Who is Chinese Actress Zhu Yuanyuan? Details explored as she passes away at 51 after cancer battle

Zhu Yuanyuan was a Chinese actress who was known for her roles in Loquacious Zhang Damin's Happy Life, Sun Yat-Sen, The Forest Ranger, Family Has 9 Phoenixes, and more. The 51-year-old actress died after battling cancer for almost five years. The news of her death was shared by her husband via an obituary. 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".

Yuanyuan not only won awards for her work, but is remembered for her authentic acting and emotional roles.

Colleagues and fans mourn the death of Zhu Yuanyuan

Zhu Yuanyuan was a theater and screen actress who was born in Shibei District of Qingdao, Shandong. She graduated from the Central Academy of Drama with a degree in acting in 1997. She rose to fame while acting in The Happy Life of Talkative Zhang D.

The National Theatre of China also issued an obituary. They said:

"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."

They also honored her work and legacy by saying:

"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."

Yuanyuan has won numerous awards for her work throughout her lifetime. Some of these include a Golden Eagle Award for Favorite Actress for her role in Loquacious Zhang Damin's Happy Life, a Shanghai Film Critics Award for Best Actress, and a Golden Phoenix Award for Female Actor for The Forest Ranger.

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Zhu Yuanyuan's death left a huge gap in the Chinese theater and film industry. She was described as a talented and determined woman who has contributed to the Chinese film industry through her work. Her husband also shared a loving obituary to honor his late wife.

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