Deemed as one of the best actors in China, Sun Hong-Lei first started out as a band lead singer, performing in pubs back in his hometown, Harbin. After graduating from The Central Academy of Drama, Sun first acted in various stage dramas. His outstanding performances landed him his breakthrough role in his first TV drama, Yongbu Mingmu, where he successfully portrayed an assassin. He then went on to star in internationally acclaimed director Zhang Yimou's The Road Home. His versatility and ability of "disappearing" into his roles has earned him various best actor awards.

Sun Hong-Lei recently appeared in the critically acclaimed Zhou Yu's Train (released by Sony Pictures Classics), starring opposite famed Chinese actress, Gong Li.