Justin Chien is a Taiwanese-American actor, producer, and writer best known for his work in television and film, particularly for his breakout performance in the Netflix series The Brothers Sun (2024). Over the past several years, he has steadily built a reputation in the entertainment industry for his versatility, charisma, and dedication to the craft of storytelling.
Early Life & Background
Justin Chien was born in Taiwan and later moved with his family to the United States at a young age, where he grew up and developed an early interest in performing arts. His birth year is generally cited as 1997 or 1998, making him 26–27 years old as of 2025.
Chien comes from a prominent and accomplished family. His father, Carl Chien, serves in a senior executive role with JPMorgan in Asia, and his mother, Virginia Hu, is a successful businesswoman. His grandfather, Frederick Chien, was a respected diplomat and politician, and his great-grandfather, S.L. Chien, founded research institutions in Taiwan, giving Justin a rich cultural and intellectual heritage that has shaped his worldview.
Growing up in Los Angeles, California, Chien was exposed to diverse cultures and the world of entertainment early in life, which fueled his passion for acting and filmmaking.
Education & Acting Training
Justin pursued formal education and training in the dramatic arts. He studied at the University of Southern California (USC) in the School of Dramatic Arts, where he earned a scholarship and took part in intensive theatre productions. Some of his early training included roles in multi-hour plays and classical works like The Kentucky Cycle and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which helped him refine his stage presence and emotional range.
Beyond university, Chien continued training in performance and production techniques, preparing himself for a career both in front of and behind the camera.
Career Beginnings & Early Roles
Justin Chien began his acting career in the mid-2010s, appearing in short films as early as 2015. Some of his early screen credits include short films such as Minolta (2015), Cyclists (2016), and Reverallium (2017). These small but formative roles allowed him to experiment with different genres and sharpen his on-camera skills.
In addition to acting, he also co-wrote and co-produced early projects like Continuum (2018), Fine China (2020), and Endless Yesterdays (2021), showing a commitment to building a multifaceted creative resume.
His first recurring television appearance came with Two Sides: Unfaithful (2021), followed by a role in Disney Television Discovers: Talent Showcase.
Breakthrough & Recent Success
Justin’s breakthrough role came in 2024 when he was cast as Charles Sun in the Netflix series The Brothers Sun — a dark action-comedy about a Taiwanese-American crime family. His performance garnered attention from both audiences and critics, elevating his profile in Hollywood and around the world.
In addition to acting, Chien continues to contribute creatively as a producer and writer, expanding his influence and expertise in the industry.
Physical Attributes & Personal Style
Justin Chien is often described as having a commanding presence on screen:
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Height: approximately 5’11” (180 cm).
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Hair Color: Black.
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Eye Color: Brown/Black.
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Skin Tone: Fair to olive complexion.
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He maintains a fit physique, often attributed to his interest in martial arts and physical training.
Chien practices Muay Thai and holds a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, skills that have helped him perform physically demanding scenes with more confidence.
Family & Relationships
Publicly available information indicates that Justin Chien is not married as of 2025. He appears to be focused primarily on his career, and details about romantic relationships are private or not widely reported.
He has siblings, including brothers and a sister, but specific personal details about his family dynamics are kept low-profile outside of industry interviews.
Net Worth & Financial Profile
Justin Chien’s estimated net worth ranges from about $1 million to $2 million USD as of 2024–2025. This wealth comes primarily from his acting roles, producing and writing work, and associated modeling or public appearance earnings.
While not among Hollywood’s highest-paid stars yet, his rising career trajectory and expanding body of work suggest his earnings and industry value are likely to grow significantly over time.
Current Endeavors & Future Prospects
As of early 2025, Justin Chien continues to work actively in entertainment, with his recent work on The Brothers Sun cementing his reputation as a leading actor to watch. He remains engaged in film and television, with additional projects and potential roles in development or production stages.
With his foundation in both performance and behind-the-camera skills, Chien is poised to explore more ambitious projects — potentially including directing, producing larger films or series, and expanding his creative footprint internationally.
Summary & Legacy
Justin Chien embodies the profile of a modern multitalented artist — one who bridges cultures and creative forms. From his early beginnings as a young performer in Los Angeles to his current status as a breakout star on Netflix, Chien’s journey reflects ambition, hard work, and emerging influence in global entertainment.