Do you still remember the 1981 movie "The Wrangler" that moved countless audiences? The loving couple played by Zhu Shimao and Cong Shan on the screen is simply a match made in heaven. The audience watched mesmerizedly and thought, how great it would be if these two people were a real couple! But reality is always more complicated than movies, isn't it?
Zhu Shimao, the tough guy on the screen, actually already has his significant other in real life. The love story between him and his wife can be said to be a true "long novel", full of sweetness and twists and turns. They have gone through 43 years of ups and downs hand in hand. How can the depth of emotion be matched by a movie?
But life is always full of drama. Just because of their baby son, this couple who were once inseparable actually separated for 14 years! 14 years, how many days and nights, how did they spend it? What unknown stories happened during this period?
Now, Zhu Shimao is 68 years old, but he is still the ageless male god in our hearts. After so many years of ups and downs, what is the status of his marriage?
The path of an actor by chance, the noble love of three visits to thatched cottage
In the dazzling stars of the entertainment industry, Zhu Shimao is like a dazzling star. With his thick eyebrows, big eyes and upright posture, he was undoubtedly the "male god" of that era. synonym. However, this actor's career as an actor has not been smooth sailing, but has been full of mistakes and unexpected turns.
Zhu Shimao was born in a large family. His parents upheld the belief that "more children bring happiness" and raised ten children in total. The poverty at home made Zhu Shimao experience the hardship of life since he was a child. Having enough food became a luxury, let alone paying for high school tuition. Facing the confused future, Zhu Shimao once felt hesitant and helpless.
At this critical moment, a piece of recruiting information was like a dawn, illuminating Zhu Shimao's path forward. Although he was full of apprehensions about the unfamiliar field of art and soldiering, Zhu Shimao resolutely chose to go in order to reduce the burden on his family. This step he took unexpectedly opened up his relationship with acting.
In the selection of the literary and art soldiers, Zhu Shimao, who had no acting foundation, was successfully selected with an impromptu "imitation show". This year, he is 16 years old, and he still doesn’t know how much luck will be waiting for him in the future. During the training in the army, Zhu Shimao gradually showed his acting talent and potential.
1975 was an important turning point for Zhu Shimao. At that time, he was serving in the Fujian Frontline Repertory Theater, and it happened that director Shui Hua was casting for the movie "Children of Xisha".
Although Zhu Shimao has never acted, the director saw an indescribable charm and potential in him. This movie made Zhu Shimao stand out in the film industry and made him more determined to become an actor.
However, it was his three collaborations with director Xie Jin that really made Zhu Shimao famous. A chance encounter in 1977 made Xie Jin fall in love with Zhu Shimao and invited him. Although he was unable to cooperate due to filming commitments, Xie Jin did not give up on this young and promising actor. He firmly believed that his vision would not miss such a good idea.
In the next few years, Xie Jin always paid attention to Zhu Shimao's development and extended an olive branch to him again. Although Zhu Shimao was still unable to participate due to filming commitments, he was deeply moved by Xie Jin's persistence and trust.
The two eventually collaborated on the film "Wrangler" in 1981. This movie not only brought Zhu Shimao's acting career to its peak, but also forged a deep friendship between him and Xie Jin.
The success of "Wrangler" made Zhu Shimao a hot star at the time. His sweet interaction with Cong Shan in the play captivated the audience. However, what is less known is that Zhu Shimao's love life is sweeter in reality than in the movie.
Expressing love under the window, interpreting sweet secret love
During those days in the art troupe, Zhu Shimao always felt like a clown who was constantly scrutinized.Whenever his acting skills were criticized, he would feel an indescribable anguish in his heart. And in this dark cloud of emotions, only a ray of light could penetrate his heart - that was Fan Xuxia's comfort.
Fan Xuxia is not only Zhu Shimao’s fellow countryman, but also his spiritual sustenance. The two of them were like confidants reunited after a long separation, and they always had endless things to talk about. On those nights after being criticized, Zhu Shimao couldn't help but run downstairs to Fan Xuxia's dormitory and tap on the window, as if to say: "I'm here, don't be afraid."
The rules in the group are like an invisible wall , separated between them. But how can love be trapped by rules? They convey their emotions through letters, and each letter is a beating heart, telling each other of their longing and attachment. Friends saw it in their eyes and tacitly guarded this pure and beautiful secret.
When he went out to shoot movies, half of Zhu Shimao's heart always stayed with Fan Xuxia. Every time he comes back, there is always a carefully selected gift in his hand, which is proof of his concern and love for her.
In 1980, the ten-year love race finally came to a successful end. Zhu Shimao and Fan Xuxia walked into the marriage hall hand in hand. At that moment, all the waiting and dedication turned into the sweetest happiness.
