Zhou Xuan, a legendary Chinese actress and singer, was born on August 1, although the exact year of birth is uncertain, with some sources citing 1918 and others 1920. Born Su Pu, she was sold to the Wang family at the age of three and later sent to the Zhou family, where she adopted the name Zhou Xiaohong.
At 12 or 13 years old, Zhou Xiaohong joined the Mingyue singing troupe and adopted the stage name "Zhou Xuan," meaning "beautiful jade" in Chinese. She quickly gained popularity, earning the nickname "The Golden Voice" and becoming the second most popular female singer in China.
Zhou Xuan's breakthrough role came in 1936 when she starred in the movie Street Angel, which cemented her status as a celebrity. She went on to make a total of 43 movies in her lifetime, including Recall To Jiangnan, Night Inn, and The Secret History of the Qing Dynasty.
Despite her success, Zhou Xuan's personal life was marked by disappointment. Her first marriage to musician Yan Hua ended after eight years in 1941, and she continued to work in the entertainment industry during this time. In 1946, she moved to Hong Kong to star in Recall To Jiangnan, which further solidified her popularity.
Zhou Xuan's popularity soon spread beyond China and Southeast Asia, and she became known for her iconic songs, including "The Four Season Song" and "The Wandering Female Singer." She continued to work in the industry, starring in films such as The Peaceful Pigeon, her last movie, which she never completed.
Zhou Xuan's life was marked by several romantic relationships, including marriages and affairs. She gave birth to two sons, Zhou Min and Zhou Wei, and her love life was marked by heartbreak and disappointment.
Tragically, Zhou Xuan's life was cut short when she died on September 22, 1957, officially due to brain encephalitis. Her legacy lives on, however, and her songs remain popular to this day, with many other singers covering her iconic tunes.
Zhou Xuan is estimated to have recorded over 200 songs, including many for her movies. Her music has been celebrated for its timeless beauty and emotional depth, and she remains one of the most beloved and enduring figures in Chinese entertainment history.
Today, Zhou Xuan's legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans. Her sons, Zhou Min and Zhou Wei, have both followed in her footsteps, with Zhou Wei writing a book about his mother's life and Zhou Min becoming a successful pianist.
