Ge You

Gao You, born on April 19, 1957, in Beijing, is a renowned Chinese actor. His father, Gao Cunzhuang, was a film actor, and his mother, Shi Wenxin, worked as a script editor at the Beijing Film Studio. From a young age, Gao You showed little interest in acting, even displaying resistance to performing during kindergarten.

In 1976, he was sent to work as a "sent-down youth" in the Xing Shou Commune of Beijing Changping County. Due to his frail health, he was assigned to a pig farming position.

In 1979, with the start of admissions for Chinese art colleges, Gao You took leave to return to the city to take entrance exams but was unsuccessful in gaining admission. Subsequently, he auditioned for the Chinese National Federation of Trade Unions’ Art Troupe. His performance in a comedy skit titled "Feeding Pigs" received praise from the judges, and he was accepted. His acting career began in 1985 when he starred in his first film, "Summer Days and Her Fiancé," officially entering the film industry. That same year, he also appeared in the film "Daughter of the Mountain."

In 1986, Gao You played the role of toy designer Ke Nian in the dramatic film "Love and Hope." In 1988, he participated in the drama film "Elopement." In 1989, he starred as Yang Zhong in the satirical comedy "The Fool," which earned him a nomination for Best Leading Actor at the 9th Golden Rooster Awards. That year, he also portrayed the terrorist leader Zheng Xianping in the action film "Code American Leopard," directed by Zhang Yimou, and played the bandit chief Black Skull in the drama "Huanghe Ballad."

In 1990, he played Li Meiting in the urban family drama "The Siege," showcasing a complex character. That year, he also appeared in the drama "Rider on the Road." In 1991, he portrayed the vivid character Diao Shuigui in "Vigorous Fire," earning the Best Supporting Actor award at the 15th Popular Film Hundred Flowers Awards. That same year, he starred in the TV series "Story of the Editorial Department," playing Li Dongbao and winning the Best Actor award at the 10th China TV Golden Eagle Awards. Subsequently, films such as "Big Shot," "To Live," "Farewell My Concubine," "Qin Song," and "Half a Lifetime" helped establish his prominent position in the film industry.

In 1993, Gao You starred in director Zhang Yimou's film "To Live," playing Wu Gui, a gambler and wastrel, marking a significant turning point in his career. That same year, he also played Yuan Siye in Chen Kaige's "Farewell My Concubine." In 1994, his outstanding performance in "To Live" earned him the Best Actor award at the Cannes International Film Festival, making him the first actor from mainland China to receive this honor. He then continued to demonstrate versatility through numerous roles in films and television dramas, earning multiple domestic and international awards, including the Best Actor awards from the Popular Film Hundred Flowers and the Golden Rooster Awards.

Gao You consistently starred in major films such as "The Party A," "Not One Less," "The Big Shot," "Cell Phone," "Kara the Dog," "Dr. Beggar," and "If You Are the One," becoming one of the leading actors in the Chinese-speaking film industry. He has been awarded the Knight of the French Order of Arts and Letters and numerous other prestigious awards in China. His acting style emphasizes realism and relatability, with a talent for portraying the complexity of ordinary characters. Notable features of his performance include humor and a deep sense of self-deprecating wit.

In his personal life, Gao You married elementary school teacher He Cong in 1987. Coming from a prominent family with many members engaged in the performing arts, he has made significant contributions to acting, role development, and social charity endeavors, playing an important role in the development of Chinese film culture.