The television series My Fair Princess catapulted Zhao Wei to nationwide fame between 1998 and 1999, establishing her as one of China’s most prominent cultural figures. A graduate of the Beijing Film Academy, she built a diverse career spanning acting, singing, and filmmaking, while maintaining significant interests in the business sector as a major shareholder of Alibaba Pictures.
Early Training and Breakthrough
Born in Wuhu in 1976, Zhao began her path into the performing arts by enrolling at the Xie Jin Heng Tong Star Academy of Performing Arts in 1994. Her first professional experience occurred during the filming of the 1994 movie A Soul Haunted by Painting. Following her graduation from the Beijing Film Academy in 2000, she quickly secured major roles. The 1998 series My Fair Princess transformed her into a national idol, earning her the Golden Eagle Award for Best Actress and setting the stage for her subsequent television successes, including 2001's Romance in the Rain.
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After establishing a presence in television, Zhao shifted her career focus toward film. Her 2001 role in the comedy Shaolin Soccer demonstrated her willingness to depart from conventional glamour, playing a steamed bun-maker. Throughout the 2000s, she appeared in various productions, such as the 2005 series Moment in Peking and films including Painted Skin in 2008 and Mulan in 2009. She earned the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in the 2014 drama Dearest.
Directing and Business Ventures
In addition to her work as an actor and singer with seven albums, Zhao expanded into film directing. Her 2013 feature, So Young, was both a critical and commercial achievement. Beyond the arts, she became a notable figure in the corporate world, ranking multiple times on the Forbes China Celebrity 100 list. Her business interests included a significant stake in Alibaba Pictures, marking a transition into the commercial side of the entertainment industry.
Government Actions
The trajectory of Zhao's public life shifted significantly on 27 August 2021. As of that date, she was blacklisted by the government of the People's Republic of China. This action resulted in the widespread removal of content featuring her work from the Chinese Internet, effectively curtailing her visibility and presence within the national media landscape.
Fast facts
- Born: 1976, Wuhu
- Citizenship: People's Republic of China
- Education: Beijing Film Academy
- Known for: My Fair Princess
- Notable Award: Golden Eagle Award for Best Actress
- Religion: Buddhism
- Language: Chinese
Questions readers ask
What was Zhao Wei's directorial debut?
Her directorial debut was the 2013 film titled So Young.
What happened to Zhao Wei in 2021?
On 27 August 2021, the Chinese government blacklisted her, leading to the removal of her content from the Chinese Internet.
