Ouyang Fenqiang, the renowned actor famous for his portrayal of Jia Baoyu in the 1987 version of “Dream of Red Mansions,” has announced his retirement at the age of 60. With a career spanning 48 years in the industry, Ouyang Fenqiang reflected on his journey, admitting that he has benefitted from famous works and made a name for himself alongside his predecessors. He humorously remarked that he has gone from being “young fresh meat” to “old bacon.”
The highlight of Ouyang Fenqiang’s career was his iconic role as Jia Baoyu in the 1987 adaptation of the classic novel. Despite reservations about playing the character, he embraced the challenge and successfully brought Jia Baoyu to life on screen. Over the years, Ouyang Fenqiang’s identity became closely intertwined with the character of Jia Baoyu, despite his efforts to distance himself from it.
After retiring from acting, Ouyang Fenqiang transitioned to directing, where he found success with several notable works. Despite his accomplishments behind the scenes, he remains fondly remembered as “Jia Baoyu” by audiences. In recent years, Ouyang Fenqiang has come to terms with his legacy, embracing the lasting impact of his iconic role.
As he embarks on this new chapter in his life, Ouyang Fenqiang reflects on the joy and satisfaction he has found in pursuing his passion. While he may have retired from acting, Jia Baoyu continues to live on in the hearts of fans, immortalizing Ouyang Fenqiang’s contribution to Chinese television and cinema.
With his retirement, Ouyang Fenqiang leaves behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry, reminding us that the road ahead is long and filled with endless possibilities. As he bids farewell to his acting career, Ouyang Fenqiang looks forward to exploring new horizons and continuing to make a mark in the world of film and television.