Zhao Lusi: Rising Star of Chinese Entertainment

Zhao Lusi (赵露思, also known as Lusi Zhao or Rosy Zhao) stands as one of the most promising young actresses in China’s entertainment industry. Born on November 9, 1998, in Hefei, Anhui Province, China, she has rapidly ascended from a relatively unknown talent to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in Chinese television and film. Her remarkable journey through the competitive landscape of Chinese entertainment showcases not only her natural acting abilities but also her dedication to continuous improvement and versatility as a performer. Known for her expressive eyes, natural charm, and ability to embody diverse characters, Zhao has captured the hearts of millions across Asia and increasingly, around the world.

Early Life and Education

Zhao Lusi spent her formative years in Hefei, where she displayed an early interest in the performing arts. Unlike many actresses who begin their careers through formal training at prestigious acting academies, Zhao initially pursued a different path. She attended Communication University of China in Beijing, one of the country’s most respected institutions for media studies, where she majored in Broadcasting and Hosting Arts. This academic background provided her with a solid foundation in communication skills and media theory, differentiating her from peers who entered the industry through more traditional acting routes.

During her university years, Zhao balanced her studies with modeling assignments and small acting roles, demonstrating the remarkable work ethic that would later become her trademark. Her time at the university was also formative in developing her understanding of media operations and camera presence, skills that would prove invaluable in her future career.

Growing up in a middle-class family, Zhao was encouraged to pursue education alongside her artistic interests. This balanced approach to her development has been credited with giving her a level-headed perspective on fame and success that is sometimes rare among entertainers who achieve rapid popularity.

Career Beginnings

Zhao’s entry into the entertainment world began not on television but through various modeling jobs and commercial appearances while she was still a student. Her distinctive look, characterized by large expressive eyes and a natural, approachable beauty, made her stand out in advertisements and photo shoots. These early experiences in front of the camera helped her develop confidence and versatility that would later translate to acting roles.

Her official acting debut came in 2016 with a supporting role in the web drama “Naughty Princess.” While the series itself received modest attention, industry insiders noted Zhao’s natural screen presence and potential. This initial exposure led to several small roles that, while not immediately catapulting her to stardom, provided valuable experience and gradually increased her visibility in the industry.

The pivotal moment in Zhao’s early career arrived in 2018 when she was cast in the fantasy romance drama “Oh! My Emperor” (哦！我的皇帝陛下). Playing the female lead, Luo Feifei, a modern girl who travels back in time to ancient China, the role allowed Zhao to showcase both her comedic timing and emotional range. The series gained popularity among younger audiences and established Zhao as a promising newcomer with leading-lady potential.

Breakthrough and Rise to Prominence

While “Oh! My Emperor” marked a significant step forward in Zhao’s career, her genuine breakthrough came with the 2019 xianxia fantasy drama “The Romance of Tiger and Rose” (传闻中的陈芊芊). This innovative series, featuring Zhao as both the lead actress and the creative consultant, captured audience imagination with its unique premise: a screenwriter who becomes trapped in the world of her own drama script. The show’s clever narrative structure, coupled with Zhao’s charismatic performance as the strong-willed Chen Qianqian, resonated strongly with viewers.

“The Romance of Tiger and Rose” became a viral sensation, amassing over 2 billion views online and transforming Zhao into one of China’s most discussed young actresses. Her portrayal of Chen Qianqian—independent, resourceful, and defying traditional gender expectations—particularly resonated with younger female audiences. The series showcased Zhao’s ability to balance comedy, romance, and dramatic moments while carrying the narrative weight of a complex story.

Following this success, Zhao demonstrated her versatility with roles in various genres. In the modern rom-com “Dating in the Kitchen” (我, 喜欢你), she played a talented chef pursuing her culinary dreams. Her chemistry with co-star Lin Yushen drew praise from critics, who noted her ability to convey both professional determination and romantic vulnerability. The series further cemented her reputation as a leading actress capable of drawing audiences across different genres.

Career Expansion and Notable Works

With her growing popularity, Zhao began selecting increasingly diverse and challenging roles. In “The Long Ballad” (长歌行), a historical drama based on a popular comic, she portrayed Princess Li Changge, a noblewoman seeking revenge for her family’s massacre. This marked a significant departure from her previous, lighter roles, requiring her to perform complex martial arts sequences and convey intense emotional trauma. Her committed performance demonstrated her range beyond romantic comedies and established her credentials in the demanding genre of historical drama.

