Bi Fujian

Bi Fujian (; born 16 January 1959), also known by his nickname Laobi , is a Chinese director, television host and professor. Bi is the long-time host of the singing competition franchise Xingguang Dadao (Avenue of Stars), and has been a host on the CCTV New Year's Gala variety entertainment program from 2012 to 2015.

Biography Bi was born in Jinzhou District of Dalian City, Liaoning Province on 16 January 1959, the sixth of seven children.

Bi left the military and entered Communication University of China in 1985, majoring in directing. He graduated in 1989. Since 2012, Bi has been a host on the annual CCTV New Year's Gala, known for his natural presentation style, sense of humour, and improvisation skills.

In January 2014, at the season finale of the Avenue of Stars competition, Bi came out dressed as a Buddhist religious figure and performed a song that was seen as mocking the Buddhist religion. Buddhist groups in the country protested and Bi apologised.

In April 2015, an online video surfaced of Bi Fujian attending a dinner party and making irreverent remarks that were seen as critical of Mao. He made sarcastic remarks such as "Uh, don't mention that old son of a bitch, he tormented us!", believed to be a reference to Mao, as he sang lines from Mao-era opera Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy while entertaining his friends. Due to this incident, CCTV suspended all programs hosted by Bi, started from 8 April to 11 April 2015. Bi was suspended by CCTV on 10 April.

On 19 December 2015, Bi Fujian participated in a charity event at Jilin Normal University, in Siping, northeast China's Jilin province.

Personal life Bi was married in 1991. His daughter, Bi Ling , also known as Jiaojiao, was born in July 1996. The couple divorced in 2004, and his daughter immigrated to Canada with her mother. Bi enjoys calligraphy, drawing comics, and playing basketball.

Works

Television Dream Theater Xingguang Dadao, also known as Avenue of Stars CCTV New Year's Gala (2012–2015)

Sketch comedy Don't got money Got the money now

Single Racecourse The Beautiful Girl is going to Marry Laobi's Love

Notes and references