Chen Jin, a renowned actress, has left a mark in various television dramas. She has taken on roles such as the endearing Mama Bear in “Sunny Side Up”, the character Li Hongying in “Hutong”, and a simple yet memorable female teacher in “Campus Pioneer”. Despite her acting prowess, her appearance has often led to her being typecast in supporting roles, earning her the moniker of the “professional mother” in the eyes of the public.
Early in her career, she faced harsh criticism from a director who not only likened her to a nanny but also commented on her figure. This spurred Chen Jin to commence a remarkable 20-year-long weight-loss journey, during which she abstained from eating rice. Additionally, she made a unique pact with her elder brother to remain unmarried and childless throughout their lives.
From Childhood to Acting Aspirations
Born into a military family in Jinan, Shandong, Chen Jin’s early life was marked by a certain stability. Her father, a professor at the National Defense University, was frequently away on work, leaving her to be raised mainly by her mother. As a child, she had an aversion to formal education and its rigidities. However, her parents’ lack of strict restraint, due to their busy schedules, allowed her to develop her own personality. She was a quiet child, not inclined towards social bustle or group activities. Fortunately, the presence and care of her elder brother ensured a relatively happy childhood for her.
In high school, Chen Jin discovered her passion for acting and secretly applied to the Shandong University of Arts. She only informed her parents after successfully passing the multiple rounds of auditions. It was during her college years that her love for acting truly blossomed. Her journey from stage plays to the silver screen was far from easy, filled with obstacles and challenges.
Achievements and Unconventional Choices
In her acting career, Chen Jin’s dedication has been a constant. Her teacher once recounted how she would stay up until the early hours, often past two or three in the morning, to perfect a role. This unwavering commitment led to her being retained as a teacher at the university after graduation and later being transferred to the Air Force Drama Troupe, donning the uniform of a military personnel.
Her early works in the theater, such as “Love on the Snowy Peak” where she played five diverse roles, and “Distant Clouds, Near Clouds”, brought her acclaim and numerous awards, establishing her as a key figure in the drama troupe. However, when she ventured into the film and television industry, her appearance and figure initially held her back, despite her excellent acting skills.
Nonetheless, her perseverance paid off. Through a strict diet of a peach and a cup of coffee daily for 20 years, she transformed her physique. This, combined with her acting talent, has endeared her to the audience and garnered her several awards. Even when sharing the screen with veteran actors like Li Xuejian, she has held her own.
Regarding her personal life, her decision to remain single has been a topic of much discussion. In 2002, her on-screen chemistry with Wu Gang in “Eleven Days of Life and Death” led to rumors, which she chose not to address. At 60, she continues to be active in the entertainment industry, following a path that may be unconventional but is undeniably her own.
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