Ruan Lingyu

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Ruan Lingyu

Name	Ruan Lingyu
Birth name
Birth date	April 26, 1910
Birth place	Shanghai, China
Death date	March 8, 1935
Death place	Shanghai, China
Alma mater
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1927–1935
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Ruan Lingyu (April 26, 1910 – March 8, 1935) was a prominent Chinese silent film actress, celebrated for her performances in the golden age of Chinese cinema during the 1930s. Her career, though tragically short, left a lasting impact on Chinese film and culture.

Early Life

Ruan Lingyu was born in Shanghai, China, to a working-class family. Her father died when she was young, and her mother worked as a maid to support the family. Ruan's early life was marked by hardship, which later influenced her acting career and the roles she chose.

Career

Ruan Lingyu began her acting career at the age of 16, joining the Mingxing Film Company, one of the leading film studios in China at the time. Her first film, A Married Couple in Name Only (1927), marked the beginning of a prolific career.

Breakthrough and Stardom

Ruan's breakthrough role came with the film The Goddess (1934), where she portrayed a tragic streetwalker struggling to raise her son. Her performance was lauded for its depth and emotional intensity, establishing her as a leading actress in Chinese cinema.

Ruan was known for her ability to convey complex emotions and for her portrayals of strong, independent women. Her films often addressed social issues, reflecting the turbulent times in China during the 1930s.

Notable Films

Some of Ruan Lingyu's most notable films include:

• The Goddess (1934)
• New Women (1935)
• Little Toys (1933)
• Love and Duty (1931)

Personal Life and Tragic Death

Ruan Lingyu's personal life was fraught with difficulties, including a tumultuous relationship with her husband, Zhang Damin, and a highly publicized affair with Tang Jishan. The intense media scrutiny and public pressure took a toll on her mental health.

On March 8, 1935, Ruan Lingyu died by suicide at the age of 24. Her death shocked the nation and highlighted the destructive power of media sensationalism. Her funeral was attended by thousands of fans, and her legacy as a film icon was cemented.

Legacy

Ruan Lingyu is remembered as one of the greatest actresses in Chinese cinema history. Her films continue to be studied and appreciated for their artistic and cultural significance. Ruan's life and career have inspired numerous books, films, and academic studies.

Also see

• Chinese cinema
• Silent film
• The Goddess (1934 film)
• New Women (1935 film)
• Shanghai