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 having cosmetic surgery, attributing her youthful looks to a healthy lifestyle. Liu said she does not smoke or drink alcohol, plays badminton for at least four hours a week, and prioritises skin hydration.
In recent years, she stirred controversy by playing much younger characters. At 58, she portrayed a 16-year-old princess in the television series Hero Sui and Tang Dynasties 3 . In 2020, at 64, she played a 28-year-old policewoman in the film Black Panther , insisting on performing all the action scenes without a stunt double.
Last year, at 67, she starred in Ice Sniper 2 as an 18-year-old bandit who evolves from a naive girl into a tough warrior, with an actor 18 years her junior playing her father. On June 30, Liu told CCTV movie channel that she was willing to take on the role of a “fox spirit” in the future. In ancient Chinese folklore, the fox spirit is a mythical creature known for its enchanting beauty and youthful appearance.
“I can fully ‘return to youth’ and take on much younger roles. My sense of youth is expressed through the eyes, not something AI technology can replicate. I’ve kept my figure and appearance, and I’m confident I can portray the fox spirit well,” she said.
This charismatic and controversial actress has more than 10 million followers on Douyin, and opinions about her are mixed. “I really admire Liu’s confidence, and I envy her vitality,” one online observer wrote. “I don’t understand why Liu refuses to embrace the natural grace of ageing and insists on defying the laws of nature.
She should play roles appropriate to her age,” said another. “Seeing someone I could call ‘grandma’ acting like a young girl in a movie makes me feel very strange,” a third person said. On July 9, responding to online criticism about her age and acting, Liu said on Weibo.
“People are trying to tear me apart, accusing me of pretending to be young. But I’m not pretending, this is just who I am. Youth is a mindset.
” “My life is not defined by others,” she added..
