Zhao Lirong

Biography

Zhao Lirong was born in 1928 in Baodi District, Tianjin, and displayed theatrical talent from early childhood. As a young girl, she performed on stage in Shenyang and began formal training in Pingju opera under teacher Ma Jingui after settling in Beijing in 1937. She worked in many Chinese cities before taking on leading roles in 1945. In 1952, she joined the military Pingju troupe, where she collaborated extensively with actress Xin Fengxia in various roles. She appeared in famous Pingju films such as "The Flower as Matchmaker" and "Third Sister Yang's Case." She later transitioned to comedy sketches on Chinese Central Television, participating in seven New Year's Gala performances. She also acted in notable TV series including "Journey to the West" and "Dream of the Red Chamber." In 1991, she won the Best Actress award at the Tokyo International Film Festival for her role in "The New Year," and also received the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actress in 1992. Zhao Lirong passed away in Beijing in 2000 at the age of 72 after a battle with lung cancer.