Chen Ruifeng (陈瑞丰)

Chen Ruifeng is a rare breed of actor whose path to fame defies the typical showbiz trajectory. A former professional ballet dancer who trained with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, he first caught public attention as a contestant on the 2021 idol survival show Chuang 2021 and later on the dating reality program Meeting Mr. Right Season 4. But it was his pivot to the booming vertical short-drama industry that truly unlocked his potential. With his striking 188 cm frame, refined ballet-honed posture, and a growing reputation for delivering nuanced, grounded performances in an industry known for over-the-top acting, Chen has carved out a unique space for himself. In an era where short-form content dominates, he has emerged as one of the most promising leading men of the genre.

Breakthrough Role Chen’s breakthrough came with the 2025 romance short drama Picked Up a Husband on the Wedding Day (Ling Zheng Dang Tian, Jian Le Ge Lao Gong Hui Jia). The series, which follows a woman who impulsively marries a stranger after being betrayed on her wedding day, became a massive hit on the Red Fruit platform, amassing over 70 million热度 and climbing to the Top 4 on the platform’s hot-play chart. Chen’s portrayal of Mu Yansen, a reserved and quietly composed CEO who gradually reveals his emotional depth, earned widespread praise for its restraint and authenticity. He broke the mold of the stereotypical “domineering CEO” by grounding the character in subtle micro-expressions and lived-in details—a performance he described as striving to be “grounded, solid, and rooted”. The role propelled him into the Red Fruit actor rankings at No. 35 and pushed his follower count past 100,000, marking his arrival as a serious actor in the vertical drama space.

Public Perception Chen Ruifeng is widely seen as a dedicated craftsman who has found his creative freedom in an unexpected format. After years of navigating variety shows and supporting roles in long-form dramas like The Revenge of the Film Queen and The Princess of Destiny, he has openly credited short dramas for giving him “a huge space for development”. His willingness to challenge himself—moving from polished CEOs to small-town everymen—and his refusal to rely on his famous uncle (renowned actor Ge You) have earned him respect from both peers and audiences. Viewers praise his “inner charm” and “humble, positive attitude”, while industry observers note his commitment to making even formulaic roles feel authentic and lived-in. Though his fame remains concentrated in the short-drama ecosystem, Chen Ruifeng is increasingly seen as a talent poised for bigger things—an actor who proved that sometimes, the best path to success is the one you carve out for yourself.