National Theatre of China issues obituary for renowned actress Zhu Yuanyuan

The National Theatre of China issued an obituary on Wednesday for renowned actress Zhu Yuanyuan, who passed away after a five-year battle with cancer.

On Wednesday, Chinese actor Xin Baiqing announced via obituary that his wife, actress Zhu Yuanyuan, passed away at 11:39 am on May 17. "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," reads the obituary.

The National Theatre of China said in the obituary that "Zhu Yuanyuan, a first-class actress with the National Theatre of China and a beloved performer admired by audiences across the nation, passed away due to illness at 11:39 am on May 17, 2025, after ineffective medical treatment. She was 51 years old. In accordance with the wishes of her family, the funeral will be conducted in a simple manner."

The National Theatre of China also released a biography of Zhu, saying that "the passing of Zhu Yuanyuan is a tremendous loss to China's theatre and film communities and a heartbreak for countless audience. What she left behind is not only a legacy of classic stage and screen performances, but also her deep love, passion, and pursuit of the performing arts, as well as her reverence for the stage, her genuine affection for the people, and her commitment to her country. Her lifelong contribution to the cause of National Theatre of China will be forever etched into the monument of Chinese drama."

All her colleagues at the National Theatre of China will honor her dedication and spirit, and carry her torch forward on the journey of literature and art in the new era.

Chinese actors and actresses, including Ma Yili, Feng Yuanzheng, Luo Haiqiong, Yao Chen, Qin Hailu, and Liang Guanhua, have posted messages in tribute and remembrance on social media platform.

According to media report, Zhu Yuanyuan, born on March 18, 1974, in Qingdao, Shandong Province, was a Chinese mainland actress and a first-class actress with the National Theatre of China. She graduated in 1997 from the Central Academy of Drama with a degree in acting. Her representative works include The Happy Life of Talkative Zhang Damin, Nine Daughters in My Family, A Little Red Flower, My Sister, and A Love For Separation.

She won the Best Actress Award at the 26th Golden Rooster Awards, the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 34th Golden Rooster Awards, and the Best Supporting Actress Award at the 36th Hundred Flowers Awards.