From Hong Kong to L.A

Background:

American actress and television host who began her career in Hong Kong Lynne Langdon has differentiated herself by becoming the first Caucasian female to have been invited into Jackie Chan's Actor's Union (PAG), which was set up in Hong Kong. In addition to English, she also speaks conventional Cantonese and Mandarin. While living in Hong Kong, Lynne made five films and had the opportunity to work with the international star Jackie Chan in “City of Hunter” (1993) as well as with the likes of Ewan McGregor and Jean-Claude Van Damme in “The Pillow Book” (1996) and “Knock Off” (1998), respectively. Following a brief stint as a host on ESPN2's “Colorado Sports Journal,” she moved to Los Angeles, and found work in such TV programs as “The Guardian,” “That '80s Show” and “Desperate Housewives.” She has also had bit parts in several movies, including the Jack Nicholson /Diane Keaton starring vehicle “Something's Gotta Give” (2003), “A-List” (2006), “Out at the Wedding” (2007) and the forthcoming “Beautiful Loser” (2008). She served as executive producer for the short movies “The Crusader” and “The Price of Freedom” (both 2005).

Lynne has been married to the internationally renowned photographer Harry Langdon since 1999.

Mrs. Langdon

Childhood and Family:

Lynne Frances Wachendorfer was born in Boulder Colorado, Colorado. She married famed photographer Harry Langdon on March 21, 1999. Her husband is the son of the noted comedian Harry Langdon (born in 1884, died in 1944). After the marriage, she took husband's surname as her professional name.

Beautiful Loser

Career:

Lynne Langdon left the U.S. for Hong Kong in early 1990s to explore the pearl of the eastern. Within a week of her arrival, she found herself launching an acting career when she landed a feature role as a casino waitress in the Jackie Chan vehicle “City Hunter” (1993). At the time, she was billed as Lynne Frances. With the money earned from the film, Lynne remained to live in Hong Kong and tried to find more work.

In the following year, Lynne reunited with the director of “City Hunter” Jing Wong for “Whatever You Want,” in which appeared as Christy Chung's friend, and had an uncredited part in the Wong Kar-Wai acclaimed comedy/drama “Hong Kong Express.” She resurfaced in 1996 with a part as Ewan McGregor's sister in Peter Greenaway's big screen adaptation of Sei Shonagon's “The Pillow Book,” which starred Vivian Wu as Nagiko. She next appeared with Jean-Claude Van Damme, Rob Schneider, Lela Rochon and Paul Sorvino on the actioner “Knock Off” (1998), directed by Hark Tsui.

After more than four years living in Hong Kong, Lynne returned to Colorado and took up a hosting gig on ESPN2 for the “Colorado Sports Journal.” When the show departed the airwaves, she made her way to Los Angeles to further her showbiz career.

Having been changed her last name to Langdon, Lynne made her Hollywood debut as a student in acting class in the short movie “See for Yourself” (2001), helmed by Mallory Eisenstein. She went on to appear in the small budget action/thriller “1st Testament CIA Vengeance” (2001) and “Second Time Around” (2002), a Hong Kong feature shot in Arizona, as well as land guest shots in such TV series as the drama “The Guardian,” the short-lived sitcom “That '80s Show” and the Matthew Fox horror “Haunted” (all 2002).

In 2003, Lynne made a brief appearance as market shopper in the Nancy Meyers' “Something's Gotta Give,” which starred Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton, Keanu Reeves, Frances McDormand and Amanda Peet. The comedy/romance was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. She followed it up with a guest role in an episode of the hit television series “Desperate Housewives” in 2005 and a small part as a reporter in the film “A-List” in 2006. It was also in 2005 that Lynne made her debut as an executive producer. She lent her producing talents for the shorts “The Crusader” and “The Price of Freedom.” She returned to appear in front of the camera as an actress in “Out at the Wedding” (2007), a comedy/romance directed by Lee Friedlander and penned by Paula Goldberg.

Lynne will portray Cynthia Gibb's secretary on the comedy/drama film “Beautiful Loser” (2008), directed and written by John Nolte.

Awards:
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