Biography
Meng Meng, professionally known as Ellis Meng Meng, is a versatile actress and director with a remarkable multicultural background. Born and raised in Dalian, China, her name reflects her family's direct lineage to the renowned Chinese philosopher Mencius. Her given name means "dream, " symbolizing her artistic passion, while her chosen English name, Ellis, naturally complements her professional identity. From an early age, Meng was drawn to the stage: she sang in a school choir, performed traditional Chinese dance through middle and high school, and later became a hip-hop dancer in college. While studying in Hong Kong, she danced professionally as a member of a dance company before discovering her love for acting. Her film studies allowed her to develop as both an actress and a director, deepening her passion for storytelling from both perspectives. Her acting career began with student film roles, and her very first audition-though nerve-racking-set the stage for her future work. She built a strong foundation in the Meisner technique at Playhouse West, honed her audition skills at the Margie Haber Studio, and developed her improvisation craft at both UCB and Groundlings. Deeply connected to the Los Angeles improv community, she is a founding member of Sabotage and the creator of several other troupes, including Mummy Frat and Compact. Meng has appeared in multiple award-winning short films (The Axe Gang, Whisper of Butterflies, Crepuscule, Hidden Path) and has a special love for comedy-especially improv and romantic comedy. She often portrays immigrant mothers and vibrant comedic characters, drawing from her own experiences. As a burlesque dancer, she blends Chinese dance and hip-hop, often adding humorous storytelling to her acts. For Meng, acting is a privilege: a chance to live rich, varied lives through her characters. Her creative process is rooted in the script, which she believes holds the key to every role. A native Mandarin speaker who also speaks Cantonese, she now lives in California but maintains a strong connection to her Chinese heritage. She is the proud mother of two young children and three pets, with a supportive husband and family who help her pursue her career. Her dream role is an intelligent, quirky character in the vein of Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory. With her comedic talent, improvisation expertise, and cultural versatility, Meng stands out as a rising force in acting, directing, and live performance.
