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Text: Jiang Bo
Edited by Jiang Bo
Tough childhood, a theatrical dream at a young age
In 1943 in a poor family in Guilin, Guangxi, Huang Wanqiu fell to the ground, as one of the eight children in the family, Xiao Wanqiu knew how to share housework since she was a child and helped her parents reduce their burden. Despite the hardships of life, she is optimistic by nature and always finds happiness in ordinary days.
"I remember when I was a child, every time I heard that there was a troupe in the village performing in the village, I would sneak out to watch it. I was fascinated by the actors singing and dancing on stage, and I wished I could perform on stage. Years later, Huang Wanqiu recalled her childhood, and her face was still full of excitement.
At a young age, Huang Wanqiu was obsessed with drama and often imitated the singing and movements in the drama at home. Although her parents did not understand opera, they were also moved by their daughter's talent and enthusiasm. "Although my father did not support me studying drama, he did not explicitly oppose it.
Artistic enlightenment Xiao Hua Dan in the Gui Opera Troupe
When he was 13 years old, the opportunity came, and the Gui Opera Troupe came to Huang Wanqiu's village to select newcomers. Huang Wanqiu also plucked up the courage and signed up for the selection.
The selection scene was very lively, Huang Wanqiu stood in the crowd, so nervous that her palms were sweating. When it was her turn to perform, she took a deep breath and began to sing one of her best scenes. The clear voice, smart eyes, and natural stage charm immediately attracted the attention of the examiner.
In this way, Huang Wanqiu, who was only 13 years old, was exceptionally admitted and became the youngest student of the Gui Opera Troupe. When she left her hometown, her parents were reluctant to give up, but they still supported their daughter to pursue her dreams.
After joining the Gui Opera Troupe, Huang Wanqiu was eager to learn various opera techniques, getting up before dawn every day to practice, and rehearsing late at night without complaint. Her diligence and talent were quickly recognized by her teachers.
After several years of hard training, Huang Wanqiu gradually grew into the pillar of the Gui Opera Troupe. She starred in operas such as "Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai" and "The Legend of the White Snake", which caused quite a stir in the local area. The audience was fascinated by this handsome and singing little flower.
A twist of fate The birth of "Liu Sanjie".
In 1960, an opportunity to change Huang Wanqiu's life came, and the famous director Su Li came to Guangxi to prepare for the filming of the movie "Liu Sanjie". He looked around for a suitable heroine, but was never satisfied.
When Su Li saw Huang Wanqiu's performance, his eyes lit up, "It's her!" Su Li said excitedly, "This girl is not only sweet-looking, but also has an aura in her eyes, she is simply a natural 'Third Sister Liu'!"
At that time, Huang Wanqiu was still an 18-year-old girl who had never been exposed to film acting, and she was both excited and apprehensive in the face of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "I remember the first time I stood in front of the camera, I was so nervous that I forgot my lines." Huang Wanqiu recalled, "Thanks to Director Su's patient guidance, I slowly found my feelings. "
During the filming process, Huang Wanqiu made unimaginable efforts, and in order to show Liu Sanjie's wit and humor, she often shot dozens of times in one shot. Sometimes in order to catch the morning sun, I have to get up at three or four o'clock in the morning to put on makeup. Even in the hot summer, she wore a heavy costume and worked continuously for more than ten hours under the scorching sun.
"The most memorable scene was the filming of the 'duet', where we stood on the hillside all day, and our voices were hoarse. But when you see the beautiful picture after the film, all the hard work is worth it. Huang Wanqiu's eyes flashed with pride.
Became an overnight celebrity from Xiaohuadan to a national goddess
In 1961, "Liu Sanjie" was released nationwide and immediately caused a sensation, Liu Sanjie played by Huang Wanqiu was witty and humorous, and her singing voice was tactful, which deeply touched the hearts of the audience. For a time, "Liu Sanjie" became a household name, and Huang Wanqiu also became a household name in one fell swoop.
"At that time, walking on the street, people often recognized me and greeted me warmly, and once when I went to buy vegetables, the stall owner recognized me as 'Liu Sanjie', and insisted on giving me a bunch of vegetables for free, but I couldn't refuse, and finally had to accept it." Huang Wanqiu recalled with a smile.
"Liu Sanjie" was not only a big hit in China, but also translated into many Chinese languages and screened abroad, and won wide acclaim. As a result, Huang Wanqiu became one of the first Chinese movie stars to go international.
Behind the fame and fortune, Huang Wanqiu has not forgotten her original intention, she still maintains a diligent and hard-working style, constantly challenges herself, and creates vivid roles in films such as "Chunlan Qiuju" and "Liu Sanjie Returns to Her Mother's Home".
The trough of life, the strength in the difficult situation
Life is always full of uncertaintiesIn 1966, a sudden political storm swept across the country. Huang Wanqiu was criticized for the image she created in "Liu Sanjie", and the former national goddess became a "negative example" overnight.
"It was a really hard time. I was sent to work in the countryside and did heavy physical work every day. When I returned to the dormitory at night, I looked at the big-character poster posted on the wall, and my heart was full of grievances and despair. Huang Wanqiu recalled, her voice full of bitterness.
Just when Huang Wanqiu was most desperate, a young man named He Youcai walked into her life. He Youcai is an actor in the Gui Opera Troupe, he silently cares for and supports Huang Wanqiu, giving her the courage to continue living.
"Youcai often secretly brings me some food, and sometimes helps me share some heavy lifting. Although he never said much, that silent concern made me feel the warmth of the world. When Huang Wanqiu talked about He Youcai, her eyes showed deep gratitude.
In 1972, after 6 years of difficult years, Huang Wanqiu finally waited for a turnaround. She and He Youcai came together and formed their own small family.
After getting married, Huang Wanqiu and He Youcai got along with each other and went through one difficulty after another together. They gave birth to a son and a daughter successively, and formed a warm little family. Even in the most difficult days, the two never gave up their yearning for a better life.
In 1977, Huang Wanqiu finally ushered in the second spring of her career. She returned to the screen and starred in many films such as "Chunlan Qiuju", and once again won the love of the audience. This time, her success comes more from her life experience and her persistent pursuit of art.
Forever "Liu Sanjie"
On March 4, 2023, 80-year-old Huang Wanqiu passed away from lung cancer, and at the last moment of her life, she was still thinking about the career she loved.
"Farewell, 'Liu Sanjie' fans and friends who love me at home and abroad, I will go to the sky to spread songs, in heaven, on earth, my heart will always be with you." These are Huang Wanqiu's last words, and every word is full of her love for art and gratitude to the audience.
Huang Wanqiu's departure is not only a loss for her family, but also a loss for the entire Chinese film industry. Her husband He Youcai was in grief and determined to continue to complete his wife's unfinished business and inherit the culture of "Liu Sanjie".
Looking back on Huang Wanqiu's life, from a little girl in a poor mountainous area to a well-known movie star, to an artist committed to cultural inheritance, her life experience is legendary. She uses her own efforts to interpret what perseverance is, what dreams are, and what is the persistent pursuit of art.
Although Huang Wanqiu has left us, the image of "Liu Sanjie" she created will always live in people's hearts. Her story tells us that as long as we have dreams and move forward bravely, ordinary life can also shine brightly.
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