Chinese veteran actor You Benchang dies at 93

(ECNS) -- Chinese veteran actor You Benchang died of an illness at 93 in Beijing on Wednesday morning.

Born in 1933, You is a celebrated performing artist and first-class actor with the National Theatre of China. Best known for his portrayal of the legendary Buddhist monk Ji Gong in the 1985 television series of the same name, he devoted much of his career to theater and created many beloved characters.

Blossoms Shanghai was You's final television drama, and his portrayal of "Ye Shu", an older and wise mentor character in Shanghai local dialect, brought him renewed attention from audiences.

You had worked in the performing arts for more than 70 years.

(By Zhang Dongfang)