Several celebrities in the entertainment industry in mainland China took to social media on May 21 to mourn the passing of 51-year-old actress Zhu Yuanyuan. Actress Zhang Ziyi, in the late hours of the night, expressed her condolences and wished for Zhu Yuanyuan to “rest in peace.” She also revealed that she herself is suffering from a severe stomach ailment which woke her up in the middle of the night.
On May 21, mainland actor Xin Baiqing posted a death announcement on Weibo confirming the passing of his 51-year-old wife, actress Zhu Yuanyuan, on May 17 due to cancer. Reports from mainland media revealed that Zhu Yuanyuan was diagnosed with cancer while filming the movie “Sending You a Little Red Flower” in 2020. It was mentioned that she was suffering from either colon or ovarian cancer, but for five years, she never publicly disclosed her battle with cancer and continued working.
Many celebrities in the entertainment industry expressed shock and sorrow. In the early hours of May 22, Zhang Ziyi wrote on Weibo, “Woke up in the middle of the night with stomach pain. Seeing the news of Yuanyuan’s passing repeatedly, I am deeply saddened. We were not close, merely acquaintances at events.”
Reflecting on Zhu Yuanyuan, Zhang Ziyi reminisced about her charm: “Her smiling eyes were so sweet, the warmth in her words made you believe that all the suffering in the world would quietly dissipate in her smile, would be gently dispelled by her kindness.” However, fate always strikes unexpectedly. Devastated by Zhu Yuanyuan’s sudden departure, Zhang Ziyi expressed, “May you no longer suffer from pain in another world. May you rest peacefully along your journey.”
Insiders revealed that while Zhang Ziyi and Zhu Yuanyuan were not intimate friends, they maintained a good relationship in the industry. They had met at various events and shared a mutual understanding due to their common artistic pursuits.
Not long ago, Zhang Ziyi had an accidental fall on stage at an awards ceremony and was later seen in a wheelchair at a high-speed rail station, which garnered widespread attention. Her agent responded promptly, confirming medical attention and stating, “No problem, her condition is improving.”
Known as the “International Zhang”, Zhang Ziyi’s revelation about being awoken by severe stomach pain sheds light on her health concerns and raises worries among fans. Industry experts suggest that this may be related to her long-term dieting and irregular eating habits to maintain her figure.
At the age of 46, Zhang Ziyi, who married singer Wang Feng in 2015 and has since had a daughter and a son, continues to maintain a slim figure post-pregnancy. In an interview regarding her weight loss secrets, she disclosed her method of intermittent fasting, even refraining from eating at social gatherings, emphasizing water consumption throughout the night.
In previous discussions about her dietary and fitness habits, Zhang Ziyi mentioned that she never overeats, maintaining a “bird-like appetite.” She typically consumes plenty of water and fruits, while avoiding fatty and sugary foods. With a height of 165cm, her weight has never exceeded 50kg.