The 92-year-old actor told Bj Daily that "home is where you are." He added, "Life is like that, constantly changing and adapting to the battlefield, and the battlefield changes at any moment.”
Du and his wife, Yang Huihua, moved into the retirement home earlier this year. They both appreciate the environment and its suitability for their needs and age. The facility provides daily exercise guidance, and the couple enjoys socializing with peers, playing ball games, and card games.
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Du Benchang and his wife. Photo: Ifeng |
Du Benchang and his wife. Photo: Ifeng
The couple has two children, a son and a daughter. Their daughter, Du Sihan, works alongside her father. She expressed her support for her parents' decision to live in the retirement home.
Addressing rumors of filial neglect, Du Benchang explained that his children agreed to the arrangement because the retirement home provides a positive environment that helps him maintain a good spirit. His daughter visits frequently to discuss work matters with him. Du Sihan revealed her father's plans to produce a series of short films centered around Ji Gong, featuring younger actors in the lead roles.
Ji Gong was a Buddhist monk who lived during the Southern Song dynasty. Many folktales and legends celebrate his use of supernatural powers to vanquish evil, protect the vulnerable, and fight against social injustice. Du Benchang aims to use these short films to spread the "spirit of Ji Gong" to a younger generation.
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Du Benchang's portrayal of Ji Gong is iconic in Chinese cinema. Photo: Ifeng |
Du Benchang's portrayal of Ji Gong is iconic in Chinese cinema. Photo: Ifeng
Born in 1933 in Jiangsu province, China, Du Benchang is an actor, director, and film producer. He rose to national fame in 1985 at the age of 52 with the television series *Ji Gong*. The series became a hit due to its unique character portrayal, engaging storyline, and Du's humorous yet profound performance. He reprised the role in *The Legend of Ji Gong* in 1995.
His other notable films include *Lotus Lantern* (2005), *Wu Xia*, *Painted Skin: The Resurrection*, and *Painted Skin*. His most recent work was in Wong Kar-wai's *Blossoms* (2023).
Du Benchang in "Ji Gong". Video: Bilibili
Actor Hu Ge, who starred in *Blossoms*, described Du Benchang as highly self-disciplined. While he doesn't offer explicit advice to younger actors, they learn from his actions and work ethic. Even in his advanced years, Du Benchang maintains a thirst for knowledge. He once said, "Only through learning can we progress, have hope, and gain enlightenment. Learning keeps the mind sharp, preventing confusion and bewilderment."
Nhu Anh (Bj Daily, Ifeng)
