Zhao Lei

Biography

Zhao Lei, born in 1928 with the real name Wang Yumin, spent his early years in Beijing before moving to Hong Kong in 1947. Five years later he joined Shaw Brothers Company. He specialized in period films and worked with actresses such as Lin Dai, Li Li, and Yu Min. He rose to fame with his role as Emperor Zhengde in "The Kingdom and the Beauty" (1959), winning Best Actor at the 6th Asia Film Festival. He went on to star in many successful films including "The Enchanting Shadow" (1960), "Madame White Snake" (1962), "Wu Zetian" (1963), and "The Empress Dowager and the Imperial Concubine" (1964). He moved to Taiwan at the invitation of Li Han-hsiang and won the Golden Horse Award for Best Actor for his performance in "Xi Shi" (1966). He later retired from acting to pursue business, with occasional cameo appearances.