British-born actress and model Gemma Chan has become one of the most compelling figures in contemporary cinema, admired as much for her activism as for her commanding on-screen presence. After initially pursuing a law degree at Oxford, she shifted to acting and made her debut in 2006, before skyrocketing to global fame with her breakout role as Astrid Leong-Teo in Crazy Rich Asians. From Marvel blockbusters like Eternals to the sci-fi drama Humans, Chan consistently brings depth and nuance to her characters. Whether you’re discovering her work for the first time or revisiting her most iconic performances, here are five of her best roles.
1. Crazy Rich Asians – Astrid Leong-Teo
2. Humans – Anita Hawkins / Mia Elster
In the sci-fi drama Humans, Gemma Chan took centre stage as Anita Hawkins, a highly advanced synthetic servant navigating the blurred boundaries between humanity and artificial intelligence. Her portrayal demanded a delicate balance — embodying the mechanical precision of a robot while infusing subtle emotional undertones that hinted at consciousness. The performance, both nuanced and layered, earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards.
3. Eternals – Sersi
In 2021, Gemma Chan assumed the role of Sersi in Marvel’s Eternals, marking her second appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe following Captain Marvel. As the film explored a race of immortal beings tasked with safeguarding humanity from predatory forces, she distinguished herself by elevating beyond the archetype of a superhero, grounding the character with compassion, empathy, and grace. This portrayal left an unforgettable impact, earning her the Best Actress in a Leading Role accolade at the Gold List Awards.
4. Mary Queen of Scots – Elizabeth “Bess” of Hardwick
In Mary Queen of Scots, Gemma Chan portrayed Bess of Hardwick, one of Elizabeth I’s most trusted ladies-in-waiting, in the Oscar-nominated period drama. Sharing the screen with Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan, she brought a sombre, steady presence to the Queen’s inner circle. Though her role was brief, Chan’s performance projected quiet strength, offering a calm counterpoint to the political turbulence surrounding the monarch.
5. Josephine – Claire
Premiering at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, Josephine follows an eight-year-old girl who witnesses a violent assault. For Gemma Chan, cast as the mother striving to guide her daughter through the trauma, the role carried particular resonance, echoing her own past experience of witnessing a fatal stabbing in London and later testifying in court. Delivering a performance that is unflinching and breathtaking, Chan engaged audiences fully with a profound exploration of empathy, navigating the film’s challenging themes with emotional sincerity. The film’s impact was further underscored by its recognition at Sundance, where it won both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award.
Editor
Tanya ParmanandCredit
Lead Image: @gemmachan via Instagram
