Chinese actress Liu Xiaoqing, who is known as the “ageless goddess” of the country’s film industry, has sparked controversy by playing characters nearly 50 years younger than her actual age. The 68-year-old from Chongqing in southwestern China first gained fame in 1979 for her role as a stylish and vibrant supporting character in the comedy What a Family . In 1995, Liu’s portrayal of Wu Zetian, the legendary Chinese Empress, cemented her status as much-admired performer, with the characters she played evolving from a naive girl to a powerful and cunning ruler.
Liu has starred in more than 70 films and television dramas, earning a number of prestigious awards, including the Hundred Flowers Awards and Golden Rooster Awards. She is also recognised as one of the most powerful women in China. In the 1990s, Liu reportedly raised five billion yuan (US$700 million) within three years and established more than 26 real estate, beauty, and advertising companies.
Her business success led Forbes to rank her 45th on the China Rich List in 1999. Despite her many accomplishments, Liu’s life has not been without its setbacks. In 2002, she spent 422 days in prison for evading taxes on earnings of 14.
6 million yuan (US$2 million). The scandal caused significant damage to her reputation. After her release, she resumed acting, taking on multiple roles in stage plays and films.
In 2011, the mainland media speculated that Liu’s youthful appearance might be due to a facelift. She denied .