Ma Yashu

Ma Yashu was born in Beijing, China, but her exact birth date is unknown. Her early educational background is rooted in Chinese Peking Opera training, providing her with a professional foundation in traditional performance arts. In 1986, Ma Yashu's father took her to Yunnan to participate in the entrance exams for higher arts colleges, aiming to broaden her horizons. However, by a twist of fate, she was admitted on-site to the affiliated middle school of the Chinese Academy of Opera. Two years later, in 1988, she starred in her first film, "Beijing Girl," playing the role of Jin Jing, which sparked her interest in acting. After graduating, she abandoned the traditional Peking Opera path and officially transitioned to a career as an actress.

Ma Yashu officially entered the entertainment industry in 1995 with the TV drama "Legendary Life." The following year, she played Bizhu in the costume suspense drama "Detective Di Renjie," directed by Sun Wei. That same year, she also appeared as Xiaocui in the costume martial arts series "Sui Tang Allegories," directed by Zhang Huaxun. In 2000, she co-starred with Wu Jian and Cao Rong in the mythological costume drama "Journey to the West: The Return," portraying the White Lotus. In 2002, she played Feng Siniang in the martial arts drama "Xiao Shiyilang." Since then, she has appeared in numerous film and TV works spanning various genres, including ancient costume, modern, family, and war themes.

Throughout her acting career, Ma Yashu has participated widely in television and film, portraying a diverse and in-depth array of characters. Her notable works include "The Great Concubine," the "Mother's Story" series, "Chun Tao's War," "Faith," and "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils." She has received several awards, including the "Most Popular Actress" award at the Golden South Film Festival in 2010 and the "Start-of-the-Year Leading Female Actress" award at the Youku Film and Television Awards in 2011. Her outstanding performances in multiple dramas have gained recognition from industry peers and audiences alike, establishing her as one of China's representative contemporary actresses.

In her personal life, Ma Yashu met Taiwanese artist Niu Tielong through cooperation. They started dating in 2001, registered their marriage in Yunnan in 2006, and divorced in 2009. In 2010, she married Robert. In 2013, she was publicly revealed to be pregnant and gave birth to a daughter in Hong Kong. She continued her active presence in the entertainment industry afterward. Aside from her acting career, she actively participates in public welfare activities, including caring for the elderly with dementia and anti-pandemic campaigns.

Her career spans several decades, featuring a wide range of roles and works that showcase her multifaceted artistic talents. In 2024, she remains actively involved in film and television creation and performance, continuing to maintain her influence in the industry.