Hiep Thi Le

Hiep Thi Le was an American actress best known for her roles in “Heaven & Earth,” “Cruel Intentions,” and “Green Dragon.” She was born on February 18, 1971, in Da Nang, Vietnam, and passed away on December 19, 2017, in Los Angeles, California.

Personal and Family Life

At just eight years old, Hiep and her sister were separated from their parents and escaped their village in Vietnam. They lived in refugee camps in Hong Kong before reuniting with their father and eventually moving to California, where they reunited with their remaining siblings. Four years later, their mother joined them, completing the family’s reunion.

Career Highlights

While studying physiology at U.C. Davis, Hiep auditioned for the film “Heaven & Earth” as a joke but ended up winning the lead role of Le Ly Hayslip among 16,000 Vietnamese-American candidates. Despite her lack of acting experience, she impressed the casting scouts with her talent and went on to have a successful career in film and television. In addition to her acting career, she owned and operated the China Beach Vietnamese Bistro in Venice, California.

Death and Legacy

Hiep Thi Le passed away on December 19, 2017, due to complications from stomach cancer. She left behind a legacy as a talented actress who portrayed significant roles in her films, paving the way for future Vietnamese actresses. Her life’s journey from a refugee to a star serves as an inspiration to many.

Filmography