In 2021, Zhao starred in “Love of Thousand Years” (只一眼便心动), a fantasy romance that allowed her to explore the complexity of a character living across multiple time periods and identities. This was followed by the modern drama “Being A Hero” (理想之城), where she played an ambitious professional navigating ethical dilemmas in the corporate world—another role that showcased her versatility and growing maturity as an actress.

Zhao’s filmography expanded further with roles in “Who Rules The World” (且试天下) and “Love Like The Galaxy” (星汉灿烂), both period dramas that required meticulous attention to historical detail and physical training for action sequences. These productions, with their lavish sets and international distribution, helped introduce Zhao to audiences beyond mainland China.

One of her most acclaimed performances came in “The Oath of Love” (余生，请多指教), a medical romance drama where she portrayed a cellist whose life becomes entangled with a stern doctor when her father falls ill. Critics praised Zhao’s nuanced portrayal of grief, resilience, and personal growth, noting her ability to convey complex emotions with subtle facial expressions and body language.

Acting Style and Public Image

Zhao has developed a distinctive acting style characterized by expressiveness and emotional authenticity. Unlike many actresses in the Chinese industry who might rely heavily on technical skills or physical beauty, Zhao prioritizes creating believable, relatable characters with depth. Her performances often feature a natural quality that makes even fantastical scenarios feel grounded and accessible to audiences.

Directors who have worked with Zhao frequently comment on her meticulous preparation and willingness to immerse herself in her characters. For historical roles, she studies period-appropriate behaviors, speech patterns, and cultural contexts. For contemporary characters, she often researches specific professions or life circumstances to ensure authenticity. This commitment to research reflects her intellectual approach to acting, influenced perhaps by her university education.

Zhao’s public image has been carefully cultivated to balance approachability with professionalism. In interviews and variety show appearances, she presents herself as hardworking, grateful for opportunities, and committed to continuous improvement—qualities that resonate positively with Chinese cultural values. At the same time, she maintains an element of privacy regarding her personal life, focusing public attention on her work rather than off-screen activities.

On social media platforms like Weibo, where she has amassed tens of millions of followers, Zhao shares glimpses of her work process, interactions with colleagues, and occasional personal moments. This measured transparency has helped her build a loyal fan base that appreciates both her talent and her apparently grounded personality.

Business Ventures and Brand Endorsements

Beyond acting, Zhao has strategically expanded her career into commercial endorsements and business ventures. Her rising popularity has made her a sought-after brand ambassador for both domestic Chinese companies and international brands seeking to establish themselves in the lucrative Chinese market.

Zhao has represented products ranging from cosmetics and fashion to electronics and food brands. Notable among these are partnerships with L’Oréal Paris, Guerlain, and several luxury fashion houses. Her appeal to brands stems not only from her popularity but also from her clean public image and relatability to younger consumers.

In 2022, Zhao ventured into entrepreneurship by launching her own beauty brand, focusing on skincare products formulated for Asian skin types. This business move reflected her understanding of her market value and long-term career planning beyond acting roles. The product line, which emphasized natural ingredients and sustainable packaging, aligned with her public persona of authenticity and thoughtfulness.

Additionally, Zhao has participated in charitable initiatives, particularly those focused on education for rural children and environmental conservation. These activities have further enhanced her public image as a socially conscious celebrity who uses her influence responsibly.

Artistic Growth and Critical Reception

As Zhao’s career has progressed, critics have noted her artistic evolution and growing confidence as a performer. Early reviews sometimes dismissed her as merely another pretty face in an industry saturated with beautiful actresses. However, with each successive role, she has systematically challenged such perceptions by tackling increasingly complex characters and demonstrating surprising emotional depth.

Critics particularly praise her ability to bring freshness to familiar genres and tropes. In romantic comedies, she avoids the clichéd portrayals of female leads by infusing her characters with agency and intelligence. In historical dramas, she balances period authenticity with relatable human emotions that contemporary audiences can connect with.

Chinese film critic Wang Xiaosheng noted in a 2022 review: “What distinguishes Zhao from many of her contemporaries is her willingness to be imperfect on screen. She allows her characters to make mistakes, to appear foolish or vulnerable when the story demands it, prioritizing authenticity over maintaining a flawless image.”

