Chinese actor Yu Shaoqun, who gained fame for his solid foundation in traditional opera and his role in the movie “Mei Lanfang,” has been rarely seen in film and television projects in recent years. Returning to the traditional opera stage, he revealed in a recent interview show the reason behind his disappearance from the screen – he mentioned that he wanted more possibilities, but the market did not support this desire, as they prefer to use familiar faces over fresh talent. This topic has sparked discussions among the audience.
At the age of 44, Yu Shaoqun started learning traditional opera at the age of 14. In 2008, he rose to stardom overnight with his portrayal of a young Mei Lanfang in the movie “Mei Lanfang.” He garnered numerous film awards, including the Best New Actor at the 3rd Asian Film Awards and the Best New Actor at the 46th Golden Horse Awards. Despite his transition from the traditional opera stage to the big screen, where he became a bright new star in the film industry, he made the choice to step back from the limelight and return to the more niche world of traditional opera.
Regarding his decision to step away from the film and television industry after receiving these awards, Yu Shaoqun recently expressed on a mainland interview program called “Not Rushing Time,” saying, “It’s not about lacking the ability, but rather not wanting to be constrained by rules.”
He frankly pointed out the unwritten rule in the Chinese entertainment industry where resources are maintained through social connections. He gave an example that during a period of inactivity, no one would reach out, but once a work becomes popular, invitations pour in. He attempted to force himself to socialize, only to feel a strong sense of resistance. He even went as far as fabricating actions to comfort himself when feeling uncomfortable, but ultimately he despised insincere conversations and chose to distance himself.
To prepare for his role as a young Mei Lanfang in the movie, Yu Shaoqun shut himself away for 8 months for intensive learning. After his success in portraying the young Mei Lanfang, he refused similar role offers, choosing to break through in his career path and pursue “more possibilities.”
Yu Shaoqun directly criticized the Chinese film and television market’s unwritten rule of favoring familiarity over new talent severely hampers diversification. He admitted, “I want more possibilities, but the market doesn’t support this.” When asked by the host whether he was already wealthy, he responded, “I’m not very wealthy; I can’t deny I desire money, but it’s also fine as it is.”
He denounced the lack of meaningful content at social gatherings, believing that resource constraints limit the space for actors to focus on their craft. He criticized the industry for chasing quick profits and blindly following trends, neglecting the quality of their work. Despite admitting to being in an “awkward age” where he may look too old for young roles and too young for mature roles, he urged newcomers to focus on honing their professional skills rather than indulging in social events.
Netizens praised Yu Shaoqun as being “clear-minded and persistent,” becoming a “clean stream” in the entertainment industry full of trends. His attitude towards opportunities has garnered widespread support, with many netizens reflecting, “Some chase trends, some chase popularity, but he just wants opportunities.”