Chinese actress Zhu Rui has revealed that she has depleted her savings after suffering heavy losses in the stock market and enduring a prolonged period without work.
In a recent video, the 39-year-old said she now relies on financial support from her elderly mother.
Zhu recalled how she had previously refrained from buying things she liked, including designer handbags, gold watches and gold necklaces, in an effort to save money.
Looking back, however, she said she regrets that decision, noting that the money she lost in the stock market could have easily paid for all three.
“What do these three things even count for? Compared with my stocks, I could have bought all three if I hadn’t invested in stocks... I really regret it,” she lamented.
Zhu also said she could only afford to eat a bowl of noodles on her birthday.
The actress added that she felt ashamed after having to ask her mother for 2,000 yuan (RM1,213) to cover her living expenses.
“I’m already almost 40, yet I have to ask my mum for money. Those who understand would understand,” she said.
Zhu rose to fame after starring in the 2010 drama A Beautiful Daughter-In-Law Era. She went on to appear in dramas including Hot Mom (2013) and A Servant Of Two Masters (2014).
However, her acting career later hit a bottleneck after she became increasingly typecast in middle-aged woman roles, limiting the range of characters offered to her.
Her career prospects were further affected when she turned down productions outside her hometown so she could care for her ailing mother.
With fewer acting opportunities, Zhu eventually turned to the stock market in a bid to supplement her income, despite having no prior investment experience.
Reports indicate that she invested all 700,000 yuan (RM424,558) she had saved over two decades in showbiz in the stock market, but they all plunged into losses.
Zhu is now reportedly keeping a low profile, having stopped attending social gatherings and meals with friends.
She spends most of her time in her hometown caring for her mother.
