Justin Lin Biography: Net Worth, Age, Height, Parents, Ethnicity, Siblings, Wife, Child, Movies

Justin Lin, born Lin Yi-bin, is a Taiwanese-American film director, producer, and screenwriter renowned for revitalising the Fast & Furious franchise, directing its third through sixth instalments and F9 (2021), with his films grossing over $3 billion worldwide.

His directorial debut, Better Luck Tomorrow (2002), a gritty exploration of Asian-American youth, earned critical acclaim and established him as a bold voice in independent cinema.

Lin’s work extends to television, directing episodes of Community and True Detective, and he is celebrated for championing diverse representation in Hollywood, particularly for Asian-American narratives.

Profile

• Full Name: Lin Yi-bin
• Stage Name: Justin Lin
• Born: 11 October 1971
• Age: 53 years old
• Birthplace: Taipei, Taiwan
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Film Director, Producer, Screenwriter
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Frank Lin
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Married (name not publicly disclosed)
• Girlfriends: None
• Children: Oqwe Lin
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $50 million

Early Life and Education

Lin Yi-bin was born on October 11, 1971, in Taipei, Taiwan, to parents whose father’s name is Frank Lin and an unknown mother, who immigrated to the United States when he was eight years old. Information about his siblings is not publicly known.

Growing up in a working-class neighbourhood in Buena Park, California, Lin developed a passion for storytelling, inspired by watching Star Trek: The Original Series with his parents after their restaurant closed each night. He graduated from Cypress High School, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1989.

Lin initially attended the University of California, San Diego for two years before transferring to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television and a Master of Fine Arts in Film Directing and Production. His ethnicity is Taiwanese, and his religious beliefs are not publicly known.

Career

Justin Lin began his career at UCLA, co-directing Shopping for Fangs (1997) with Quentin Lee, a low-budget film starring John Cho that became a cult classic in Asian-American cinema.

His solo directorial debut, Better Luck Tomorrow (2002), followed a group of Asian-American teens involved in crime, premiering at Sundance and earning a Grand Jury Prize nomination.

Roger Ebert’s defence of the film against accusations of negative stereotyping drew major studio attention, leading to MTV Films’ first acquisition. Facing financial challenges, Lin maxed out credit cards and secured funding from MC Hammer to complete the project, which grossed over $3 million.

His early documentary Crossover (2000) explored Japanese-American basketball leagues, showcasing his interest in cultural narratives. This groundwork established Lin as a visionary tackling complex issues related to identity.

Lin’s breakthrough came with The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), where he transformed a struggling franchise by introducing a diverse cast, including Sung Kang as Han Lue, and emphasising authentic car culture.

He directed Fast & Furious (2009), Fast Five (2011), and Fast & Furious 6 (2013), elevating the series from a $158 million gross to $789 million, with Fast Five redefining the franchise as a heist-action saga.

Lin also directed Star Trek Beyond (2016), praised for its action and humour, and F9 (2021), reinforcing his knack for global appeal. His television work includes directing Community’s iconic paintball episode “Modern Warfare” and two episodes of True Detective’s second season.

In 2018, he signed a multiyear deal with Apple to develop original series, expanding his influence. Lin continues to shape Hollywood through his production company, Perfect Storm Entertainment, which has produced projects such as Scorpion (2014–2018) and Magnum P.I. (2018).

His directorial efforts include the short film La Revolución de Iguodala! (2007) and the mockumentary Finishing the Game (2007), both showcased at Sundance. Lin’s advocacy for diversity is evident in his push for authentic casting, as seen in his plans for a Lone Wolf and Cub adaptation with a predominantly Asian cast.

He stepped away from Fast X (2022) due to creative differences but remains a producer. His work, including Weekend in Taipei (2024), reflects a commitment to challenging stereotypes and mentoring new filmmakers, leaving a lasting impact on action cinema and Asian-American representation.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @justinlin_
• Facebook Handle: Justin Lin
• Twitter Handle: @JustinLin

Personal Life

Justin Lin is married and has a son, Oqwe Lin, who appeared as an alien boy in Star Trek Beyond (2016). Details about his spouse are not publicly known, and the family resides in Los Angeles, California. Lin maintains a private personal life, focusing on his career and advocacy for diversity in Hollywood.

Filmography

• Shopping for Fangs (1997)
• Better Luck Tomorrow (2002)
• Annapolis (2006)
• The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)
• Finishing the Game (2007)
• Fast & Furious (2009)
• Fast Five (2011)
• Fast & Furious 6 (2013)
• Star Trek Beyond (2016)
• F9 (2021)
• Weekend in Taipei (2024)

Net Worth

Justin Lin has an estimated net worth of $50 million. His wealth primarily derives from directing and producing the Fast & Furious franchise, which has grossed over $3 billion worldwide, along with Star Trek Beyond and other films.

His television work, including Community, Scorpion, and Magnum P.I., contributes through production deals, notably his multiyear contract with Apple.