In 2024, looking back on the history of the Chinese entertainment industry, a "sketch queen" that cannot be ignored is particularly eye-catching. Every Spring Festival Gala, her name will always set off a ripple of memories in the entertainment industry. This year, she has not yet appeared on the stage of the Spring Festival Gala, but she has become the object of nostalgia for fans and her old partner Gong Hanlin. This high-profile performance artist is Zhao Lirong.
Zhao Lirong, born in Shenyang in 1928, is the 8th child in the family, nicknamed "Lao Ai". From her father's little girl combing the hair of actors at the famous Fusheng Opera Company in Northeast China, to the opera apprentice who shuttles freely in the theater, her artistic path is destined to be closely linked to theater.
The childhood spent in the theater made Zhao Lirong have a strong interest in various operas. Whether it is Peking Opera, Ping Opera, Cantonese Opera or Shanghai Opera, she has to learn. In particular, the Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang's play became the object of her secret imitation. In 1940, at the age of 12, she finally officially apprenticed and began a formal opera study career. Under the guidance of Ma Jingui, she continued to hone her skills on the stage and laid the foundation for future glory.
In 1941, 13-year-old Zhao Lirong officially appeared on the stage and performed "Jingtai Meeting". Although she was criticized by **, she gradually showed her extraordinary talent through continuous hard work and learning. As time passed, her name gradually spread all over Zhangjiakou, and the tickets were sold out, and she became a popular actor in the Qingfeng Drama Club.
However, a twist of fate struck in 1945. Hibiscus was sick, and Zhao Lirong had to provoke the leading role. "Du Shi Niang" performed at the Qingfeng Theater in Zhangjiakou City became an instant hit. However, the troupe's glory did not last long, the Kuomintang army captured Zhangjiakou, the Qingfeng Drama Society was disbanded, and Zhao Lirong returned to Beiping.
In 1948, Mentougou was liberated, and the "Youth Drama Club" was re-established. Zhao Lirong and Zhao Lianxi joined in and created the new Yang Opera and the Pingju version of "The White-Haired Girl". However, the war came again, the Qingfeng Drama Club was disbanded, and Zhao Lirong's acting career was affected again.
At the beginning of 1952, the General Political Department of the Military Commission established the Liberation Experimental Theater Troupe, and Zhao Lirong became a literary and artistic soldier of the People's Liberation Army. In this team, she has collaborated with the famous actress Xin Fengxia and performed a number of critically acclaimed plays. In 1953, the China Ping Opera Troupe was established, and Zhao Lirong's acting career once again ushered in a new stage of development.
In the spring of 1955, Tianjin TV tailored sketch comedies "Old Vinegar" and "What to Do if You Get Rich" for Zhao Lirong. As soon as these works were broadcast, they caused a sensation across the country, and Zhao Lirong won wide recognition for her deeply rooted performances. With the rise of the TV career, she has become a well-known screen goddess and is known as the "Queen of Sketches".
In the decades that followed, Zhao Lirong's career has been a success. She has not only achieved great success in the field of sketch performance, but also involved in many fields such as film and television, stage plays, etc. Her performance style is unique and full of comedy, which is loved by the audience.
However, life's journey is always full of twists and turns. In 2015, Zhao Lirong died of leukemia at the age of 87. Her passing is sad, but her legend and outstanding performance will forever remain in people's memories.
In 2024, Zhao Lirong's deeds were adapted into a commemorative film to commemorate her outstanding contributions to the Chinese entertainment industry. The film was released nationwide and struck a chord with the audience, allowing more people to understand and cherish this immortal "sketch queen".
February** Dynamic Incentive Program