Lori Tan Chinn
Biography
Lori Tan Chinn is an American actress and comedian born on July 7, 1948, in Seattle, Washington, United States. She began her acting career on Broadway, playing the role of Miss Higa Jiga in Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentlemen in 1970. In addition to her theatrical work, she was a notable member of the Katherine Dunham Company and performed African dance with Syvilla Fort. On television, she played a recurring character in the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black. She also starred as Awkwafina's grandmother on Comedy Central. Her film and television credits span numerous projects, and she is recognized for her work across stage and screen.
Career overview
Lori Tan Chinn is an American actress and comedian who was born on July 7, 1948, in Seattle, Washington, USA. She began her acting career on Broadway, playing the character Miss Higa Jiga in Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentlemen in 1970. In addition to her theatrical work, she was a notable member of the Katherine Dunham Company and performed African dance with Syvilla Fort.
Throughout her television career, Chinn has taken on various notable roles. She played a recurring character in the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black. She also starred as Awkwafina's grandmother on Comedy Central. Her film and television credits span numerous projects, establishing her presence across both stage and screen as a versatile performer.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
38 titles- Sleepwalker (2026) as Bai Zhao
- 31 Candles (2025) as Jaya
- Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024) as Granny Boar (voice)
- A Man on the Inside (2024) as Susan Yang
- Jentry Chau vs the Underworld (2024) as Gugu (voice)
- Late Bloomers (2024) as Inez
- Strange Planet (2023) as Guide (voice)
- Joy Ride (2023) as Nai Nai Chen
- Turning Red (2022) as Auntie Chen (voice)
- Ghosts of Christmas Always (2022) as Arlene
- Teenage Euthanasia (2021)
- Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens (2020) as Grandma
- Chloe and Theo (2015) as Landlady
- Orange Is the New Black (2013) as Mei Chang (voice)
- Orange Is the New Black (2013) as Mei Chang
- Final Recipe (2013) as Mrs. Wang
- Miss D (2012) as Mrs. Ling
- The Guitar (2008) as Mrs. Tzu
- Year of the Fish (2007) as Shuk Yee
- Law & Order: Trial by Jury (2005) as Mrs. Park
- From Other Worlds (2004) as Mrs. Kim
- South Pacific (2001) as Bloody Mary
- It's Like, You Know... (1999) as Daisy
- Mickey Blue Eyes (1999) as Chinese Restaurant Owner
- Spin City (1996) as Samaritan Nun
- Ransom (1996) as Woman on Street #3
- Living in Oblivion (1995) as Costume Designer
- It Is Now Our Time: Peter Sellars’ The Merchant of Venice (1994) as Nerissa
- The Adventures of Pete & Pete (1993) as Gym Coach
- Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) as Coat Check Girl
- What About Bob? (1991) as Bus Driver
- Law & Order (1990) as SEC Investigator
- Revealing Evidence: Stalking the Honolulu Strangler (1990)
- She-Devil (1989) as Vesta Rose Woman
- Roseanne (1988) as Iris
- Mathnet (1987) as Miss Jessica
- Brass (1985) as Hilda
- Author! Author! (1982) as Mrs. Woo
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Lori Tan Chinn best known for?
Lori Tan Chinn is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Sleepwalker (2026), Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024), A Man on the Inside (2024), Joy Ride (2023).
When and where was Lori Tan Chinn born?
Lori Tan Chinn was born on July 7, 1948 in Seattle, Washington, USA.
How many credits does Lori Tan Chinn have?
Lori Tan Chinn has accumulated over 38 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1982 to 2026.
What is Lori Tan Chinn's background in cinema and television?
Lori Tan Chinn is an American actress and comedian born on July 7, 1948, in Seattle, Washington, United States. She began her acting career on Broadway, playing the role of Miss Higa Jiga in Lovely Ladies, Kind Gentlemen in 1970. In addition to her theatrical work, she was a notable member of the Katherine Dunham Compa...