Everybody knows that everybody dies. But when will that time come for each individual? No one really knows. Some are blessed to live long lives before taking their leave. Others, however, only have a short time to burn bright before they too have to go. Unfortunately, Chinese artist Chu Lanlan (储兰兰) was the latter.
On 18th December, Lanlan’s fans received shocking news. The much-loved actress and singer had passed away at age 39. Her fans bemoaned her passing, as she had done much in her life and endeared herself to many.
Lanlan was best known for her acting skills. She first started out in the TV series “深情中” at the age of eight. However, Lanlan’s true love was the stage. She later turned her eyes to Traditional Chinese Opera and made Peking Opera, aka Beijing Opera, her specialty.
Not only did she graduate from the Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Opera, she also studied under 蔡英莲 (literation: Cai Yinglian), a disciple of Peking Opera Master Zhang Junqiu (张君秋). Lanlan later became famous for creating the song and dance “Farewell My Concubine (霸王别姬)” for the Peking Opera. Notably, Lanlan also sang and performed during the 2008 Olympics when they were held in Beijing.
Her work didn’t stop there. Lanlan was also known to give her all for projects on public welfare. In fact, since 2020, Lanlan has been part of a foundation in Beijing that advocates for the physical and mental growth of rural children. Lanlan also used to do free performances for them.
She was last seen in public at one such performance in early November. At that time, Lanlan had brought her 7-year-old son along. As such, her passing came as a shock to many, as they had seen her just last month, still alive and healthy. Chinese media reported that Lanlan had passed away from a Covid complication.
Lanlan’s fans are currently mourning her passing. However, many are choosing to remember her as she was. As one fan put it: “I can’t bear to change her photos into black and white, because her artistic life is colourful.” The venerated artist has certainly brought colour and change to many people’s lives. We sincerely hope they find peace in her passing.
Source: China Press
