By the time he died, he had played Mao Zedong in 84 movies and TV
series.
An orphan who started out in a performing troupe of the People's
Liberation Army at the age of 11, he built an entire career out of his
striking resemblance to Chinese leader Mao Zedong, acting that role in
more than 80 movies and TV series.
Former Chinese soldier who shot to major film recognition due to his
striking resemblance to Mao Tse-tung.
Was first recruited by Marshal Ye Jianying to play Chairman Mao in
1978, two years after the Chinese leader's death.