Blackie Chen

Charles “Blackie” Chen, or Chen Chien-chou, is a prominent Taiwanese figure known for his multifaceted career in television, sports, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Beginning as a talented basketball player, Chen represented Chinese Taipei on the junior national team and competed internationally, including at the 1995 ABC Under-18 Championship.

Despite his height of 190 cm, considered short in Taiwanese basketball standards, Chen excelled in the paint, drawing inspiration from NBA star Charles Barkley, hence his nickname “Charles Chen.” His basketball journey included playing for the B national team at the William Jones Cup before injuries curtailed his career.

Transitioning into entrepreneurship, Chen co-founded the P. League+, Taiwan’s professional basketball league, in 2020, where he served as CEO, aiming to elevate the sport’s profile nationally. Beyond sports, he ventured into television hosting and acting, starring in films like “The Wedding Game” (2009), “Future X-Cops” (2010), and “Amazing” (2013), alongside roles in TV series such as “The Teen Age” (2007) and “Summer’s Desire” (2010).

Chen’s impact extends beyond entertainment; he directed the acclaimed documentary “Attitude” (2008), showcasing the Taiwan Beer Basketball Team’s journey to championship glory. Additionally, Chen and his wife, Christine Fan, co-founded the Love Life campaign, promoting mental health awareness and support.

Scheduled to portray Peng Dehuai in HBO Asia’s miniseries “Untold Stories of 1949,” Charles “Blackie” Chen continues to inspire through his diverse talents, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to community causes in Taiwan and beyond.