Liu Shishi (; born 10 March 1987), also known as Cecilia Liu, is a Chinese actress best known for portraying Long Kui in the television series ''
Chinese Paladin 3
''The Legend of Sword and Fairy 3'' ( zh, t=仙劍奇俠傳三, s=仙剑奇侠传三, p=Xiānjiàn Qíxiá Zhuàn Sān), also known as ''Sword and Fairy 3'' () or ''Chinese Paladin 3'',Scarlet Heart
''Scarlet Heart'' (, lit. ''Startling by Each Step'') is a 2011 Chinese television series based on the novel ''Bu Bu Jing Xin'' by Tong Hua. It premiered in China on Hunan Broadcasting System (HBS) on 10 September 2011.
The series tells the st ...
ballet
Ballet () is a type of performance dance that originated during the Italian Renaissance in the fifteenth century and later developed into a concert dance form in France and Russia. It has since become a widespread and highly technical form of ...
at the
Beijing Dance Academy
The Beijing Dance Academy (BDA, ) is a municipal public professional dance college at Haidian, Beijing. The academy is the highest institution for dance education and assessment in the People's Republic of China, conducting the nationwide teache ...
, Liu Shishi made her acting debut in the television drama series ''The Moon and the Wind'' (2005). She included a segment of ''
Swan Lake
''Swan Lake'' ( rus, Лебеди́ное о́зеро, r=Lebedínoye ózero, p=lʲɪbʲɪˈdʲinəjə ˈozʲɪrə, link=no ), Op. 20, is a ballet composed by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1875–76. Despite its initial failur ...
'' in one of her scenes. She then starred in wuxia drama '' The Young Warriors'' (2006) and shenmo television series ''
The Fairies of Liaozhai
''The Fairies of Liaozhai'' is a Chinese television series adapted from Pu Songling's collection of supernatural stories titled ''Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio''. The series is produced by Chinese Entertainment Shanghai and stars Nicky W ...
'' (2007).
In 2007, Liu graduated from Beijing Dance Academy and was signed on by
Tangren Media
Tangren Media Co. Ltd. (), formerly known as Chinese Entertainment Shanghai Limited (), is a Chinese entertainment and media company established in 1998 that provides investment, production and publishment of films, TV series, and cartoons.
It ...
, successfully making her transition from a dancer to an actress. She then starred as
Mu Nianci
Mu Nianci is a character in the wuxia novel ''The Legend of the Condor Heroes'' by Jin Yong (Louis Cha). She is the romantic interest of the antagonist, Yang Kang, and the mother of Yang Guo, the protagonist in the sequel novel, ''The Return of ...
in the wuxia drama ''
The Legend of the Condor Heroes
''The Legend of the Condor Heroes'' is a wuxia novel by Chinese writer Jin Yong (Louis Cha). It is the first part of the ''Condor Trilogy'' and is followed by ''The Return of the Condor Heroes'' and ''The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber''. It w ...
'' (2008), which gained her more recognition.
In 2009, Liu gained popularity after appearing in the hit fantasy action drama ''
Chinese Paladin 3
''The Legend of Sword and Fairy 3'' ( zh, t=仙劍奇俠傳三, s=仙剑奇侠传三, p=Xiānjiàn Qíxiá Zhuàn Sān), also known as ''Sword and Fairy 3'' () or ''Chinese Paladin 3'',Long Kui broke her previous typecasting as a "gentle, kind, and understanding maiden" and received positive reviews from critics and fans.
In 2010, Liu starred in the historical drama ''
A Weaver on the Horizon
''A Weaver on the Horizon'' (Chinese: 天涯织女) is a 2010 Chinese television series based on the life story of Huang Daopo, who revolutionized the textile industry during the Mongol conquest of the Song dynasty and the beginning of the Yuan dyn ...
'', based on the life story of
Huang Daopo
Huang Daopo (; 1245 – 1330) rose from poverty to become one of the most famous women in the early Chinese textile industry.
Biography
Huang was likely born around 1240 or 1245. Her family name was Huang, and Daopo was an honorific that she was ...
. Originally cast in the role of the lead female protagonist, Liu instead chose to portray the princess Zhao Jiayi, as she felt that the character's developments would challenge her acting.
