Wu Jing
Wu Jing, one of the best famous actors in China, is a well-known Chinese actor who is most recognized for his roles as fierce action protagonists in martial arts films. He's also part of a new generation of Chinese action actors who have moved to directing. Wu Jing was born in Beijing in 1974 and began practicing wushu (Chinese martial arts) at Beijing Shichahai Sports School at the age of six. At the age of twelve, he won his first national championship. He was requested to join the Beijing Wushu Team shortly after, where he trained with Wu Bin, the same martial arts instructor who had noticed and mentored Li Lianjie (Jet Li). Yuen Woo-ping, one of Hong Kong's most prominent action choreographers and directors, traveled to Beijing in 1995 looking for a martial artist to star in his new film Tai Chi Boxer (Gngf Xiozi Chung Qng Gun), and Wu Jing was cast after Wu Bin recommended him.
The film's financial success inspired Wu Jing to star in the popular television series The Tai Chi Master (Tàij Zngsh) as the eponymous character, the legendary Tai Chi Master (Yáng Yù Gn) (1997). Following that, he starred in a number of wuxia fantasy TV series and action films, including Legend of Dagger Li (Xio L Fi Do) (1999), SPL: Sha Po Lang (Sh P Láng) (2005), and Invisible Target (Nán Ér Bn Sè) (2007), achieving more recognition in the Chinese-speaking world. When Wu Jing co-wrote, directed, and starred in Wolf Warrior (Zhàn Láng) in 2015, he became a bonafide star. The patriotic plot, special effects, action sequences, and performances of the cast were all acclaimed for the military action picture. Then came Wolf Warrior 2 (2 Zhàn Láng r) (2017), which went on to become a hit. It broke the record for the highest-grossing picture in China at the time, making $854 million!
In 2019, Wu Jing starred in The Wandering Earth ( LiLàng Dqi), a mega-hit based on a novella by Hugo Award winner Liu Cixin. When funding stopped up during production, he put up $8.5 million of his own money to finish the picture. The film grossed $700 million globally, making it China's fifth highest-grossing non-English film. Wu Jing, dubbed China's reigning box office king, is undoubtedly one of China's most popular and successful performers.
- Born: 3 April 1974 (age 48)Beijing, China
- Other names: Jing WuJacky Wu
- Alma mater: Beijing Sport University
- Occupation: Actor, director, martial artist
- Years active: 1995–present
