Ordinary background, dreams are blocked
If an actor's life is like a play, Zhang Liwei's play can be described as wonderful, with ups and downs. She was born in Beijing in 1954, from an ordinary family, and her father was an ordinary government cadre. Since childhood, he has loved dancing and has a great desire for the stage, dreaming of becoming a good dancer one day. However, the good times did not last long, and in the era of the Cultural Revolution, Zhang Liwei's father was treated unfairly because of "family origin issues", and the whole family was overshadowed.
As a young girl who dreams of going to the end of the world, Zhang Liwei's yearning for film and television performances has never stopped. In 1973, this 18-year-old girl, who carried ideals and ambitions, participated in the casting interview of Beijing Film Studio with excitement. At that time, a film depicting the life of the female militia of the People's Liberation Army, "Haixia", was recruiting actors, and Zhang Liwei tirelessly pondered how to bring out his dancing talents. After layers of interviews, she finally stood out and got the opportunity to play the role of the female militia Caizhu in the film. The crew took a fancy to this petite girl with innocent eyes, and thought that she just matched the characteristics of the character Caizhu.
As if it was a gift from fate to her, Zhang Liwei officially entered the showbiz with his dazzling performance in "Haixia". This is how an ordinary girl's dream begins......
Forge ahead, the cause is getting better
After entering Beijing Film Studio, Zhang Liwei worked hard, studied diligently, and was extremely enthusiastic about his career. In 1974, she played the heroine in the movie "Yanming Lakeside", opening a new chapter in her acting career. In 1978, she starred in the film "Southern Xinjiang Spring Morning", which was based on the theme of rural life in Northwest China, playing a simple and pure peasant girl with a beautiful and lovely appearance, which caused a craze for foxes at that time. Soon, Zhang Liwei was affectionately called "Southern Xinjiang Spring Girl" by the audience.
By the 80s, Zhang Liwei's career had entered the fast lane. In 1981, she married Wang Jia, an actor from an artistic family, and the two of them marched forward bravely on the road of art together. After marriage, Zhang Liwei gradually transformed from a simple "beauty" role to a drama role with connotation and depth. Her superb acting skills in films such as "Looking For" and "Peach Blossom with a Human Face" have been highly praised by many film critics.
In the following years, Zhang Liwei's career can be said to be at its peak. In 1987, she won the "Golden Phoenix Award" Best Actress Award at the first China Film Performance Society Awards, and was known as one of the "Four Golden Flowers of Beijing Film Studio", alongside Liu Xiaoqing, Li Xiuming, and Zhang Jinling. In 1992, she brilliantly interpreted the role of a rural mother in the movie "The Beginning of Man" and won the Best Supporting Actress Award at the Golden Rooster Awards that year. In 1993, she participated in the TV series "Aunt Dan", which was widely acclaimed, and Zhang Liwei once again won the "Acting Society Award" for playing the role of her mother.
It can be said that from the 70s to the 90s of the 20th century, Zhang Liwei has always been one of the hottest actresses in the Chinese film and television industry. Her on-screen appearance and the unforgettable classic roles she created have been deeply imprinted in the memories of the audience of that era.
Poor family life Raising children independently
However, just when Zhang Liwei's career was in full swing, her married life took a head start and began to fall into trouble. In 1990, Zhang Liwei and her husband Wang Jia chose to divorce for various reasons, and she had to shoulder the burden of raising her two sons alone.
After the divorce, Zhang Liwei left the bungalow he lived in and most of the family's property to his ex-husband and mother-in-law, and moved into the staff dormitory of Beijing Film Studio with his two sons. The cramped house was simple, but welcoming. The sons expressed their understanding and support for their mother's decision to devote themselves to her career, and Zhang Liwei also cherished being able to live with the children.
"Being a mother makes me feel happier and more fulfilled than being a star." Zhang Liwei often said this. Although her career has reached its peak, she has never neglected to take care of her children. Whenever she has a free schedule, she always finds time to play and study with her sons. Sometimes the actress is busy at work, and it is often late at night when she comes home, but she still sleeps with her children in her arms to make up for the long separation.
The divorce dealt a heavy blow to Zhang Liwei, but she was not crushed by fate, but lived with greater courage and determination. She threw herself into her career, while raising children with all her love and patience, and cultivating in them an independent and resilient character.
Take the initiative to quit the entertainment industry and live an ordinary life
The years flew by, and Zhang Liwei, who had been shuttling between his career and family for many years, gradually came to another stage of his life. In 1996, at the age of 42, she voluntarily chose to quit the entertainment industry and started a low-key and ordinary life.
The decision to quit was not a spur of the moment, but the result of careful consideration. As the sons grow up, they need more attention and companionship from their mothers; In addition, her physical condition began to have some minor problems, and the intensity of filming made her unbearable. So, Zhang Liwei put his career aside for the time being, determined to take a good rest and focus on family life.
After retiring from the entertainment industry, Zhang Liwei began to engage in some behind-the-scenes work, such as writing film reviews and interviews, to record his rich artistic experience. She often publishes memoir-style articles in magazines, detailing her artistic pursuits and life experiences in her youth. These words are full of sincere emotions, which makes many fans respect her after reading them.
In addition, Zhang Liwei also put more attention on the growth of his two sons. She took good care of the young couple, created a good living environment for them, and supported them to pursue their dreams and spread their wings. The hard work paid off, and now her two sons have achieved a lot in their respective fields, and she is very proud of them.
At the same time, Zhang Liwei's ex-husband Wang Jia's career has gradually improved after the divorce, and many of his films have not only won many domestic and foreign awards, but also won praise from critics. Seeing her ex-husband harvesting a lot in another stage of his life, Zhang Liwei was not unhappy, but secretly wished that this person who had an affair with her could rise step by step.
Today, Zhang Liwei, who is over the age of six, lives alone in Beijing. After retirement, her meager income maintained an ordinary but healthy life. She often frequents film and television companies, theaters and other places, and occasionally appears at film festivals and other events, but most of the time she is low-key to almost "invisible". Many media reporters contacted her and wanted to invite the smash hit film and television star to carry out some interviews or activities, but she politely declined.
"I've already acted in a good play, so life will take its course." Zhang Liwei said. This actress, who once had a lively personality, pursued a career and devoted herself to it, has now returned to an ordinary, introverted, and content style of life. Her expression is always full of calmness and calmness, as if she is interpreting the life concept of "old people have dependence and old people are happy" in her own way.
Regarding the current situation that he has left the film and television industry for many years and is now difficult to become popular again, Zhang Liwei has no regrets. "No regrets, an era has an era's pursuit." That's what she often says. In her heart, the 80s of the 20th century was the time when she should work hard, and now is the time to rest. The actress who used to be inspirational and has a tough personality has now learned to enjoy life in her old age.
Some people call Zhang Liwei a generation of "film and television strange women", this evaluation is really not an exaggeration. She used her life to interpret the multiple realms of dreams, career, family, and indifference, and after the past glory was as gorgeous as fireworks, she left only a calm and indifferent wisdom. For countless post-90s and post-00s, it may be difficult to associate that flourishing screen image with today's Zhang Liwei. But it is undeniable that her unique life experience and tenacious personality charm are destined to be widely circulated.