Cao Cuifeng (曹翠芬) is a veteran Chinese actress, renowned for her prolific career and intense performances. She gained international prominence primarily through her collaborations with director Zhang Yimou.

Her most celebrated role is that of the Second Mistress in *Raise the Red Lantern* (大红灯笼高高挂, 1991), a masterful performance that highlighted her ability to portray complex characters, often traditional women with profound inner strength. She again worked with Yimou in *The Story of Qiu Ju* (秋菊打官司, 1992), solidifying her image as an interpreter of ordinary, resilient women rooted in Chinese reality.

Her style is characterized by measured and authentic acting. She is often cast in roles as matriarchs, mothers, or grandmothers, figures who embody wisdom, dignity, and profound humanity, making her one of the most respected actresses in Chinese cinema.