Xiang Kun

Biography

Xiang Kun (1915–2009) was a renowned Chinese film and theatre actor. Born in Jinan, Shandong Province in 1915, he studied at the Shandong Provincial First Normal School and participated in anti-Japanese street plays after the Mukden Incident. He was arrested in 1935 for publishing critical articles but was later released on bail. He enrolled at the National Drama Academy in Nanjing in 1936, where he was mentored by Cao Yu. He joined the Chinese Traveling Theatre Company in 1937 and toured Singapore and Malaysia performing resistance dramas. He began his film career in 1940 at China Film Studio and became a member of the Chinese Dramatic Arts Society, earning the title "Emperor of Drama" for his theatrical roles. After 1950, he worked at Shanghai Film Studio in major films. He was labeled a "Rightist" in 1957 and transferred to Shandong, later returning to Beijing for further film work. He held political positions including membership in the National People's Congress. He died in Beijing in 2009 at the age of 94.