Hei Ze (黑泽)

Hei Ze is a Chinese actor, born as Li Ze in Beijing. In 2014, because of his liking to act, he made several short videos and broadcasted them on the Kuaishou platform. In 2017, his short videos began to be played on the Douyin platform. In February that year, he entered showbiz with his participation as a regular guest on the entertainment interactive reality show "Net Purple is Here". In September same year, he released his first single "Childhood". In 2018, he shot a series of "girlfriend's perspective" videos and also short dramas such as "Let's Go to Work Together" and "College Love". These series of videos made him an online anchor with more than five million fans.

Hei Ze has carved out a unique path to fame by bridging two worlds: the viral realm of short-video platforms and the rapidly evolving landscape of micro-dramas. With over 3.35 million followers on Douyin, he first gained attention through his "girlfriend视角" series of short videos. But unlike many online influencers, he successfully transitioned into a serious actor, earning a reputation as one of the most reliable performers in the micro-drama industry. Known for his rugged charm, hard-working attitude, and his own humorous admission that he chose the stage name Hei Ze (literally "Black Marsh") because of his dark complexion, he has become a rare figure who wins audiences over not with filters or gimmicks, but with genuine acting craft and emotional depth. Breakthrough Role Hei Ze’s breakthrough came in two distinct phases. His initial entry into acting was marked by the 2019 short-form comedy Life Strikes Back 2 (《生活对我下手了2》), where he starred alongside La Mu Yangzi. However, his true breakout moment arrived in 2026 with the critically acclaimed micro-drama Fish Swim to Land (《鱼群跟着游向陆地》), directed by Zhou Jiuqin and co-starring Zhao Xixi. Adapted from a highly-rated Douban Reading IP, the series tells the story of a humble fishmonger and a kindergarten teacher in a small town in Guangdong’s Shunde district. Hei Ze’s portrayal of the rough-around-the-edges yet deeply magnetic Chen Xudong earned rave reviews, with audiences calling it a "career-defining" performance that showcased his ability to bring raw, unfiltered authenticity to the screen. The series became a massive hit, ranking in the Top 3 on the Hongguo platform’s hot and trending charts, and even made an appearance at the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market. Public Perception In China’s rapidly growing micro-drama industry, Hei Ze has earned a reputation as a rare "quality-over-quantity" actor who releases fewer projects than his peers but consistently delivers hits. He is widely praised by both audiences and directors for his commitment to treating micro-dramas with the same seriousness as full-length productions, focusing on subtle micro-expressions and layered character work rather than relying on good looks or exaggerated plots. As of May 2026, his popularity index had reached 7.29 million, firmly placing him among the top tier of micro-drama actors. Fans and critics alike have described his performances as carrying the weight of a "serious drama" — textured, patient, and free of the artificial gloss that plagues much of the genre. Though he has appeared in mainstream productions such as The Story of the Rose, The First Shot, and The Legend of the Blazing Warrior, it is in the micro-drama space that Hei Ze has truly found his footing. With a growing body of work that includes Rebirth 1993: Dark Sea, The Red Dress, and the upcoming The Queen Arrives, he is widely seen as a rising force in the industry — an actor who proves that even in the fast-paced world of short-form content, true craftsmanship will always find its audience.