Li Meng (李夢)

Li Meng has captivated audiences with her raw, unrestrained energy and an unparalleled talent for playing "mad and crazy" characters. From a young girl in a nightclub to a tormented princess, she brings a fierce intensity to roles that make her unforgettable, often described as the actress you "love to hate" but cannot look away from. The 1992-born Hunan native, who graduated from the Beijing Film Academy, commands the screen by capturing a haunting blend of innocence and defiance, with a signature "untamed" style that defines her craft. Her turbulent personal history—from skyrocketing to international fame to being nearly blacklisted for years—makes her rare on-screen appearances feel even more powerful, cementing her status as the celebrated "Goddess of the Unhinged in the entertainment industry". Breakthrough Role Li Meng's career has been a story of both film triumph and television resurgence. She first gained international recognition when her performance in Jia Zhangke's A Touch of Sin (2013) earned her the honor of being the first Chinese post-90s actress to walk the Cannes red carpet, a milestone that announced her arrival on the world stage. However, it was her role in the 2020 web series The Bad Kids that truly showcased her range. As Wang Yao, the impulsive and grief-stricken second wife of a murder suspect, Li Meng delivered a multi-layered performance of a woman whose jealousy masks the anguish of a mother. This landmark role in a critically acclaimed drama clearly demonstrated her mastery of complex characters. More recently, Li has continued to build an impressive resume, winning the Huading Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2025 for her recent acclaimed performance as the "mad and crazy" Princess Wanning in the 2024 hit historical drama The Tale of the Rose (《墨雨云间》), proving that her talent continues to reach new heights. Public Perception Li Meng is widely seen as one of the most controversial and resilient figures in the entertainment industry. Her career has been a dramatic roller coaster, from losing her part in White Deer Plain due to on-set conflicts that led to nearly a decade of being labeled a "troublemaker," to her current spectacular comeback. She is viewed as the ultimate "living person" celebrity—praised for her pure dedication to acting but heavily criticized for her low emotional intelligence and insubordination on set. Audiences' opinions remain deeply divided; they frequently express frustration with her personality while grudgingly acknowledging her undeniable intensity and devotion to her craft. After a decade of near obscurity, Li Meng has re-emerged as a symbol of artistic redemption, with many viewers rooting for this "demonized" actress to continue her hard-fought return.