• Coronation Street (1969) – Billy Walker’s girlfriend (5 episodes)
• The Prisoner (1967–1968) – Flower Girl
• Dharma & Greg (1997–2002) – Various roles
• According to Jim (2001–2009) – Nail Salon Customer
• Desperate Housewives (2004–2012) – Yao Lin (recurring)
• Huff (2004–2006) – Xui Shi
• Bones (2005–2017) – Woman
• Without a Trace (2009) – Mrs. Deng
• United States of Tara (2009) – Korean Grandmother
• Fresh Off the Boat (2015–2020) – Grandma Jenny Huang
• Wild Orchid: From Beijing to La-La Land