Godfrey Gao (Chinese: 高以翔; pinyin: Gāo Yǐxiáng; 22 September 1984 – 27 November 2019) was a Taiwanese–Canadian model and actor who worked across East Asia and internationally. He gained broad attention as a model and later as a screen actor. His career combined high-fashion modeling, work in film and television, and a public persona that brought greater visibility to Asian talent in global fashion campaigns.
Early life and career
Born in Taiwan and raised partly abroad, Gao began his public career in modeling before shifting toward acting. He appeared in advertising and magazine work across Greater China and became known for his tall stature and bilingual fluency. His modeling success opened opportunities in entertainment, and he transitioned into television dramas and feature films where he took both supporting and leading parts.
Notable roles and achievements
Gao drew international notice when he became the first Asian model featured in a campaign for a major global house, appearing in advertising for Louis Vuitton. On screen, he is remembered for portraying Magnus Bane in the 2013 film adaptation of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones and for a leading role in the Chinese television drama Remembering Lichuan. His work illustrated a crossover between commercial fashion success and mainstream acting roles.
Selected film and television
- The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (role: Magnus Bane)
- Remembering Lichuan (Chinese television drama)
- Various regional television series and commercials
Death and legacy
Gao died on 27 November 2019 while working on a production in Ningbo; reports indicated a cardiac event at age 35. The incident prompted widespread mourning across Asia and led to public discussions about working conditions and safety on fast-paced productions. Colleagues, fans and industry observers noted his role in bringing Asian presence to international fashion campaigns and in expanding representation in popular media.
Name and cultural notes
In Chinese naming convention the family name comes first; his family name is Gao and the given name is shown in pinyin above. For background on the form and use of Chinese names see general references such as name order and resources on romanization Romanization. His career connected locales and audiences across Taiwan, Canada and mainland China, including work and events in cities such as Ningbo and the broader province of Zhejiang.
For additional biographical and career summaries consult general entertainment and fashion references that cover cross-cultural modeling careers and East–West acting crossovers, or follow curated archives and retrospective pieces in fashion and film media more on Gao.