You Benchang

You Benchang (; born 16 September 1933) is a Chinese actor. You is known for his roles as Ji Gong in the television series Ji Gong, which earned him a Best Actor Award at the 4th Golden Eagle Awards.

Early life and education You was born in Taizhou, Jiangsu on 16 September 1933, and primarily studied in Shanghai and Nanjing. When he was a child, a fortune teller said that he could not live to be 13 years old unless he became a monk. So when he was 6 years old, his parents sent him to Fazang Temple in Shanghai, where he received ordination as a monk under Master Xingci . And he got the dharma name "Chengpei" .

In 1951, You joined the Nanjing Song and Dance Troupe after high school. You entered Shanghai Theatre Academy in 1952, majoring in acting.

Career After graduating in 1956 he was assigned to the National Theatre Company of China as an actor.

You joined the Chinese Dramatists Association in 1980.

In 1984, You performed a famous pantomime named Shower in the annual CCTV New Year's Gala.

You first rose to prominence in 1986 for playing Ji Gong in the television series Ji Gong. The series reached number one in the ratings when it aired in China.

In 2009, You had a minor role as Tang Pangzi in The Butcher, the Chef and the Swordsman, which starred Masanobu Andō as Yaba.

You participated in many films, such as Reign of Assassins, The University Days of a Dog, and Painted Skin: The Resurrection.

In 1994, You founded the Beijing Benchang Movie & TV Cultural Co., Ltd.

On 28 July 2009, You became a monk at the Great Light Temple, in Suifenhe, Heilongjiang.

In 2021, he made a guest appearance as a Buddhist monk on the comedy film Lie Detector.

In 2023, Director Wong Kar-wai choose You for the part of Blossoms Shanghai, which enjoyed great popularity. You was praised for his performance as Ye Shu, A bao (Hu Ge)'s guide, mentor, and partner.

Filmography

Film Year English title Chinese title Role Notes 1984 Yang Tieren 1988 A Magic Doctor in Suzhou Ye Tianshi 1995 Fake Emperor Li Hongzhang 2009 The Butcher, the Chef and the Swordsman Tang Pangzi Ji Gong Ji Gong Ji Gong Ji Gong Reign of Assassins Master Monk Xingchi 2010 The University Days of a Dog Grandpa 2011 Lee's Adventures Li Xianji Deadly flash play A gentleman guest 2012 Cheer Up Mr Wan Laowan's boss Painted Skin: The Resurrection Master 2013 Blockbuster A patient The Fox Lover Master Shaye The Wrath Of Vajra Master Yuanzu 2021 Lie Detector Buddhist monk

Television Year English title Chinese title Role Notes 1985 Ji Gong Ji Gong 1998 Private adviser The Story of Liaofan Master Yunguhui 2004 Not Without You Lotus Lantern Daode Tianzun 2011 New Era of the Police An old overseas Chinese 2022 Thank you Doctor The Blood of Youth Wang You 2023 Blossoms Shanghai Uncle Ye, or Yeshu (Yaso in Shanghainese)

Awards Year Work Award Result Notes 1986 Ji Gong Golden Eagle Award for Best Actor 2024 2nd China TV Drama Annual Ceremony – Lifetime Achievement Artist 32nd China TV Golden Eagle Awards – Lifetime Achievement Award