Vanessa Kai is a talented actress, widely recognized for her captivating performances in various mediums, including television, film, and theater.
Most recently, Kai has appeared in a recurring role as Gisela Mott on the CBS series "Elsbeth," starring Carrie Preston, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
In the world of theater, Kai has received critical acclaim for her nominations, including a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as "Ruby" in the Off-Broadway immersive musical event "KPOP," produced by Ars Nova.
Kai's impressive credits include the world premieres of "The Pain of My Belligerence" at Playwrights Horizons, "Somebody's Daughter" at Second Stage, and "The Architecture of Becoming" at New York's City Center.
Kai's breakthrough role came in 2020 when she was cast as Pei-Ling Zhang in CW's hit series "Kung Fu," produced by Warner Bros. Her powerful portrayal of the mysterious and wise mentor to the show's protagonist, Nicky Shen (Olivia Liang),has been praised for its depth and nuance, quickly making her a fan favorite.
Prior to "Kung Fu," Kai appeared in a range of television series and films, including "New Amsterdam," "Orange Is the New Black," "The Mysteries of Laura," "The Blacklist," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," and "Madam Secretary."
As a champion of new works, Kai is highly sought after for her collaborative spirit and love of world building. She has helped develop new plays at numerous institutions, including New York Stage & Film, Public Theater, SoHo Rep., Roundabout Theater Company, Steppenwolf Theatre, Eugene O'Neill Theatre, The Lark Play Development Center, The New Group, Baltimore Center Stage, Playwrights Realm, New Dramatists, and many others.
Born and raised in New York City, Kai is a first-generation Chinese American, and her diverse background has undoubtedly contributed to her unique perspective and approach to her craft.
