Maria Zhang Biography: Age, Boyfriend, Net Worth, Parents, Height, Movies & TV Shows, Avatar

Zhang Zhiyi, also known as Maria Zhang is a Polish-Chinese actress best known for her role as Suki, the leader of the Kyoshi Warriors, in Netflix’s 2024 live-action series Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Zhang’s acting career began with community theater in rural Poland at age 12 and grew through short films like All I Ever Wanted (2022), which was featured at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.

Her portrayal of Suki has garnered praise for capturing the character’s strength and charm, establishing her as a rising star in Hollywood.

Profile

• Full Name: Zhang Zhiyi
• Stage Name: Maria Zhang
• Born: 8 August, 1999
• Age: 25 years old
• Birthplace: Kraków, Poland
• Nationality: Polish, Chinese
• Occupation: Actress
• Height: 5 feet 5 inches
• Parents: Unknown
• Siblings: Zofia Zhang
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $1 million USD

Early Life and Education

Zhang Zhiyi was born on August 8, 1999, in Kraków, Poland, raised by her Chinese father, a sculptor, and Polish mother, an oil painting restoration artist, though details about their names are not publicly known.

At around one year old, she moved with her family to Beijing, China, where she spent her childhood, attending Chinese primary school. She spent summers in rural Poland, maintaining strong ties to her Polish roots.

At 12, she and her sister Zofia joined a community theater group after spotting a casting call for Alice in Wonderland in a local newspaper.

Zhang later moved to Southern California to study acting at the University of Southern California (USC), graduating with a degree in Dramatic Arts.

Her ethnicity is Polish-Chinese, and her religion is not publicly unknown.

Career

Maria Zhang began her acting journey at 12, performing in a Polish community theater production of Alice in Wonderland, which ignited her passion for the craft.

She returned to Poland each summer to participate in the theater group, performing on unconventional stages like abandoned train tracks.

After moving to Los Angeles for her studies at USC, she debuted in the short film Continuum (2018), followed by roles in Dear Mom (2020) and the comedy web series Work in Progress (2020).

Her performance as Jennifer in the short film All I Ever Wanted (2022), directed by Erin Lau, was an official selection at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, earning her early recognition.

Zhang’s breakthrough came with her casting as Suki in Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024), where she portrayed the fierce leader of the Kyoshi Warriors in one episode of the first season.

Her performance, praised for embodying Suki’s strength and charisma, resonated with fans of the original animated series. The role elevated her profile, and she is expected to return in future seasons, given Suki’s expanded arc in the source material.

During her junior year at USC, Zhang wrote and performed a solo play in four languages, showcasing her linguistic versatility and creative depth. Her multicultural background informs her work, as she navigates roles that reflect her Polish-Chinese identity.

Currently, Zhang continues to build her acting career, focusing on projects that embrace her diverse heritage.

She has expressed interest in visual arts, including drawing a children’s illustration book, and enjoys sewing and DIY projects, influenced by her artist parents.

Her appearance at events like FanX Salt Lake Pop Culture & Comic Convention in 2024 highlights her growing fanbase. Zhang’s fluency in Mandarin, Polish, and English, combined with her authentic approach to acting, positions her as a promising talent with potential for international roles in film and television.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @mariazhang

Personal Life

Maria Zhang is single and has no children.

She has not publicly shared details about past or current relationships, though a 2021 Instagram post with an unidentified man sparked brief speculation, with no confirmation of a romantic connection.

Filmography

• Continuum (2018) – Short film role
• Dear Mom (2020) – Short film role
• Work in Progress (2020) – Web series role
• All I Ever Wanted (2022) – Jennifer
• Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024) – Suki

Net Worth

Maria Zhang has an estimated net worth of $1 million USD.

Her earnings primarily come from her acting roles, notably her performance as Suki in Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender and her work in short films like All I Ever Wanted.

Additional income stems from public appearances, such as at fan conventions, and potential future projects as her career grows.