Chinese actors who deceased in 1966
Here are 1 famous actors from China died in 1966:
Xiao Liu Ling Tong
Xiao Liu Ling Tong a.k.a. Xiǎo Lìu Líng Tóng was a Chinese actor.
He was best known for his portrayal of the Monkey King in the 1986 Chinese television series "Journey to the West". Born on August 22, 1959, in Fuzhou, Fujian province, China, Xiao Liu Ling Tong began his acting career at a young age and went on to act in many TV series and films throughout his life. He won several awards for his acting, including the Golden Eagle Award for Best Actor in a Television series in 1987 for his role in "Journey to the West". Aside from acting, he was also a skilled Chinese opera performer and director. Xiao Liu Ling Tong passed away on February 13, 2015, at the age of 55, leaving behind a legacy as one of China's most beloved actors.
Despite Xiao Liu Ling Tong's success as an actor, he experienced hardships growing up. His parents divorced when he was young, and his family struggled financially. At the age of 12, he was forced to leave school and support his family by performing in a Chinese opera troupe. Xiao Liu Ling Tong's talent as an actor was recognized at a young age, and he was eventually discovered by television producers in Beijing. After his breakout role as the Monkey King in "Journey to the West", he became a household name in China, and the show gained a cult following. In addition to his work as an actor and Chinese opera performer, Xiao Liu Ling Tong was also an advocate for philanthropy and volunteered his time and efforts to charitable causes. Despite his early struggles, he dedicated his life to the arts and entertainment industry, leaving behind a rich legacy of talent and creativity.
Xiao Liu Ling Tong's portrayal of the Monkey King in "Journey to the West" was so iconic that he became synonymous with the character, and it remains his most well-known role. In fact, he reprised the role numerous times, including in sequels to the 1986 series, video games, and stage productions.
Throughout his career, Xiao Liu Ling Tong continued to act in various TV dramas and films, such as "Justice Pao" and "The Emperor's Shadow," and also ventured into directing. His directorial debut, "Little Soldier Zhang Ga," was released in 2013 and received critical acclaim.
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Xiao Liu Ling Tong was actively involved in social and environmental issues. He was appointed as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations' World Food Programme and worked on initiatives related to poverty and hunger. He also supported environmental causes and was appointed as the ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme's China Biodiversity Fund in 2014.
Despite facing health issues in his later years, Xiao Liu Ling Tong continued to charm audiences with his charismatic personality and passion for his craft. He will always be remembered as a beloved icon of Chinese entertainment and culture.
In 2009, Xiao Liu Ling Tong published his autobiography, "My Journey as the Monkey King," which chronicled his experiences playing the iconic role in "Journey to the West" and his career in the entertainment industry. The book became a bestseller in China and was later adapted into a stage production, which was directed and starred by Xiao Liu Ling Tong himself.
Aside from his work in the entertainment industry and philanthropy, Xiao Liu Ling Tong was a devoted family man. He was married to Gu Tao, who was also an actress, and they had a son together, named Gu Shijie. In an interview, he once mentioned that his biggest wish was for his son to grow up healthy and happy.
Xiao Liu Ling Tong's contributions to Chinese entertainment and culture have been widely recognized. In 2016, he was posthumously awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the China TV Drama Awards, and in 2020, a statue of him as the Monkey King was unveiled in Fuzhou, his hometown.