AJ Donnelly
Acting
Biography
AJ Donnelly is a versatile actor and voice artist, known for his physical and vocal transformations, and for bringing complex, authentic characters to life on stage and screen. Originally from Bedford, England, AJ discovered his love for performance at the age of seven, cutting his teeth in school theatre productions before developing a passion for physical comedy with the community theatre troupe Bedford Marionettes. After stepping away from the stage at 21, he returned to acting in 2011, re-immersing himself in theatre before expanding into television and feature films. Often cast as intense or antagonistic figures, he has demonstrated a wide range across genres, from dark drama to light-hearted comedy. With strong adaptability and improvisational instincts, he brings specificity, range, and depth to every role. Over the past decade, his work has grown to include more than 40 stage, television, and film credits across a wide range of productions. It spans major productions, independent films, and theatre, building a reputation for versatility and deep character work. He has collaborated with internationally acclaimed directors such as Zhang Yimou and Zhang Mo (Snipers), Andrew Lau (The Battle of Shangganling), and Jiang Wen (You Are The Best!). Recent work includes his portrayal of emotionally driven lawyer Matthew Roberts in the crime drama Empty Gun; the ruthless British opium trader Lancelot Dent in the historical epic 1840; the eccentric conductor Arenberg in the comedy-drama You Are the Best!; and Thomas Lawrence in the box-office hit Detective Chinatown: 1900. Outside of acting, he shares his interest in culture, travel, and storytelling through social media, connecting with audiences in an offbeat, playful way. Above all, for AJ acting is less about being seen, and more about the craft of transformation, always in service of story, character, and truth, through roles that challenge, entertain, and inspire.
Known For
In 1900, the mysterious murder of a white woman and a Native American man in San Francisco's Chinatown triggers a race against time as the Chinese suspect and the Native American's adopted Chinese son work to uncover the truth while a politician seeks to leverage the Chinese Exclusion Bill as well as the prevailing xenophobia and racism to close down Chinatown and elect himself as the mayor.
Detective Chinatown 1900
A biographical drama of Znag Jianhe, a woman who left her home in China for Hong Kong, where she eventually founded the renowned Chinese frozen dumpling company Wanchai Ferry.
The Dumpling Queen
A group of Cantonese merchants during the late Qing Dynasty navigates the turbulent tides of history, exploring the form and spirit of national identity amid cultural clashes between East and West.
The Thirteen-Hongs in Canton
An elite group of Chinese pilots must take part in a dangerous mission to thwart a terrorist plot and resolve a hostage situation.
Sky Hunter
A biographical drama covering roughly the first 18 years in the life of Lang Lang, the world-renowned Chinese classical pianist.
You are the Best
The story of sharpshooter Zhang Taofang, a young army recruit who at age 22 sets a record during the Korean War by reportedly killing or wounding 214 American soldiers with 435 shots in just 32 days.
Snipers
In 1920s Shanghai, a group of brave young individuals band together to carry out a dangerous mission, and amid political turmoil, they grow through sacrifice and resilience.
Burning Stars
When a mysterious box arrives at his door, a doctor and father is forced to participate in a twisted killing game, or risk losing everything.
Chosen
An ambitious young man, Geng Jie, ventures to Xicheng, achieves success through daring enterprise, but finds himself entangled in a difficult struggle for survival and drawn into a dangerous vortex after meeting a flight attendant and pursuing a stable life.
Empty Gun
It mainly tells the story of Chang Kuan, a top assassin in the imperial court who was framed by his colleagues in the late Qing Dynasty. After being injured and falling into the sea, he was rescued by a foreign cargo ship carrying Chinese laborers. He experienced many hardships such as slavery and oppression by foreigners, pirate attacks, and storms, and finally found his way to the mysterious Maori. With the help of others, Chang Kuan arrived in New Zealand. In the process, Chang Kuan relied on his bravery and wisdom to lead the Chinese workers to escape oppression and suffering and start a new life of gold mining in a foreign country.
South Island
The film interpret's Dao Anren's immortal spirit of devoting himself to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and exploring and practicing China's path to the world in a brand new way.
The Ying River
On the eve of Halloween night, a quirky and isolated paranormal podcaster uses his comedic flair and ukulele skills to explore the supernatural. His unique insights attract a motley crew of characters-ranging from conspiracy theorists to actual demons-who find themselves drawn into his bizarre world. However, when his music inadvertently disrupts the underworld, chaos ensues, leading to hilarious and unexpected encounters that challenge his understanding of both the paranormal and himself. Meanwhile a woman suffering from PTSD is coerced by a questionable parapsychologist into entering an experimental AR/VR program called INDIGO. Unknowingly, she falls prey to the doctors evil experiment with no escape in sight, but in the process finds the strength to redeem her many weaknesses.
Dank Frank
No description available.