Li Yu (李彧)

Son of renowned actor Li Baotian, Li Yu spent three decades trying to outrun his "star kid" shadow. Standing just 160 cm, with an unconventional look, he was once labeled the "most disappointing" second-generation celebrity — yet today, he is widely hailed as a "golden supporting actor" who steals the spotlight in almost every role. From the ruthless yet comical villain in a classic wuxia drama to the heartbreakingly warm father figure in a fantasy epic, Li Yu has crafted a portfolio of over 150 productions, proving that true talent has nothing to do with height or good looks, and everything to do with grit, dedication and a face that can turn from a warm smile to a sinister glare in the blink of an eye. Breakthrough Role If Li Yu has a signature role, it's two-fold, rooted in the golden era of Chinese TV. In the early 2000s, he took on one challenge after another: as both the genuinely fierce and the laughably fraudulent twins Qiu Qianren and Qiu Qianzhang in the 2003 adaptation of The Legend of the Condor Heroes, he displayed a comedic versatility rarely seen in the wuxia genre. That same year, in the classic Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, he portrayed Yue Laosan — the “Southern Sea Crocodile God” — a dim-witted yet deadly martial artist whose over-the-top loyalty to his master brought a touch of warmth and laughter to an otherwise tragic saga. Fast-forward nearly two decades, and Li Yu reemerged as the beloved "Divine Doctor Yue Bo" in the 2019 fantasy hit Love and Destiny, bringing the audience to tears with his portrayal of a mischievous, wine-loving celestial father figure whose quiet heroism shattered the "comedic villain" mold and went viral among a new generation of viewers. Public Perception Li Yu is a testament to the power of resilience in a youth-obsessed industry. As the son of a man widely considered one of China's greatest actors, Li failed his entrance exams for the Central Academy of Drama multiple times without any intervention from his famous father. He has spent his entire career grinding in small, often unglamorous roles, biding his time while enduring mockery for his appearance. But the tide has decisively turned: audiences now celebrate his expressive face, which can shift from comical to heartbreaking in an instant. Off-screen, he has embraced an unapologetically individual style — bald head, earrings, bold tattoos (including a portrait of his father's most famous character) — and famously hit back at critics who questioned his unconventional choices. When fans see Li Yu on screen today, they trust that even a five-minute appearance will be memorable. He has carved a singular path: not the leading man, and never a nepo-baby coasting on his father's fame, but a true character actor who has earned his place through a lifetime of showing up and delivering captivating performances.