ProfileLiu Xiaoqing, 68, ‘ageless goddess’ of China cinema stirs controversy with choice of young roles
- With a real life that reads like a film script, veteran Chinese actress Liu Xiaoqing refuses to be defined by anyone but herself
Chinese actress Liu Xiaoqing, who is known as the “ageless goddess” of the country’s film industry, has sparked controversy by playing characters nearly 50 years younger than her actual age.
The 68-year-old from Chongqing in southwestern China first gained fame in 1979 for her role as a stylish and vibrant supporting character in the comedy What a Family.
In 1995, Liu’s portrayal of Wu Zetian, the legendary Chinese Empress, cemented her status as much-admired performer, with the characters she played evolving from a naive girl to a powerful and cunning ruler.
Liu has starred in more than 70 films and television dramas, earning a number of prestigious awards, including the Hundred Flowers Awards and Golden Rooster Awards.
She is also recognised as one of the most powerful women in China.
In the 1990s, Liu reportedly raised five billion yuan (US$700 million) within three years and established more than 26 real estate, beauty, and advertising companies.