Zhu Yuanyuan, a celebrated Chinese actress known for her heartfelt performances on the theatre stage and screen, passed away on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 11:39 am at the age of 51, after a nearly five-year battle with cancer.
Her husband, actor Xin Baiqing, confirmed her passing in an obituary released on May 21. He wrote, “During her nearly five-year battle with cancer, she had never been pessimistic or depressed. Instead, she had faced difficulties with firm resolve and confidence, and conveyed her love for life to everyone around her through laughter and warmth.”
Rise of Zhu Yuanyuan
She was born on March 18, 1974, in Qingdao, Shandong Province, Zhu graduated from the Central Academy of Drama in 1997. She quickly rose to prominence with her role in the television series “The Happy Life of Talkative Zhang D.”
Her notable works include Nine Daughters in My Family, A Little Red Flower, My Sister, and A Love for Separation. Her performances were lauded for their emotional depth and authenticity.
Zhu's talent was recognized with several prestigious awards, including Best Actress at the 26th Golden Best Supporting Actress at both the 34th Golden Rooster Awards.
Condolences pour in from colleagues and fans
The National Theatre of China, where Zhu served as a first-class actress, issued an obituary stating, “Zhu Yuanyuan, a first-class actress with the National Theatre of China and a beloved performer admired by audiences across the nation, passed away due to illness at 11:39 am on May 17, 2025, after ineffective medical treatment. She was 51 years old. In accordance with the wishes of her family, the funeral will be conducted in a simple manner.”
The obituary further honored her legacy: “The passing of Zhu Yuanyuan is a tremendous loss to China's theatre and film communities and a heartbreak for countless audience. What she left behind is not only a legacy of classic stage and screen performances, but also her deep love, passion, and pursuit of the performing arts, as well as her reverence for the stage, her genuine affection for the people, and her commitment to her country. Her lifelong contribution to the cause of the National Theatre of China will be forever etched into the monument of Chinese drama.”
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans alike. Actress Zhao Liying, who co-starred with Zhu in the upcoming drama The City Maker, expressed her grief on social media.
Zhu is survived by her husband, Xin Baiqing, and their daughter. Her family has requested a private funeral by her wishes.
Her husband, actor Xin Baiqing, confirmed her passing in an obituary released on May 21. He wrote, “During her nearly five-year battle with cancer, she had never been pessimistic or depressed. Instead, she had faced difficulties with firm resolve and confidence, and conveyed her love for life to everyone around her through laughter and warmth.”
Rise of Zhu Yuanyuan
She was born on March 18, 1974, in Qingdao, Shandong Province, Zhu graduated from the Central Academy of Drama in 1997. She quickly rose to prominence with her role in the television series “The Happy Life of Talkative Zhang D.”
Her notable works include Nine Daughters in My Family, A Little Red Flower, My Sister, and A Love for Separation. Her performances were lauded for their emotional depth and authenticity.
Zhu's talent was recognized with several prestigious awards, including Best Actress at the 26th Golden Best Supporting Actress at both the 34th Golden Rooster Awards.
Condolences pour in from colleagues and fans
The National Theatre of China, where Zhu served as a first-class actress, issued an obituary stating, “Zhu Yuanyuan, a first-class actress with the National Theatre of China and a beloved performer admired by audiences across the nation, passed away due to illness at 11:39 am on May 17, 2025, after ineffective medical treatment. She was 51 years old. In accordance with the wishes of her family, the funeral will be conducted in a simple manner.”
The obituary further honored her legacy: “The passing of Zhu Yuanyuan is a tremendous loss to China's theatre and film communities and a heartbreak for countless audience. What she left behind is not only a legacy of classic stage and screen performances, but also her deep love, passion, and pursuit of the performing arts, as well as her reverence for the stage, her genuine affection for the people, and her commitment to her country. Her lifelong contribution to the cause of the National Theatre of China will be forever etched into the monument of Chinese drama.”
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans alike. Actress Zhao Liying, who co-starred with Zhu in the upcoming drama The City Maker, expressed her grief on social media.
Zhu is survived by her husband, Xin Baiqing, and their daughter. Her family has requested a private funeral by her wishes.
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