Ella Chen Biography: Movies, Assault, Net Worth, Husband, Age, Siblings, Advocacy, Awards, Religion

Ella Chen is a Taiwanese singer, actress, and television host who rose to prominence through her role as a member of the girl group S.H.E.

Her unexpected discovery during a talent contest led to her joining the group, and her enduring presence in Mandopop—as well as her acting in dramas such as The Rose—helped her expand her reach beyond just music. Her distinct voice and lively performances made her one of the most visible entertainers from Taiwan.

Profile

• Full name: Chen Chia-hwa
• Nickname/Alias: Ella
• Date of birth: June 18, 1981
• Age: 44 years old
• Gender: Female
• Place of birth: Linluo, Pingtung County, Taiwan
• Nationality: Taiwanese
• Profession: Singer, actress, television host
• Height: 1.62 m (5′3¾″)
• Weight: 50 kg (110 lb)
• Eye color: Dark brown
• Hair color: Dark brown
• Parents: Father – Chen Bing-nan (retired factory worker), Mother – Chao Shu-fen (homemaker)
• Siblings: Two older sisters and one younger brother
• Spouse: Alvin Lai (married 2012)
• Children: Daniel Lai (born April 12, 2017)
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Christianity (Protestant)
• Ethnicity: Han Chinese
• Net worth: US$22–25 million

Early Life and Education

Chen Chia-hwa was born on June 18, 1981, in Linluo, Pingtung County, in southern Taiwan. She grew up in a humble family of six, with two older sisters and one younger brother. Her father, Chen Bing-nan, lost one hand in a work-related accident during her childhood—a hardship that deeply influenced her resilience and empathy. Her mother, Chao Shu-fen, worked tirelessly to support the family.

Ella attended National Pingtung Girls’ Senior High School, where she was known for her athleticism and outgoing personality. Upon graduation, she chose to pursue music rather than attend university—a decision that would soon change her life when her sister secretly signed her up for a talent contest.

Personal Life

Ella married Malaysian businessman Alvin Lai in 2012 after a three-year relationship. Their wedding was widely covered in Taiwanese media and attended by her S.H.E bandmates Selina Jen and Hebe Tien. On April 12, 2017, she gave birth to their son, Daniel Lai, who she often affectionately refers to as “Jin Bao.”

Ella has openly shared her views on motherhood, describing it as transformative and grounding. In June 2023, she bravely disclosed that she was sexually assaulted as a child by a family acquaintance, using her platform to promote child protection advocacy, mental health awareness, and comprehensive sex education in schools.

Career

In August 2000, Ella entered the “Universal 2000 Talent and Beauty Girl Contest” organized by HIM International Music after her older sister secretly registered her. Her husky contralto voice and magnetic stage energy impressed judges, and she was selected as one of three finalists to form the group S.H.E, alongside Hebe Tien and Selina Jen.

The group debuted in 2001 with the album Girls’ Dorm, which became a massive success. Over the next decade, S.H.E became one of the most influential female groups in Mandopop, releasing hits like Super Star, Not Yet Lovers, and Chinese Language.

In addition to group success, Ella built a thriving acting career. Her breakout role came in 2003 with The Rose, followed by Reaching for the Stars (2005) and Hanazakarino Kimitachihe (2006), the latter becoming one of the most popular Taiwanese dramas of the 2000s.

She earned a Golden Bell Award nomination for Reaching for the Stars and continued acting in series like Down With Love (2010) and Love by the River (2014).

Her solo music career began in 2015 with Why Not, a pop-rock album that highlighted her versatility and humor. She released To Be Ella (2012), Ella Show Entertainment Unlimited Company (2020), and most recently Bad Habits (2024).

Beyond music, Ella has served as a mentor and judge on reality shows such as Youth With You 2 and Sisters Who Make Waves (2023), where she won first place, reviving her popularity among younger audiences.

Awards

• Nominated: Best Lead Actress for Reaching for the Stars at the 41st Golden Bell Awards (2006)
• Winner: First place in Sisters Who Make Waves (2023 season)
• Voted: Taiwan’s Most Down-to-Earth Artist (2007 online poll)
• Winner: ETtoday’s “Most Influential Female Idol of the 2000s” (2021)
• Winner: Golden Sound Awards – Best Female Vocal Performance (2024)

Net Worth

Ella Chen’s estimated net worth is between US$22 million and US$25 million. Her wealth comes from: Royalties from S.H.E’s record sales (over 12 million albums sold across Asia), Acting roles in television and film, Solo music releases and concert tours etc.

Controversy

In June 2023, Ella revealed that she had been sexually assaulted as a child by the son of her father’s friend. Her disclosure sparked widespread discussions about child safety and sexual abuse awareness in Taiwan.

She has since partnered with Women’s Rescue Foundation Taiwan to support victims of sexual violence and promote preventive education.

Social Media

• Instagram: @ella_chen99
• YouTube: Ella Chen

Filmography

• Magical Love (2001)
• The Rose (2003)
• Reaching for the Stars (2005)
• Hanazakarino Kimitachihe (2006)
• The Lollipop Idol Drama (2007)
• Down With Love (2010)
• Ji Pin Da Zuo Zhan (2013)
• The Lying Game (2014)
• Love by the River (2014)
• Dr. Lifesaver (2023)
• Dr. Lifesaver 2 (2024)

Discography

• Why Not (2015)
• Bad Habits (2024)
• To Be Ella (2012)
• Ella Show Entertainment Unlimited Company (2020)

Books

• The Real Me: Ella’s Journey of Strength and Joy (2023) – a memoir covering her life, family, career, and advocacy journey