2011–2012: Breakthrough and Film debut
The year 2011 saw Liu's further rise in popularity with two successful dramas. She starred alongside
Wallace Huo
Wallace Huo Chien-hwa (, born 26 December 1979) is a Taiwanese actor, singer and producer. He is known for his roles in ''At Dolphin Bay'' (2003), ''Chinese Paladin 3'' (2009), ''Swordsman'' (2013), '' Battle of Changsha'' (2014), ''The Journey of ...
in period action drama ''
The Vigilantes In Masks
''The Vigilantes in Masks'' is a 2010 Chinese television series based on folktales of a Robin Hood-style hero who lived in the Ming Dynasty. Produced by Chinese Entertainment Shanghai, the series star Wallace Huo, Cecilia Liu, Ma Tianyu and Shi ...
'', which received positive reviews and led to increased popularity for Liu. She then played the female protagonist, Ruoxi in the time travel historical romance series, ''
Scarlet Heart
''Scarlet Heart'' (, lit. ''Startling by Each Step'') is a 2011 Chinese television series based on the novel ''Bu Bu Jing Xin'' by Tong Hua. It premiered in China on Hunan Broadcasting System (HBS) on 10 September 2011.
The series tells the st ...
'', based on the novel ''
Bu Bu Jing Xin
''Startling by Each Step'', also known as ''Bubu Jingxin'' (), was Tong Hua (writer), Tong Hua's debut novel.
Originally published online in 2005 on Jinjiang Original Network (), it was later published by Ocean Press (), National Press (), Huasha ...
sleeper hit
In the entertainment industry, a sleeper hit is a film, television series, music release, video game, or some other entertainment product that was initially unsuccessful on release but became a success later on. A sleeper hit may have little promo ...
in China, and swiftly gained popularity across
East Asia
East Asia is the eastern region of Asia, which is defined in both geographical and ethno-cultural terms. The modern states of East Asia include China, Japan, Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, and Taiwan. China, North Korea, South Korea and ...
. Liu, then a rising actress, was propelled to stardom.
Liu bagged several awards at local award-giving bodies for her performance, including Most Popular Actress awards at the
China TV Drama Awards
The China TV Drama Awards (), also known as the Domestic TV Series Ceremony, is an award show presented annually on Anhui Television to award excellence in Chinese television.
Categories Main Awards
*Top Ten Television Series ()
*Best Web Series ...
and
Shanghai Television Festival
The Shanghai Television Festival (), abbreviated STVF, also known as the Shanghai International Television Festival is the first and one of the largest television festivals in East Asia. Held since 1986, STVF has become one of the most influential ...
.
Liu then focused her career on the big screen; she made her feature film debut in ''The Next Miracle'', directed by Taiwanese filmmaker Zhuo Li. She also filmed two other movies, ''
Sad Fairy Tale
''Sad Fairy Tale'' (Chinese: 傷心童話) is a 2012 Chinese-South Korean romantic comedy film directed by Zhengchao Xu. The story is adapted from true events in the life of Wang Xiao Yi(汪小一）, friend of the director.
Summary
Yang Jia is ...
'' and ''
A Moment of Love
''A Moment of Love'' is a 2013 Chinese-Taiwanese drama-romance film directed by Gavin Lin and starring Liu Shishi and Vic Chou.
Plot
Ji Yaqing goes on a business trip right before her wedding. She meets on her stay at the hotel a young man intent ...
''.
In 2012, Liu starred in fantasy action drama '' Xuan-Yuan Sword: Scar of Sky'', adapted from the video game of the same name. The series topped TV ratings and garnered 2 billion views online, becoming the 9th drama in
Hunan TV
Hunan Television or Hunan TV () is a provincial satellite TV station officially launched on 29 September 1970 and is currently China's second-most-watched channel, second only to CCTV-1, owned by China Central Television, although Hunan STV occasio ...
's broadcast history to achieve that feat.
Liu's soaring popularity due to ''Scarlet Heart'' in 2011 coupled with ''Xuan-Yuan Sword: Scar of Sky'' in 2012 allowed her to become the "
Golden Eagle Goddess
The China TV Golden Eagle Award (), commonly known in China as the Golden Eagle Awards, is one of three main national award ceremonies recognising excellence in the Chinese television industry. The award is presented by the China Television Artist ...
