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Yao XingtongChinese actress
Date of Birth: 12.04.1983
Country:  China |
Content:
- Yao Xintong: A Rising Star in Chinese Cinema
- Breakthrough Films
- International Recognition
- Collaboration with Jackie Chan
- Later Career
- Personal Life and Philanthropy
- Current Projects and Legacy
Yao Xintong: A Rising Star in Chinese Cinema
Early Life and EducationYao Xintong was born on April 12, 1983, in Harbin, the capital city of Heilongjiang province. Her parents resided in the historic Nangang District, the current seat of the regional government and a former settlement of Japanese colonists. In an interview, Yao expressed nostalgia for the hawthorn trees in her childhood home and the intricate ice patterns on her winter windowpanes.
During her sophomore year of college, Yao's striking looks earned her a contract with a television company, leading to her film debut in 2003. According to Yao, she was primarily offered commercials and supporting roles in dramas during this phase of her career. A graduate of the Beijing Film Academy's acting department, Yao's classmates included Lao Dan Wang, the star of the TV series "Struggle," and actor Jia Nai Liang.
Breakthrough Films
Yao's breakthrough role came in the 2008 film "Flowers," which coincided with the Beijing Summer Paralympics. Portraying a visually impaired woman, Yao depicted the challenges and support systems available to people with disabilities in China. To accurately portray her character's movements, Yao spent a month living among individuals with impaired vision. The film was critically acclaimed, with Yao's performance receiving praise.
International Recognition
Yao gained international recognition through her role in the comedy action film "CZ12" (2012) alongside Jackie Chan. The film grossed over 850 million yuan and became one of the highest-grossing Chinese films of all time. Yao was cast as a university student largely due to her fluency in French. In an audition, she nervously revealed her swimming skills and willingness to perform stunts. However, when required to execute a high dive in the film, she hesitated, to the astonishment of Jackie Chan.
Collaboration with Jackie Chan
In the sequel to "Viy" (2014), titled "Dragon Blade" (2015), Yao trained rigorously for seven months at a kung fu school at Jackie Chan's recommendation. She also attended rock climbing lessons in Hawaii. The film left a lasting physical imprint on Yao, who sustained scars on her wrists and a large bruise on her knee.
Later Career
Subsequent films featuring action-packed stunts and fight scenes became less daunting for Yao. She starred in the fantasy "Legend of the Mermaid" (2016) and the action thriller "Kung Fu Yoga" (2017). She also ventured into South Korea for film projects.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Yao's personal life has been the subject of public fascination in China. In 2014, singer Han Geng released a photo of a marriage certificate with Yao, later revealed to be a publicity stunt for their upcoming film. She was previously linked to businessman Wang Sicong, the son of billionaire Wang Jianlin.
Yao is actively involved in public service and philanthropy. She learned sign language to communicate with disabled actors and donated 2 million yuan to the "Smile for Mother" campaign in 2014. Openly discussing her weight struggles on social media, Yao once lost 9 kg after an extended diet.
Current Projects and Legacy
As of January 2024, Yao starred in the film "Precursor to Kingsman" on the streaming platform iQiyi. She also appears in "The Shanghaiers," portraying an American of Chinese descent during the Japanese occupation of Shanghai. Yao Xintong continues to be a highly sought-after actress in Chinese cinema and a role model for aspiring artists.
