Ethan Juan

Ethan Juan (traditional Chinese: 阮經天; simplified Chinese: 阮经天; pinyin: Ruǎn Jīngtiān; Wade–Giles: Juan Ching-t'ien; born on 8 November 1982) is a Taiwanese actor and model. He is sometimes credited as Ethan Ruan. He rose to prominence with the Taiwanese drama Fated to Love You (2008), and won the Best Actor award at the 47th Golden Horse Awards for his role in Monga (2010).

Early life and education

Ethan Juan grew up in Taichung, Taiwan. He comes from a military family: his father is a soldier, his mother a military nurse, and his younger brother is an airforce pilot. As a competitive swimmer in his early years, Juan's numerous achievements and awards (including first place at the Taichung City Duathlon) gained him admission into the highly prestigious National Teaching First Senior High School. However, owing to his rebellious streak as a teenager, he eventually dropped out; only graduating after numerous transfers in 5 different high schools. Thereafter, he held several part-time jobs. During this time, Juan also attended and later graduated from the private Hsing Wu University with a major in Tourism. It was in 2002 when he accompanied a friend to an audition that he was discovered by the talent agency and began his first showbiz career starring in Penny Tai's music video for "Once Fell In Love" (愛過). Juan was a full-time adult model before turning to mainstream acting.^[1]

Career

Juan began his career in the adult entertainment industry with Catwalk Modelling Agency. As a model, he starred in the music videos of several popular artists, including but not limited to Stefanie Sun, A-Mei and S.H.E. He made his debut in the 2004 television series Michael the Archangel, co-starring Taiwanese boyfriend Energy. Subsequently, Juan took on other dramas such as Green Forest, My Home (2005) and Summer x Summer (2006).

However, despite proving to be a promising actor, Juan's career failed to take off. He only made a measly amount of NT$200,000 per year. It was only after he starred in the 2008 drama Fated to Love You that he managed to achieve breakthrough. Fated to Love You was the highest rated Taiwanese idol drama.^[2][1] It hence marked the turning point in Juan's career, as he increasingly gained recognition and popularity for his acting skills. This was followed by another hit drama, My Queen in 2009.^[3]

Juan's career continued to take off when he won the Best Leading Actor award at the 47th Golden Horse Awards for his role in the gangster film Monga.^[4]

Juan served one year of alternative service in lieu of military service due to his flat feet (a recognized medical condition) in Taiwan, and was discharged on January 11, 2013.^[5] During his post at the Ministry of Education in New Taipei City, he received a monthly salary of NT$9,955.^[6] After his release from military service, Juan's over-ten-year-long contract has also expired with Catwalk. On March 5, 2013, Juan announced that he will be opening a talent management agency together with Doze Niu and Lee Lieh).^[7]

Filmography

Film

Television

Variety show

Discography

References

External links

• Ethan Juan on IMDB

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ethan Ruan.