Southern Metropolis Daily
Southern Metropolis Daily (SMD) is a for-profit tabloid newspaper located in Guangzhou city, China,Wang, Xiaotong. 2012. "The Comparison Between Newspapers In Hong Kong And Mainland And Its Enlightenment – A Case Study On Apple Daily And South ...
Yang Mi
Yang Mi (, born 12 September 1986) is a Chinese actress and singer. She made her acting debut in historical television series '' Tang Ming Huang'', and later received recognition for her leading roles in various television series such as ''Wang Zha ...
and
Ni Ni
Ni Ni (, born 8 August 1988) is a Chinese actress best known for portraying Yu Mo in the 2011 film ''The Flowers of War'', directed by Zhang Yimou; and Ling Xi in the 2019 television series ''Love and Destiny''. She is considered to be one of t ...
.
2013–present: Mainstream popularity
In 2013, Liu starred in action comedy ''
Badges of Fury
''Badges of Fury'' (, also known as ''The One Detective'') is a 2013 Chinese-Hong Kong action comedy film directed by Wong Tsz-ming in his directorial debut. The film stars Jet Li and Wen Zhang in their third collaboration after ''Ocean Heaven'' ...
'' alongside
Jet Li
Li Lianjie (courtesy name Yangzhong; born 26 April 1963), better known by his stage name Jet Li, is a Chinese film actor, film producer, Chinese martial arts, martial artist, and retired wushu (sport), Wushu champion. He is a naturalized Singapo ...
. She then starred in
wuxia
( ), which literally means "martial heroes", is a genre of Chinese fiction concerning the adventures of martial artists in ancient China. Although is traditionally a form of historical fiction, its popularity has caused it to be adapted f ...
film ''
Brotherhood of Blades
''Brotherhood of Blades'' () is a 2014 Chinese ''wuxia'' film directed by Lu Yang. Its sequel, '' Brotherhood of Blades II: The Infernal Battlefield'' was released on August 11, 2017. Set in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), the story follows Shen Lia ...
'', alongside Taiwanese actor
Chang Chen
Chang Chen (born 14 October 1976) is a Taiwanese actor. He was born in Taipei, Taiwan. His father Chang Kuo-chu and his brother Hans Chang are also actors.
Career
Chang started his film career at a very young age. He was then selected by a Ta ...
, which received critical acclaim. Liu was nominated for Best Actress at the
China Film Directors' Guild Awards China Film Director's Guild Awards (中国导演协会年度表彰大会) are presented by China Film Director's Guild annually to honor excellence in cinema of China.
Major award winners
Other awards
Box Office Director of the Year
Lifetime ...
for her performance.
In 2014, Liu returned to the small screen with historical romance drama '' Sound of the Desert'', based on the novel '' Ballad of the Desert'' written by Tong Hua. The series topped television and web ratings domestically, and was also well-received overseas. Liu then starred in romance film ''
Five Minutes to Tomorrow
''Five Minutes to Tomorrow'' () is a 2014 Japanese-Chinese romance suspense film directed by Isao Yukisada based on the Japanese novel of the same name by Takayoshi Honda. It was released in China on October 23, 2014.
Plot
The story starts wit ...
'' playing dual roles. She and co-stars
Haruma Miura
was a Japanese actor and singer. He made his acting debut in the television drama ''Agri'' (1997) and rose to popularity after starring in the film '' Koizora'' (2007), winning Newcomer of the Year at the 31st Japan Academy Prize. In the foll ...
and
Joseph Chang
Joseph Chang Hsiao-chuan (, born 28 December 1983) is a Taiwanese actor. He is best known for his role in the critically acclaimed 2006 Taiwanese film '' Eternal Summer'', which earned him two Golden Horse Awards nominations for ''Best Support ...
attended the 19th
Busan International Film Festival
The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF, previously Pusan International Film Festival, PIFF), held annually in Haeundae-gu, Busan (''also'' Pusan), South Korea, is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. The first festi ...
for the premiere of the film, where she received the Asia Star Award.
In 2016, Liu headlined the historical drama ''
The Imperial Doctress
''The Imperial Doctress'' () is a 2016 Chinese television series based on the story of Tan Yunxian, a female physician during the Ming dynasty in China. It stars Cecilia Liu as the titular character. The series aired every day at 7.30pm on Jiang ...
