Lin Yun (Chinese: 林允; pinyin: Lín Yǔn; born 16 April 1996), also known by the English name Jelly Lin, is a Chinese actress and model. She rose to prominence for her role as the female lead in Stephen Chow’s 2016 blockbuster film The Mermaid, which became the highest‑grossing domestic film in China at the time.
Early life and education
Lin was born Fei Xia (费霞) in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. Her father, Fei Jianhua, works as a porter, and her mother is a housewife. She attended Huzhou No. 12 Middle School before enrolling in a performing‑arts school in Beijing, where she received formal training in acting and dance.
Career
- Film debut (2016): At age 18, Lin was cast as Shan, the mermaid protagonist in The Mermaid. The film’s commercial success launched her into the public eye and earned her several newcomer awards.
- Subsequent film work: In the same year she appeared in L.O.R.D.: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties (directed by Guo Jingming). She later reprised her role in Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons 2 (2017) as the White Bone Spirit, and starred in Disney‑produced romantic comedy The Dreaming Man (2017). Other notable films include Genghis Khan (2018) and the romantic remake Fall in Love at First Kiss (2019).
- Television: Lin made her TV debut with the fantasy wuxia series Battle Through the Heavens (2018). She subsequently appeared in dramas such as Beautiful Reborn Flower (2020), A Dream of Splendor (2022), and the crime series Imperfect Victim (2023).
- Music and variety shows: She has contributed songs to soundtracks (e.g., “Granting You” for Battle Through the Heavens) and participated in several Chinese variety programs, including Run for Time (2016) and My Little One 2 (2020).
Awards and recognition
Lin’s early career earned her the Best New Actress award at the 18th Huading Awards (2016) and the Rising Star Asia Award at the 16th New York Asian Film Festival. She has also received nominations at the Asian Film Awards and the Hong Kong Film Awards.
Personal life
Lin Yun maintains a relatively private personal life. She is active on social media platforms, where she engages with a large fan base under the handle “jellylinyun”.
Filmography (selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | The Mermaid | Shan (the Mermaid) | Breakthrough role |
| 2016 | L.O.R.D.: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties | Tianshu Youhua | Supporting |
| 2017 | Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons 2 | White Bone Spirit | Supporting |
| 2017 | The Dreaming Man | Wang Xiaohe | Lead |
| 2018 | Genghis Khan | Börte | Lead |
| 2019 | Fall in Love at First Kiss | Yuan Xiangqin | Lead |
| 2020 | L.O.R.D.: Legend of Ravaging Dynasties 2 | Tianshu Youhua | Supporting |
| 2022 | A Dream of Splendor | Song Yinzhang | Lead |
References
Information compiled from publicly available biographical sources, including Lin Yun’s Wikipedia entry and film industry databases.