Huang Shengyi

Huang Shengyi was born in August 1978 in Xuhui District, Shanghai, into an intellectual family. Her father, Huang Ziqiang, was a professor at Shanghai Second Industrial University, a Tsinghua University graduate who had studied in the United States and was a member of the Jiangxia Huang clan. Her mother, Deng Chuanli, was an editor at Xinmin Evening News and came from Chengdu, Sichuan. Huang’s family emphasized a well-rounded education; from childhood she studied dance, piano, and painting, though her parents originally hoped she would choose the sciences and pursue a career in business administration.

In 2000 Huang worked at Shanghai Cable Television on the program "Radiant Galaxy" (Canlan Xinghe), where she served as a host and won the Best On-Camera Award and the Annual Grand Prize. In 2001 she was admitted to the Acting Department of the Beijing Film Academy, ranking first in academic subjects and second in professional subjects.

Huang began her acting career in 2003 with the youth idol drama Red Apple Paradise, playing school beauty Jiang Lingda. The following year she appeared in Stephen Chow’s film Kung Fu Hustle as the mute character Fang’er, a role that brought her widespread attention. She also sang the film’s theme song "Just to Live One Day for You" and was nominated for Best Newcomer at the 24th Hong Kong Film Awards and the 28th Hundred Flowers Awards.

In 2005 she starred in the film Fierce Dragon, produced by Hollywood producer Steven Seagal and directed by Li Rengang, playing female SWAT officer Bai Ruoxue; the film was permanently collected by the National Museum of China. That year she also played Liu Sheng Xueji in the costume wuxia series Tianxia DiYi and appeared in the film Call for Love and the television series Red Apple Paradise.

From 2006 to 2009 Huang reached a career peak with strong performances in costume dramas such as Tianxianpei and Sword Stained with Royal Blood, earning multiple award nominations and honors. In 2008 she played Yang Yuying in the TV series Legend of Guangfu Taiji and performed the song "Tiantian Xiangshang" (Every Day Upward) on the CCTV Spring Festival Gala. She also released her first solo music album and received several music awards.

Between 2009 and 2015 she took part in numerous film and television projects, including The Legend of the White Snake, which performed well in domestic and overseas markets. She founded the Juli Shengyi Film & Media Company, moving into investment and production and releasing projects such as the TV series The 22 Rules of Marriage. Her works were screened at international film festivals, and she received awards including "Most Charming Value Actress."

After 2017 she made a postnatal comeback, expanding into stage plays and music while continuing to star in film and television. She joined variety shows, took part in charitable activities, and received honors such as China Charity Ambassador. In 2024 she began further studies at China Europe International Business School to advance her education.

On the personal side, Huang married actor Yang Zi in 2007 and has children. She gave birth to a son in 2012 and a second son in Vancouver in 2017. In 2025 she announced her divorce from Yang Zi. She has been active in philanthropy, supporting causes such as children affected by HIV/AIDS and earthquake relief, and has received multiple social honors.

Huang Shengyi’s career spans film, television, stage, music, and variety shows, and she has received broad recognition within the industry.