Huang Yi’s successful career in her earlier years faced significant challenges due to her two troubled marriages. -- Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo/Baidu
BEIJING (SCMP): In China’s entertainment industry, Huang Yi was once regarded as one of the most promising actresses. However, her career declined due to two tumultuous marriages, during which she suffered domestic abuse, earning her the unfortunate nickname “lousy men collector”.
Now, at 47, she has reshaped her public image by dedicating herself to philanthropy, helping nearly 2,000 children with burn injuries over the past decade.
In 2001, she gained national fame at just 24 years of age for her portrayal of Li Yuhu in Wrong Carriage, Right Groom. Her character, a bright and lively young woman with a chivalrous heart, captivated audiences with her youthful energy and natural performance.
Building on her success, Huang took on the role of Xiaoyanzi in the third sequel of My Fair Princess (or Huan Zhu Ge Ge in Chinese) in 2004.
Huang’s role as Huan Zhu Ge Ge, an iconic TV series celebrated for over two decades, continues to be a household name in China, earning her enduring recognition. -- Photo: Baidu
Huan Zhu Ge Ge, an iconic TV series now celebrated for over two decades, remains a household name in China. Its timeless comedic style and memorable characters have established it as a legendary milestone in Chinese television history.
Huang’s life took a dramatic turn due to two troubled marriages, which hindered her career and earned her the moniker “lousy men collector”.
Her first marriage was to Jiang Kai, a wealthy businessman she met at a charity auction in 2009. The pair tied the knot just three months later, but their marriage ended in divorce.
After their separation, Jiang publicly insulted her, further damaging her reputation.
Later, she married Huang Yiqing, a wealthy “second-generation” individual, who turned out to be abusive and subjected her to domestic violence, including one incident where he struck her with electronic devices.
This ordeal concluded when Huang Yiqing was sentenced to 16 years in prison for bootlegging, marking a significant turning point in her life.
As she rebuilt her life and career, her daughter from her second marriage became her inspiration and driving force, motivating her to overcome challenges.
Huang rebuilt her image by dedicating herself to philanthropic work, particularly in supporting children with burn injuries and her efforts were recently recognised when she was named one of the “Top 10 Philanthropists of the Year”. -- Photo: Baidu
She once wrote to her daughter, who was studying abroad: “You will face many challenges being alone overseas, but don’t be afraid. I will always have your back. My shoulders may not be broad, but I will make sure you stand tall on them to see the world. Fly high, my dear.”
Beyond her acting career, Huang recently made headlines for her dedication to philanthropy, being named one of the “Top 10 Philanthropists of the Year” at a charity gala hosted by IFeng.com on November 26.
In a post on Weibo, she reflected on her decade-long commitment to helping children with burn injuries, writing: “My journey into philanthropy began with a mother’s love. Alongside five other mothers, I co-founded Angel Baby. Over the past 10 years, we’ve collaborated with 201 hospitals across 30 provinces, providing aid to 1,892 children affected by burns and scalds.”
Her transformation has deeply resonated with many online.
One supporter commented: “She is truly beautiful inside and out, helping so many children.”
Another echoed: “Even as someone with a low tolerance for emotional stories, I can’t help but feel moved by her actions.” - South China Morning Post
