Chinese actress Zhu Yuanyuan passes away after 5-year cancer battle, husband Xin Baiqing confirms; Zhao Liying, fans offer tributes
Beloved Chinese actress Zhu Yuanyuan has passed away at the age of 51 following a nearly five-year-long battle with cancer. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by her husband, actor Xin Baiqing, who released an obituary on Wednesday, May 21.
Xia Baiqing confirms wife Zhu Yuanyuan's passing away
According to Global Times, Zhu Yuanyuan died on May 17 at 11:39 am. In his emotional obituary, Xin Baiqing wrote, 'During her nearly five-year battle with cancer, she had never been pessimistic or depressed. Instead, she had faced difficulties with firm resolve and confidence, and conveyed her love for life to everyone around her through laughter and warmth.'
Zhao Liying, fans pour in condolence messages
Fans across the country are mourning the loss of the veteran actress, who was widely admired for both her on-screen presence and off-screen grace. Social media platforms have since been flooded with tributes and farewell messages.
Among those grieving is actress Zhao Liying, Zhu Yuanyuan's co-star in the upcoming drama The City Maker. Zhao posted a touching message on Weibo:"Sister Yuanyuan, I will always miss you 🥀🥺🕯️"
#ZhaoLiying expressed her condolences over the death of actress Zhu Yuanyuan, her co-star in the upcoming drama #TheCityMaker, who passed away after a 5-year battle with cancer"Sister yuanyuan, i will always miss you🥀🥺🕯️"#赵丽颖 pic.twitter.com/y50LQO3NZz
One fan expressed the collective sorrow online: "Another life lost to cancer 😭 Zhao Liying's co-star, actress Zhu Yuanyuan, in her upcoming drama #TheCityMaker, passed away on 17th May 2025. After 5 years of fighting cancer."
Another life lost to cancer 😭 Zhao Liying's co-star, actress Zhu Yuanyuan, in her upcoming drama #TheCityMaker, passed away on 17th May 2025. After 5 years of fighting cancer.#ZhaoLiying #赵丽颖 #Cdrama pic.twitter.com/DCSHze3Njr
Chinese actress Zhu Yuanyuan from Shandong has passed away due to illness at the age of 51! Her husband Xin Baiqing posted an obituary: She has been fighting cancer for nearly 5 years.#Zhuyuanyuan 🙏🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/Cw2HMHNFnU
A remarkable career on stage and screen
Known for her contribution to theatre, Zhu was also a household name. Her breakout role came in the television series The Happy Life of Talkative Zhang Damin, and she went on to star in acclaimed works such as Nine Daughters in My Family, A Little Red Flower, My Sister, and A Love for Separation. Her performances were often marked by emotional depth and authenticity, earning her a loyal following and critical acclaim.
Over the years, Zhu Yuanyuan received multiple awards for her contributions to Chinese film and television. She won the Best Actress Award at the 26th Golden Rooster Awards, and two Best Supporting Actress Awards — at the 34th Golden Rooster Awards and the 36th Hundred Flowers Awards.
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