Zhang Zhijian (张志坚)

Zhang Zhijian's rise to fame is a classic late-bloomer story—after decades of steady character work, he broke through at age 62 by delivering a masterclass in nuanced villainy, earning wide acclaim for his textbook-level acting and refreshingly humble, fame-averse persona that stands out in China's entertainment industry. Breakthrough Role His career-defining role came in 2017 when he played Gao Yuliang, the deputy provincial party secretary in the hit anti-corruption drama In the Name of the People. To perfect the character, Zhang Zhijian went to extraordinary lengths—growing out his signature crew cut, spending thousands of his own money on a high-quality wool-blend jacket and premium glasses, even filming entire days without eating to preserve costume continuity. His portrayal of the deeply layered, power-hungry yet scholarly official was hailed as "divine acting", earning him the Best Supporting Actor award at the 23rd Shanghai TV Festival's Magnolia Awards and the "Top 10 Most Beloved Actor" honors at the 22nd Huading Awards. Public Perception Zhang Zhijian is now widely respected as an acting powerhouse with a near-flawless reputation. Despite being on par with national first-class actors in skill, he remains a modest "third-class actor" in title—a distinction he dismisses with characteristic indifference, saying, "As long as there's a good role, nothing else matters". Known for rejecting ill-suited scripts and criticizing overpaid, unprofessional stars, he has cultivated an image as one of the industry's most principled figures. Consistently delivering memorable performances in films like Nice View and dramas such as The Knockout and Under the Skin, he continues to be a beloved presence whose work ethic and authenticity have earned him genuine goodwill from audiences across China.