Actor You Benchang, Best Known as ‘Ji Gong,’ Dies at 93

Chinese veteran actor You Benchang, best known for his iconic portrayal of the legendary monk Ji Gong, died in Beijing on September 24 at the age of 93, according to reports. You had worked in the performing arts for more than seven decades and became one of the most recognizable actors in Chinese television and theater.

For generations of Chinese viewers, You’s most memorable role was Ji Gong in the 1985 television seriesJi Gong. His portrayal of the unconventional Buddhist monk, known for his broken shoes, tattered robe, humor and compassion, became a landmark character in Chinese television history.

Born in 1933, You entered the acting program at the Shanghai Theatre Academy in 1952 and graduated in 1956. He subsequently worked at the Central Experimental Theater, later becoming a first-class actor with the National Theatre of China.

Before achieving nationwide fame, You spent decades performing on stage and taking supporting roles. His career also included extensive work in mime and theater.

In 1984, You performed the mime pieceShoweron the CCTV Spring Festival Gala. A year later, he was given the opportunity to play Ji Gong, a role that would transform his career.

You had previously recalled that he had accumulated nearly three decades of acting experience before taking on the role. He once described most of his early career as playing supporting or minor roles. At the age of 52, he finally received the chance to lead a major television production and brought years of stage experience to the character of Ji Gong.

The series became widely popular, and You’s portrayal of Ji Gong quickly became a household favorite. He later returned to the character in productions includingJi Gong the Living BuddhaandThe Travels of Ji Gong, further establishing his connection with the role.

However, You’s career extended far beyond Ji Gong.

He appeared in the television seriesLotus Lanternin 2003, playing the Supreme Elder Lord. He also took part in films and television productions includingReign of AssassinsandThank You, Doctor, while continuing to devote himself to theater and traditional Chinese performing arts.

In 2023, You attracted another wave of attention after appearing in Wong Kar-wai’s television dramaBlossoms Shanghai. At the age of 90, he played the respected elder businessman “Uncle Ye,” introducing his work to a new generation of viewers.

The two characters—Ji Gong and Uncle Ye—were separated by almost four decades and represented very different stages of You’s career. Ji Gong was humorous, unconventional and compassionate, while Uncle Ye was calm, experienced and perceptive. Together, the roles demonstrated You’s ability to portray very different characters throughout his long career.

You remained active in the arts even in his later years. In 2021, he was honored by the National Theatre of China as a “Lifetime Honored Artist.” He also continued exploring new forms of performance and traditional culture.

In 2025, You announced his involvement in a short-form drama project based on the Ji Gong character and served as an artistic adviser. He expressed interest in using new forms of storytelling and digital technology to present the character to contemporary audiences.

From spending decades playing supporting roles to becoming nationally famous as Ji Gong, and later returning to the spotlight as Uncle Ye inBlossoms Shanghai, You Benchang’s career spanned more than 70 years.

His portrayal of Ji Gong became deeply embedded in Chinese popular culture, while his later performances showed that his artistic career continued to evolve across generations.

You Benchang’s death marks the passing of a veteran performer whose career connected several generations of Chinese theater and television. Although he has left the stage, the characters he created—including the unforgettable Ji Gong—will remain part of the cultural memory of millions of viewers.