A well-known Chinese actress is Zhao Wei. Zhao is a successful actress, singer, director, producer, and model—the epitome of beauty with brains. Along with appearing in popular films, she has also landed a number of pricey endorsement deals with companies like Versace, Dior, Mercedes-Benz, Motorola, etc. Zhao has earned the moniker “China’s slow-business-Buffett” as a result of her wise investment choices. Additionally, Forbes listed her as one of the richest actresses in the world. She made an investment in Alibaba Pictures Group in 2014, and by the end of 2016, she had made millions of dollars. Her portrayal as Xiao Yanzi in the 1998 television series “My Fair Princess” helped her become a well-known actor. Zhao instantly became a celebrity once the series became an instant hit. She even made history by winning the Golden Eagle Award for Best Actress at a young age. She has also acted in popular films such as “Shaolin Soccer” (2001), “Red Cliff,” “Painted Skin,” “Dearest,” “Painted Skin: The Resurrection,” and “Lost in Hong Kong” (2015). She has acted in well-known TV shows like “Tiger Mom” and “Romance in the Rain” (both from 2001). (2015). The albums “Swallow” (1999), “The Last Separation” (2001), and “We’re All Great Directors” are among those she has released (2009). In 2013, she made her directing debut with the film “So Young.” At some point, “So Young” rose to the status of one of China’s most commercially successful films. She later helmed an animated film that was based on the television show “My Fair Princess.”
Early Childhood & Life
Zhao Jiahai, who was born on March 12th, 1976, to Wei Qiying, was nurtured in China’s mountainous region of Anhui. She grew up alongside Zhao Jian, her older brother.
Her mother was a primary school teacher, while her father was an engineer. Zhao Wei graduated from Wuhu Normal School and afterward started working as a pre-school teacher’s assistant.
She had never intended to pursue acting since she felt she wasn’t attractive enough to succeed in the entertainment industry, but at the age of 17, after playing as an extra in a Chinese movie, she caught the acting bug.
After quitting her employment, she registered for the Shanghai-based Xie Jin Film Art Academy. The acclaimed filmmaker Xie Jin started the academy.
She enrolled at Beijing Film Academy in 1996, where she excelled academically and stood out as one of the school’s smartest students.
She was surprisingly classmates with Huang Xiaoming and Chen Kun, who later achieved success as performers in the Chinese film business.
She has additional training in Chinese Ink Wash Painting, dance, and piano.
Earlier Years of Zhao Wei
When Zhao Wei appeared in the 1994 film “A Soul Haunted by Painting,” she was still a student (Hua Hin). She played Ding Jing’er in the 1995 film “Penitentiary Angel,” which was her first significant role.
In 1996, she had an appearance on the television program “Sisters in Beijing.” She immediately stopped acting and concentrated on finishing her studies at the Beijing Film Academy.
Career in Acting
Her breakout performance occurred in 1998 when she was cast in the popular television series “My Fairy Princess,” which was adapted from a book by Qiong Yao. Zhao became a success because of her portrayal of the decade’s most well-liked character.
Zhao was able to achieve fame in Chinese cinema because of the phenomenal success of “My Fairy Princess.” Zhao later appeared in the popular television series “Romance in the Rain,” which helped to establish her as a household name.
She played an unattractive girl with Tai Chi talents in the comedy film “Shaolin Soccer” in 2001. The film became a huge hit all around the world.
She had an appearance in “Chinese Odyssey 2002” 2002 in a supporting role. She also had a starring part in the film “So Close,” in which she played a murderous assassin.
She appeared in four films in 2003, including “Green Tea,” “Warriors of Heaven and Earth,” “My Dream Girl,” and the acclaimed picture “Jade Goddess of Mercy.”
She made a comeback to television in 2005 with the hugely successful drama “Moment in Peking.” She has since made numerous film appearances, including those in “A Time to Love” (2005), “Red Cliff” (2008), “Painted Skin” (2008), “Mulan” (2009), “14 Blades” (2010), “Painted Skin: The Resurrection” (2012), “Dearest” (2014), “Hollywood Adventures” (2015), “Lost in Hong Kong” (2015), “Three” (2016), etc.
Performing Career of Zhao Wei
In 1999, she launched her self-titled debut album. A few other albums were later published by her, including “Magic of Love” (1999), “The Last Separation” (2001), “Afloat” (2004), “Double” (2005), “Angel’s Suitcase” (2007), and “We’re All Great Directors” (2009).
She also received many accolades for her albums. Over 700,000 copies of her first four albums were sold in Asia.
Director’s career
In its first week of release, Zhao’s debut film, “So Young,” set a record with a 300 million Yuan box office haul. The movie made about 110 million dollars worldwide at the box office.
For her debut as a director, Zhao received numerous honors. She received the “Best New Director” honor on a number of occasions, including the 8th Chinese Young Generation Film Forum, the 9th Chinese American Film Festival, the 22nd Shanghai Film Critics Award, and the 29th Annual Golden Rooster Award.
Major Other Works
In addition, Zhao has experience in business, investing, advertising, and philanthropy. She participates in numerous charitable endeavors and never stops raising money in her community for youngsters.
She was chosen to serve as an ambassador and spokesperson for “China’s Youth Committee” and the “United Nations Children’s Fund” in 2005. The groups want to raise awareness of AIDS-affected youngsters. Additionally, she established the “V-Love Foundation” to aid children with leukemia.
She was listed among the “Top Ten Most Popular Commercial Models in China” and the “Top 10 Artists for Advertisements” in 2001. She was often referred to as the “Commercial Queen in three nations” due to her lucrative investments and brand endorsements.
Recognition & Achievements
For her outstanding performances, she has won various accolades. The “Golden Rooster Award,” “Hundred Flowers Award,” “Huabiao Award,” “Golden Eagle Award” (TV), and “Flying Apsaras Award” are among the prestigious ones (TV).
In 2016, she was chosen to serve as one of the jury members for the 73rd Venice International Film Festival.
Controversy of Zhao Wei
She wore an outfit resembling the Chinese military banner in 2001. She was charged with betraying her country when a Chinese newspaper released a picture of her wearing the alleged garment.
Individual Life of Zhao Wei
Huang You Long, a Chinese billionaire, and Zhao Wei wed in 2008. Their daughter is called April Huang.
Zhao Wei’s Net Worth
A Chinese actress, director, and pop singer with a $1 billion fortune is Zhao Wei. She is regarded as one of China’s Four Dan Actresses. She went on to become extremely wealthy as a result of an early investment in a number of media and technology companies, namely Alibaba Pictures.
Trivia
Despite having less than 10 minutes of screen time in the film “The Postmodern Life of My Aunt,” she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 43rd Golden Horse Awards for her performance.