This willingness to embrace imperfection extends to her project selection as well. Rather than exclusively choosing safe, commercially proven concepts, Zhao has occasionally taken risks with unconventional scripts or worked with emerging directors—choices that demonstrate her commitment to artistic growth over immediate commercial success.

International Recognition

While primarily known within China and other Asian markets, Zhao has begun gaining recognition internationally as Chinese entertainment content reaches global audiences through streaming platforms. Several of her series have been distributed internationally with subtitles, introducing her work to viewers in North America, Europe, and other Asian countries.

Film festival programmers and international critics have started noting her performances, particularly in projects that offer insight into contemporary Chinese society or revisit historical periods with fresh perspectives. This growing international awareness positions Zhao as part of a new generation of Chinese performers who may achieve the global recognition that previous generations of Chinese actresses rarely experienced.

Her international appeal lies partly in her versatility and partly in her natural charisma that transcends language barriers. Even viewers relying on subtitles can appreciate the emotional truth she brings to her performances and her ability to communicate complex feelings through facial expressions and physical presence.

Personal Life and Interests

Despite her public visibility, Zhao maintains considerable privacy regarding her personal life. She has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships, keeping focus on her professional development. This discretion reflects both personal preference and the strategic career management common among rising stars in the Chinese entertainment industry, where public romantic entanglements can sometimes overshadow professional achievements.

In rare interviews discussing her life outside work, Zhao has mentioned interests in literature, music (particularly playing the piano, a skill she developed for certain roles), and outdoor activities like hiking. She has also expressed interest in filmmaking beyond acting, occasionally discussing her admiration for directorial techniques and storytelling approaches.

Zhao is known to be close to her family, who have supported her career while helping her maintain perspective amid rapid fame. Unlike some celebrities who become isolated by success, she appears to maintain longstanding friendships from before her fame, providing important grounding in an industry known for its volatility.

Cultural Impact and Influence

As her career has progressed, Zhao has emerged as more than just an entertainer—she has become a cultural influence, particularly for young women in China. Her roles often feature characters who balance traditional values with modern independence, navigating career ambitions, romantic relationships, and personal growth in ways that reflect the experiences of contemporary Chinese youth.

Fashion magazines regularly feature Zhao on their covers, and her style choices—both on-screen and off—influence trends among young consumers. Beyond superficial influence, however, her career trajectory itself serves as inspiration for aspiring performers who don’t come from entertainment industry backgrounds or lack connections in the highly competitive Chinese show business world.

Education advocates have also noted Zhao as a positive example of a celebrity who completed higher education before pursuing entertainment full-time, countering the narrative that academic achievement and artistic success are mutually exclusive paths.

Future Prospects

As Zhao enters a new phase of her career, industry observers anticipate continued growth and potential expansion into new areas of the entertainment industry. There have been discussions about her potentially taking on film roles after establishing herself primarily through television series, a transition that would mark another significant step in her career development.

There are also indications of interest in projects that would allow her to use her university training in broadcasting, possibly including production roles or documentary work that could showcase different aspects of her talents and interests.

With her combination of acting ability, public appeal, business acumen, and apparent dedication to continuous improvement, Zhao Lusi represents the modern face of Chinese entertainment: globally aware, professionally versatile, and capable of connecting with diverse audiences while maintaining cultural authenticity.

Conclusion

In less than a decade, Zhao Lusi has transformed from an unknown university student to one of China’s most recognizable young actresses. Her journey illustrates both her personal talents and the rapidly evolving nature of the Chinese entertainment industry, which increasingly produces content and stars with global appeal.

What distinguishes Zhao from many contemporaries is her balanced approach to fame—embracing opportunities while maintaining educational foundations and apparent personal grounding. As Chinese entertainment continues its international expansion, performers like Zhao who combine technical skill with authentic emotional connection and cultural awareness are positioned to become significant cultural ambassadors.

Whether in romantic comedies that capture the aspirations of contemporary youth or historical dramas that reinterpret China’s rich past for modern audiences, Zhao Lusi has demonstrated the versatility and commitment that characterize enduring careers in an often ephemeral industry. As she continues to evolve as an artist and public figure, she represents the promising future of Chinese entertainment in an increasingly interconnected global media landscape.