Chen Xiaoxu, the actress starring as Lin Daiyu in Dream of
the Red Mansion passed away on May 13 in Shenzhen.
She took the tonsure at a Buddhist temple in Changchun, capital
of Jilin Province in northeast China in February.
Chen Xiaoxu became a household name in China in the 1980s after
being cast the lead role as Lin Daiyu in the TV-series Dream of
the Red Mansion, an adaptation of the Chinese Qing Dynasty
literary classic of the same name.
Following this popular role, however, Chen Xiaoxu did not pursue
an acting career. She disappeared from public view for several
years until re-catching people's attention as a successful
businesswoman and billionaire in advertising.
The news of her tonsure was first disclosed by some
"well-informed" fans online and was confirmed by her husband, Hao
Tong, who, he had himself said, would soon follow his wife's suit
to become a monk in another monastery.
Hao said such decision, which however sounds much striking to
the public, was their ideal. Chen Xiaoxu was reported to be at
Baiguoxinglong Temple, the Buddhist monastery where she received
the tonsure ceremony.
Chen then concentrated on Buddhist studies at the monastery,
according to staff from her company. An unconfirmed source added
that Chen Xiaoxu had been following the Buddhist life credo for
seven years.
(CRI.cn May 17, 2007)
