Chen Ying, who played Liu Hong, recently visited Chu Hongjia, who played Xiao Jian, in Ganzhou, Jiangxi province, China. The two reminisced about their work, hometowns, and current lives. They both fondly recalled filming "My Fair Princess" and are still moved whenever they hear the soundtrack.
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Chen Ying and Chu Hongjia today and in "My Fair Princess". Photo: Douyin |
Chen Ying and Chu Hongjia today and in "My Fair Princess". Photo: Douyin
The series debuted in 1997. Chen Ying played the orphaned Liu Hong, best friend of the main character, Xiao Yanzi (Zhao Wei). The two performed martial arts on the streets to make a living and faced life-threatening situations together. Chu Hongjia played Xiao Jian's long-lost brother, who later fell in love with Princess Qing’er (Wang Yan).
Chen Ying, 49, admitted on Red Note that she hasn't had many acting opportunities lately. In recent years, she has played minor roles in productions like "Deep Affection," "Women's Dignity," and "We Go Fast on Trust."
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Actress Chen Ying. Photo: Red Note |
Actress Chen Ying. Photo: Red Note
Chen Ying is married with two daughters and is active on Douyin, posting behind-the-scenes videos and promoting products like handbags and milk.
Chu Hongjia, on the other hand, keeps his personal life private and rarely appears at entertainment events. He has recently acted in films and television series like "Spring Glory," "The Secret Path," "Critical Change," "The Hunter," and "Wandering Home."
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Chu Hongjia and Zhao Wei played siblings (above). The actor now leads a private life. Photo: Sohu |
Chu Hongjia and Zhao Wei played siblings (above). The actor now leads a private life. Photo: Sohu
Author Chiung Yao (1938-2024) released the novel "My Fair Princess" in 1997. It revolves around the love and friendship of the naive and mischievous Xiao Yanzi, who accidentally becomes a princess in the Qing dynasty court and falls in love with the Fifth Prince.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Chiung Yao adapted the novel into three parts. The first two were a sensation in Asia, launching the careers of actors like Zhao Wei, Ruby Lin, Alec Su, and Fan Bingbing. According to Sina, Chiung Yao earned over 500 million CNY (68.7 million USD) from adaptation and broadcasting rights for the television series alone. After her passing in 2024, her daughter-in-law manages the publication and copyright issues of her books.
Zhao Wei sings the theme song from "My Fair Princess". Video: QQ
This year, a short film adaptation of the novel, starring young actors Hu Lianxin and Luo Yizhou, wrapped filming in June.
Nhu Anh (via Sina)