After marriage, Zhu Shimao's career was in full swing. "Wrangler" made him a popular actor, and then he entered the Bayi Studio, which started the legendary journey of him and Chen Peisi, the golden partner. The two had the same goals and hit it off immediately. Not only did they become close friends in life, but they also created one classic after another on the stage.
The woman behind the comedian, the stormy years of Fan Xuxia and Zhu Shimao
In the sea of laughter, sketches by Zhu Shimao and Chen Peisi, such as "Eating Noodles", "Police and Thieves", "Making Movies", etc., are like heavy bombs dropped , made audiences across the country laugh, and his career was in full swing. But behind the laughter, there is Fan Xuxia’s silent dedication.
At that time, Fan Xuxia decided to create a warm home for Zhu Shimao so that he could work hard without any worries. Faced with doubts from the outside world, she firmly believed in her husband's talent and character and was willing to fight side by side with him. This trust and persistence made Zhu Shimao more prosperous in his career.
However, life is always full of challenges. When both of them longed to have a child, the child's health became their biggest worry. The birth of Zhu Qingyang brought both laughter and tears. For the health of their child, the couple ran around looking for treatment.
Just when the pressure of life was getting more and more intense, Zhu Shimao gradually disappeared from the Spring Festival Gala stage. Facing the trough of her career and financial pressure, Fan Xuxia decided to stand up and share the heavy responsibilities for her family. But Zhu Shimao's next decision made her face a greater challenge - to send her son to study abroad.
Fan Xuxia's heart was full of reluctance and worry, but for the sake of her child's future, she chose to be strong. She accompanied Zhu Qingyang to a foreign land and began a 14-year separation life. During this period, she was not only the child's mother, but also the child's friend and mentor, guiding Zhu Qingyang's growth with love and wisdom.
Time flies, but happiness remains
"Grandpa, do you think this toy of mine is fun?" At home, a childish voice interrupted Zhu Shimao's memories. He lowered his head and saw his grandson playing with a small car in his hand, with an innocent smile on his face. This scene reminded Zhu Shimao of those years in the United States and the little figure who was always looking forward to his return home - Zhu Qingyang.
In those years, Zhu Shimao was busy with his career in China, while Zhu Qingyang was studying in the United States. Father and son rarely see each other throughout the year. Every time we parted, Zhu Qingyang would say with tears in his eyes: "Dad, remember to come back and stay with me." These words were like a thorn, piercing deeply into Zhu Shimao's heart.
But life is like this. Sometimes for the future of our family, we have to choose a short separation.Fan Xuxia, this gentle but strong woman, always silently supports Zhu Shimao behind the scenes. She not only took good care of Zhu Qingyang's daily life, but also taught him how to understand his father's hard work and dedication.
In 2013, Fan Xuxia returned to China with Zhu Qingyang, who had grown up. The family finally ended their 14-year separation. The joy of reunion made Zhu Shimao cherish it. He knew that all this would not be possible without Fan Xuxia's silent dedication.
Zhu Qingyang developed a strong interest in filming under the influence of his parents. When he learned that his son wanted to become a director, Zhu Shimao expressed his support without hesitation.
He believes that young people should have dreams and pursuits. And Zhu Qingyang did not disappoint his father. His films "Spy Lotus" and "Summer of Populus euphratica" both received good responses.
As time passed, Zhu Qingyang also entered the palace of marriage. He made a promise to his wife: "I will love you as much as my father does." This sentence is not only a promise to his wife, but also an affirmation and gratitude to his father Zhu Shimao for his many years of dedication.
The following year, Zhu Qingyang and his wife welcomed the fruit of their love. Zhu Shimao and Fan Xuxia also became grandparents. Looking at the children playing at home and the busy daughter-in-law, the old couple's hearts were filled with happiness and satisfaction.
Zhu Shimao is now 69 years old, but his love for Fan Xuxia has never diminished. From their young love to their companionship in their later years, the two spent 43 years of ups and downs together. Their feelings have not faded with the passage of time, but have become stronger.
Looking back on the past, Zhu Shimao was filled with emotion. He thanked Fan Xuxia for her constant companionship and support, and also thanked his son Zhu Qingyang for bringing them joy and pride. Looking at the happy family scene in front of him, his heart was filled with gratitude and satisfaction.
Looking to the future, Zhu Shimao hopes that he and his family can continue to be happy. He looks forward to continuing to spend the rest of his life with Fan Xuxia hand in hand, and also looks forward to his son Zhu Qingyang achieving greater success in his career. At the same time, he also hopes that his grandson at home can grow up healthily and be happy and worry-free.
Time flies quickly. But no matter how time passes or how things change, Zhu Shimao believes: where there is love, there is family, and where there is family, there is happiness.