Chang Shih (张世)

Renowned as a "shape-shifting" actor who vanishes completely into every role, Zhang Shi is a rare breed of performer who thrives on playing the underdog. From goofy landlords to scheming ministers, he subverts the stereotype of the handsome male lead and rewrites the rules for character actors, turning every flawed and ordinary figure into an unforgettable classic. Breakthrough Role (His big break) While Zhang Shi had a solid film career in the late 1980s and 90s—winning the Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actor for Banana Paradise and the Rotterdam International Film Festival Audience Award for Best Actor for The Warrior and the Wolf—his career-defining moment came in 2010 with the hit time‑travel drama The Myth. Playing the tragic villain Zhao Gao, a timid chef who descends into madness after relentless persecution, Zhang delivered a performance of raw, visceral power. His famous improvised monologue—screaming "I want to become Zhao Gao, step by step!"—is widely considered so masterful that it was later included in the curriculum of Beijing Film Academy. Public Perception (Current status and reputation) Zhang Shi is universally hailed by peers and critics as a textbook example of acting excellence. His portrayals—whether as the corrupt Chancellor Tian Fen in The Emperor of the Han Dynasty, the hilarious landlord Gong Xi in Pink Women, or a ruthless drug lord in The Anti‑Drug Storm—consistently steal the spotlight. Known for his chameleon‑like range and fierce dedication (performing his own dangerous stunts well into his fifties), he has earned immense goodwill as a "character actor's character actor". Meanwhile, his quiet decision to step back from the spotlight and retreat to a self‑sufficient farming life with his wife has made him a beloved figure of admiration—someone who epitomizes artistic integrity and personal wisdom in an industry driven by fame and traffic.