Wang Xingang

Biography

Wang Xingang was born on January 1, 1932 in Dalian, Liaoning province. In 1949, he enlisted in the military, and the following year joined the art troupe of the Northeast Military Industry Bureau. In 1956, after years of stage experience, he passed multiple screen tests thanks to his tall, handsome appearance and masculine charisma, becoming the lead in the film "The Silent Forest" produced by Changchun Film Studio in 1957. The 1959 film "Sea Hawk" was a breakthrough, making him and actress Wang Xiaotang the most popular screen duo of the era. Their 1963 collaboration "Wild Spring Wind Fighting the Ancient City" was a resounding success, cementing the saying "Men watch Wang Xingang, women watch Wang Xiaotang." During the Cultural Revolution, Wang Xingang faced persecution and his works were banned, like many other film stars of his generation. His career peaked again after that period, winning the Best Actor award at the 5th Hundred Flowers Awards in 1982 for his portrayal of General Cai E in the film "Bosom Friend." He had retired from acting for twenty years before returning in 2006 to film "My Long March." He is considered one of the most outstanding actors in Chinese cinema and was selected in 1962 as one of the "22 Great Movie Stars of New China."