'', based on the life of
Tan Yunxian
Tan Yunxian (; 1461–1554) was a Chinese physician during the Ming dynasty in China.
Life
Tan's grandmother was the daughter of a physician. One reason Tan's grandfather married her grandmother was to learn medicine himself. Two of her grandpar ...
, a famous female physician during China's
Ming Dynasty
The Ming dynasty (), officially the Great Ming, was an Dynasties in Chinese history, imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1368 to 1644 following the collapse of the Mongol Empire, Mongol-led Yuan dynasty. The Ming dynasty was the last ort ...
. The drama topped television ratings its run and received positive reviews, and Liu won the Most Influential Actress award at 1st China Television Drama Quality Ceremony for her performance.
In 2017, Liu starred along veteran actors
Wang Qianyuan
Wang Qianyuan is a Chinese actor who graduated from the Central Academy of Drama. He won Best Actor at the 23rd Tokyo International Film Festival for his role in the movie, ''The Piano in a Factory
''The Piano in a Factory'' () is 2010 Chine ...
and
Cao Bingkun
Cao Bingkun () is a Chinese actor. He graduated from the acting department of Beijing Film Academy in 2005.
Early life and education
Before deciding to become an actor, Cao wanted to become a chef. He went to a vocational high school to study c ...
in the spy drama, ''The Battle at Dawn''; produced by the Ministry of Public Security. The same year, she played a young single mother in romance melodrama ''
Angelo
Angelo is an Italian masculine given name and surname meaning "angel", or "messenger".
People People with the given name
*Angelo Accattino (born 1966), Italian prelate of the Catholic Church
*Angelo Acciaioli (bishop) (1298–1357), Italian Rom ...
'' alongside
Ming Dao
Ming Dao (; born 26 February 1980) is a Taiwanese actor, singer and model. He is known for starring in ''The Prince Who Turns into a Frog'', which held the highest single episode average rating of 6.99 for a Taiwanese drama from 2005 to 2008, ...
. Liu then starred in historical fantasy drama ''
Lost Love in Times
''Lost Love in Times'' () is a 2017 Chinese television series starring Cecilia Liu and William Chan, based on Shi Siye's novel ''Drunk Linglong''. The series aired two episodes back-to-back on Dragon TV every Thursday and Friday at 22:00 ( CST) f ...
'' alongside
William Chan
William Chan Wai-ting (born 21 November 1985) is a Hong Kong singer, dancer and actor. In 2003, he participated in New Talent Singing Awards where he won several awards. He was then signed under Emperor Entertainment Group. He began his singin ...
, as well as the crime suspense film '' The Liquidator'' where she played a palaeoichnology expert.
In 2019, Liu starred in the romance melodrama '' If I Can Love You So'' alongside
Tong Dawei
Tong Dawei (, born 3 February 1979) is a Chinese actor and singer. Tong is best known for starring in the television series ''Jade Goddess of Mercy'' (2003), '' Struggle'' (2007), and '' Tiger Mom'' (2015); as well as the films '' Lost in Beijin ...
. The series has previously completed filming in 2016. The same year, she announced her comeback after two years with the female-centric modern drama ''To Dear Myself''.
Personal life
Liu Shishi's grandfather, Liu Tianli, was born in Wudi County, Shandong Province. He was an artist of Xihe drum performance and was known as the "Master of Drums".
Both parents were factory workers. Liu Shishi's mother retired early due to health reasons, while her father went overseas to do business.
Liu registered her marriage with ''Scarlet Heart'' co-star
Nicky Wu
Nicholas Wu Qilong (born 31 October 1970) is a Taiwanese singer and actor. He found fame in 1988 when he became a member of the popular Taiwanese band, Xiao Hu Dui (Little Tiger Team), performing alongside Alec Su and Julian Chen. The trio were ...
on January 20, 2015 and the wedding ceremony was held in Bali, Indonesia on March 20, 2016.
On April 28, 2019, Liu gave birth to their son.
Filmography
Film
Television series
Short film
Music video
Discography
Awards and nominations
2020, Cosmo Glam Night
, Person of the year award
Forbes China Celebrity 100
The ''Forbes'' China Celebrity 100 is a list published annually by ''Forbes'' that ranks the influence of Chinese celebrities. First published in 2004, it is similar to Celebrity 100 also published by ''Forbes''. Factors that are taken into accoun ...