Mei Qiaoling

Mei Qiaoling (25 September 1842 – 16 December 1882), born Mei Fang, courtesy name Xiaobo and art name Huixian, was a Qing dynasty Peking opera and kunqu artist based in Beijing. He specialized in playing dan roles, or women. Originally from Taizhou, Jiangsu, he was sold to a childless man in Suzhou at age 8. After that man remarried and begot a son, Mei was sold again, this time to a theatrical troupe where he had to train to become a performer. He rose to stardom despite his pudginess, which earned him the nickname "Fat Qiaoling" . At age 30, he became the leader of the Four Happiness Troupe , one of the most famous troupes in Beijing, and rarely performed after that.

His son Mei Yutian was also a performer. His grandson Mei Lanfang was the most accomplished Peking opera artist of all time.

In popular culture In the 2002 comedy TV series The Best Clown Under Heaven , Mei Qiaoling is portrayed by Peking opera actor Song Xiaochuan .