Biography

First-generation Chinese-American actress Jona Xiao has quickly become one of Hollywood's rising talents, known for portraying dynamic, memorable characters across some of television, film, and animation's most talked-about projects. With a unique ability to balance comedy, drama, action, and voiceover performance, Jona continues to establish herself as a versatile force in the entertainment industry.

In 2026, Jona joined the cast of HBO Max's critically acclaimed medical drama The Pitt as Nurse Garvin and is currently filming all episodes of Netflix's highly anticipated live-action Scooby-Doo origin series.

Most recently, Jona starred as Jorani, the first female Iron Fist in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, in Disney+ and Marvel Animation's acclaimed limited series Eyes of Wakanda. The groundbreaking role further cemented her growing presence within major franchise storytelling.

Jona can also be seen as Daisy in Starz's critically acclaimed crime drama Hightown. Executive produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the series follows one woman's journey to sobriety while navigating an unfolding murder investigation. As the bubbly yet edgy Daisy, Jona delivered a standout performance opposite Luis Guzmán.

Her television credits also include starring as the supervillain Rainbow Raider in The CW's The Flash, Shen May in Netflix's Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness, recurring roles on BET's Being Mary Jane and AMC's acclaimed Halt and Catch Fire, as well as appearances in Bones, Trophy Wife, and Rizzoli & Isles.

In animation, Jona voiced Young Namaari in Disney's Academy Award-nominated animated feature Raya and the Last Dragon, bringing emotional depth to one of the film's pivotal characters.

Her feature film credits include Gifted opposite Chris Evans, Jenny Slate, and Octavia Spencer; Spider-Man: Homecoming; and Keeping Up with the Joneses alongside Gal Gadot, Zach Galifianakis, and Jon Hamm.

Born in Changsha, China and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Jona discovered her passion for acting in middle school. Beyond entertainment, she has always been deeply involved in athletics. A former Academic All-American and All-State lacrosse player, she remains highly competitive today as a national championship-winning quarterback in women's flag football, pickleball competitor, and avid board game enthusiast.

Jona is also the founder and CEO of Career ACTivate, an education company that has helped thousands of actors secure representation, book work, and build sustainable careers in the entertainment industry.
- IMDb mini biography by: Jordyn