刘信义

简介

Liu Xinyi was born in 1952 in Qingdao, Shandong Province. After finishing junior high school in 1969, he remained unemployed for eight years, working as a porter, bricklayer, carpenter, and blacksmith. He learned painting from his father, a graphic designer, and worked as a temporary set painter for theater troupes. In 1978, while designing sets for the play "August 1st Storm," he was asked to substitute for an actor who fell ill, and his successful performance led to his admission to the China Youth Art Theatre that same year. Director Ding Yinnan discovered him in 1981 and cast him in the film "Against the Light" as a young man who lends his fiancée for money, praised for his realistic, non-stereotyped acting. He went on to appear in films such as "Blood, Always Hot," "Drifting Adventure," "The Quartet of Wheels," and "The Happy Bachelor," where he played a shy yet generous workshop foreman and won the Best Supporting Actor award at the 7th Hundred Flowers Awards in 1984. He studied at the Beijing Film Academy from 1985 to 1987, then starred in "Mandarin Duck Tower" with a psychologically nuanced performance. Known for his dedication—refusing stunt doubles in horse-riding scenes—he also showcased his painting talent in films. He later worked in television, notably playing Emperor Yongzheng in the 1990 TV series "Emperor Yongzheng." He later moved to the United States but remained active in television, including the 1996 series "New World." He also transitioned into directing and producing in later years.