The magnificent life of Huangmei Opera artist Hong Rong
Early life and educational background
Born in Kunshan in 1945, Hong Rong has been interested in art since he was a child. In 1964, she was admitted to the Performance Department of Shanghai Theater Academy, where she studied under Xia Shufang, where she learned Xi acting skills and the singing and skills of Huangmei Opera. In 1968, after graduating, she was assigned to work on the farm of the Jiangsu Agricultural Reclamation Army, performing in the troupe to help channel the minds of the soldiers. In 1972, Shanghai Film Studio saw her potential when selecting actors, and this opportunity allowed her to switch to the door of film art.
Emotional strife and career setbacks
In 1979, when Hong Rong participated in the performance of "Troubled Laughter" by Yang Yanjin, a young director of Shanghai Film Studio, it was rumored that Yang Yanjin liked her student Pan Hong. At that time, Yang Yanjin was married, and his wife Hong Rong couldn't tolerate the news, and the two were physically and mentally devastated. After the incident was exposed, Pan Hong was transferred, and Yang Yanjin was also punished, which caused great trouble to Hong Rong. In subsequent works, it is difficult for her to play an important role in a big project.
"Old Things in the South of the City" and the Art Revival
In 1982, director Wu Yigong invited Hong Rong to play the role of Yingzi's mother in the work "Old Things in the South of the City". Despite her personal emotional turmoil, she still devoted herself to the role, and appeared on the screen with a gentle and accompanying image, which was praised by the audience and the original author Lin Haiyin.
This collaboration allowed her to regain her self-confidence, and later recreated her artistic style with delicate performances in films such as "Waning Moon" and "Juvenile Delinquent".
Love life and remarriage in the 90s
Entering the 90s, Hong Rong's life ushered in a new chapter. Although she is away from the screen, her love for acting as an actress remains undiminished. In a literary performance, Hong Rong met Li Zhiyu, who once served as her mentor in "Bashan Night Rain". Li Zhiyu's previous marriage ended, and his ex-wife Ma Zuozhi died of illness at an early age, leaving him alone with his two daughters.
Hong Rong and Li Zhiyu reacquainted at a class reunion. At that time, Li Zhiyu was worried about the education of his growing daughter. Hong Rong, who heard about this, took the initiative to comfort and help, and the two gradually developed a good feeling. Subsequently, Hong Rong often went to Li Zhiyu's house to take care of his daughter. The warmth she brought to her children moved Li Zhiyu.
As the relationship deepened, Hong Rong and Li Zhiyu decided to become husband and wife. Due to the more traditional social concept at that time, their marriage was regarded as a second marriage, which caused some controversy. But the two disagreed, and continued to survive the time in harmony. Hong Rong has become a warm pillar for Li Zhiyu and his two daughters, and the family of four lives a sweet life.
A review of his later life and career
After marriage, Hong Rong no longer showed people through film and television works, but faded out of the film industry, concentrating on accompanying Li Zhiyu and taking care of his family. But occasionally, she still makes cameo roles in some of her husband's productions.
In the new century, Hongrong still retains the vitality of youth. Whenever Shanghai Film Studio holds a theatrical performance, she is always the first to respond to the call. Friends inquired a little and learned that Hong Rong already had a small library at home, and he entertained himself by soaking in the sea of books every day.
In 2020, Li Zhiyu's health deteriorated, and Hong Rong took care of him day and night. In December 2021, with the death of her husband Li Zhiyu, Hong Rong was full of grief. Friends came to condole and persuade her to resolve her pain and regain her happiness.
Re-facing life with participation in the 70th anniversary celebration of the Shanghai Film Studio Actors Troupe
After the careful company of friends, Hong Rong gradually walked out of mourning. In the spring of 2022, she heard that Shanghai Film Studio would hold a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the actors' troupe, and she resolutely participated.
Hong Rong is still in good spirits, as gentle and calm as ever. At this party, many audience members recognized her and expressed their appreciation for her early acting skills. Hong Rong humbly said that he was taught, and told the story of walking with the troupe. Tong Ruixin, the head of the troupe, personally took the stage to deliver a speech, thanking Hong Rong and other older generation actors for their dedication to the troupe.
Hong Rong's screen image and legacy
Looking back at Hong Rong's image on the screen, she mostly deals with roles like poor women in the lower city, and is known for her gentleness and inner quality. For example, the famous role played in "Xia Qianru" is in stark contrast to Zhu Manfang's original; The performance in "Xinmei" highlights the simple and introverted temperament.
To this day, although it is difficult to find a trace of past film and television works, what she left to future generations is not only excellent performing arts, but also a heart that will never give up. Inspiring future generations with the spirit of Hongrong's unremitting self-improvement is her most glorious legacy.