Xu Fan

Xu Fan, born on August 16, 1967, in Wuhan, Hubei Province, comes from a traditional family of Chu opera performers. Both of her parents were Chu opera actors, and influenced by the artistic atmosphere of her family, she developed a strong interest in stage performance and acting from a young age. At 12, she secretly gained admission to the Beijing Opera Department of Hubei Opera School, where she studied Peking Opera for three years. She then transferred to Wuhan Drama School, majoring in drama. After graduation, she joined Wuhan Drama Theatre, gradually becoming a leading actor in the troupe. She participated in performances of numerous classic plays, including "Thunderstorm," "Conspiracy and Love," and "The Flirtatious Lady of Windsor."

In 1987, Xu Fan met Yang Lixin, an actor from the Beijing People's Art Theatre, during work, and with his help, she was admitted to the Central Academy of Drama's Department of Performing Arts, beginning systematic acting studies. In 1988, during her first year at university, she was selected by director Tian Zhuangzhuang to star in the film "Special Operating Room," playing the female driver Yang Mei. In 1990, she appeared in the TV drama "Master of Wusheng," playing Yang Hongbao, marking her initial rise to prominence. During her internship period, she played the leading role Mami Yeh Wai in the stage play "The Wisdom of a Thousand Minds." In 1991, she played Zhen Fei in the film "Grand Eunuch Li Lianying." In 1992, she was nominated for Best Actress at the 13th Golden Rooster Awards for her role as Lin Zhouyun in the film "The Big Handful," and through this film, she formed a connection with director Feng Xiaogang.

Xu Fan's acting career gradually gained momentum. In 1994, she starred in the stage play "Ruan Lingyu," successfully portraying a complex posthumous star image and winning the China Theatre Plum Blossom Award. The same year, she played空姐林格格 (flight attendant Lin Gege) in Feng Xiaogang's film "Endless Love," earning a nomination for Best Actress at the 15th China Film Golden Rooster Awards. Subsequently, she showcased her versatile acting skills in numerous television dramas and films, including "A Place Full of Chicken Feathers," "Ten Years of Marriage," and movies such as "No Distance Between Us" and "Endless Joy."

In the 21st century, Xu Fan achieved numerous accomplishments in film and theater. In 2003, she starred in the stage play "Qing Yi" ("Green Clothes") and received the China TV Feitian Award for Outstanding Actress. In 2005, she played Shen Xue in the film "Cell Phone," earning a nomination. In 2006, she starred in the TV drama "Wrong Love," demonstrating her ability to portray layered characters. In 2008, she starred in the costume drama "The Last Prince" as the concubine. In 2010, she played Li Yuanni in Feng Xiaogang's directed film "Tangshan Earthquake," earning multiple award nominations and the "Best Actress" award.

Xu Fan combines acting, charity work, and family life, maintaining a modest and peaceful lifestyle. Her career spans multiple fields including film, television, theater, voice acting, and variety shows, earning her numerous significant awards such as the China Film Golden Rooster Award, the Huabiao Award, and awards from the Macau International Film Festival. She actively participates in cultural and social公益 activities, contributing to the promotion of Chinese culture.