Zhao Deren

Zhao Deren, born in the early 20th century, had a complex early life background. Due to family financial difficulties, he and his family fled to Heilongjiang Province to escape hardship. During this period, he entrusted his young son, Zhao Benshan, to his blind younger brother, Zhao Deming, for care, which led to a twenty-year separation between father and son.

In the 1980s, as Zhao Benshan rose to prominence in the entertainment industry, Zhao Deren gradually rejoined his family. Out of filial piety, Zhao Benshan purchased property for his father in Tieling and helped him arrange his marriage. In 2007, reports indicated that Zhao Deren began managing affairs in Zhao Benshan's company, a move that caused some familial conflicts.

In 2007, Zhao Deren was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. During this period, Zhao Benshan made time to visit his father while filming the TV drama "Country Love 2." Later, on December 11 of the same year, Zhao Deren passed away in Shenyang, at an unspecified age. According to records, Zhao Benshan promptly arranged for his father's body to be sent back to their hometown in Kaiyuan and held a farewell ceremony attended by entertainment industry figures such as Niu Qun and Fan Wei.

Zhao Deren's life experiences had a certain influence on Zhao Benshan’s artistic creations. For example, in 2007, Zhao Benshan’s comedic skit "Matchmaking" (created in 1990) was inspired by his memories of arranging his father's marriage. Additionally, during the filming of "Ma Dashuai," Zhao Benshan also scripted lines for his father to express his personal feelings. Furthermore, to care for his ailing father, Zhao Benshan declined an invitation to attend the 2007 Golden Horse Awards ceremony.

As an important family figure in Zhao Benshan’s life, Zhao Deren’s personal experiences not only demonstrated the emotional bonds within the family but also somewhat influenced Zhao Benshan's artistic work and life.