Secretary Sha’s Meaningful Life

Living Life to the Fullest

At a certain stage in life, one reaches a state of harmony and unity between mind and soul, and one’s understanding of all things becomes more serene and profound. What this reflects is a more resilient and refined life force—the very essence of life. Zhi Dilai’s “A Week of Celebrity Meals” Feature: Zhang Fengdi.

Suit and shirt / Both by Mondiland

Born in the 1950s, Zhang Fengyi rose to fame at a young age; as early as 1981, he starred in *Camel Xiangzi*, which catapulted him to stardom. In 1993, he starred alongside Leslie Cheung and Gong Li in Chen Kaige’s *Farewell My Concubine*, where his portrayal of Duan Xiaolou shone in perfect harmony with Leslie Cheung’s character, Cheng Dieyi. In 1996, he won the Feitian Award for Outstanding Actor for his role in *The Age of Peace*. Subsequently, he delivered masterful performances in the TV series *The Sky of History*, the films *Yi Bi* and *Mulu Yuan*, as well as *Empress Wu Zetian*, cementing his status as a true veteran actor.

Being an actor, much like a brand, is ultimately a form of cultural expression:

Creation and Inclusivity

“Every era is a golden age for artistic creation; outstanding works of art emerge in every period. “Since his debut in the 1980s, Zhang Fengyi has been acting for 37 years. Now, his outlook has become increasingly broad-minded and tolerant. We assumed he would turn a blind eye to today’s bustling and chaotic entertainment industry, viewing it merely as a fleeting phenomenon. We thought he might be critical of the young, good-looking “idols” who have recently surged to fame, but he views their diverse appearances as a form of cultural expression. One regrettable aspect of Chinese television is that, due to the limitations of programming genres, the range of content is quite narrow—but isn’t this still better than a time when the only shows available were ideological education programs? Young people are constantly emerging, and it’s certain that outstanding actors will eventually rise from among these “young heartthrobs.”

Maintain a Mindset of Continuous Learning

Zhang Fengyi emphasizes the importance of actors “cultivating their inner strength”—reading, experiencing life, exercising, and maintaining mental and physical agility and flexibility. “Ultimately, acting is about portraying culture, so one must live and learn throughout one’s life.” In his daily life, his two main hobbies are reading and working out. Biographies and historical works are all part of his reading repertoire. *The Popular Chronicles of the Dynasties* is a book he frequently consults; its six thick volumes have become essential reading on his desk. No matter which play he’s working on or which character he’s portraying, he reads relevant books to immerse himself in the corresponding era—whether the Ming or Qing dynasties—to grasp the character’s psychology and the spirit of the times, thereby deepening his understanding of the character.

Insights from Experience

“Many actors think that putting effort into acting means memorizing lines. In reality, the effort should be focused on clarifying the relationships between characters. What is an actor performing? It’s the play—and the play is all about the relationships between characters. Only when you understand this will your performance truly come to life, and then you’re bound to succeed.”

Suit, shirt / Both by Mondiland

A powerful presence comes from strict self-discipline

Zhang Fengyi is a well-known fitness enthusiast in the industry. At the age of 40, he played a 27-year-old police officer in *The Era of Harmony*. Although he was 13 years older than the character, Zhang Fengyi delivered an exceptionally perfect performance thanks to his rock-solid physical fitness and his willingness to tackle physically demanding scenes head-on. Around the world—especially among Hollywood stars—everyone works out and stays in shape, whether in commercial films or entertainment productions; this is a sign of respect for their craft.

His strict self-discipline and restraint are also reflected in how Zhang Fengyi approaches his son’s education. He pays close attention to his son’s stage performances and film and television projects, discussing every performance with him, but he never uses his own status to grant special favors. “Young people need to forge their own path. I don’t want him to feel too much of the so-called ‘halo’ of his father’s generation, as that might make him become impatient or bear undue pressure.”

True wisdom comes from understanding the world; true artistry comes from understanding human nature. As the months flow by like a river, shaped by the passage of time, Zhang Fengyi follows the guidance of his heart and, with compassion, lives out the true essence of life.

Madelein has teamed up with Zhang Fengyi to showcase the diverse and rich lives of men.