Stage

Zhao Benshan (L) and his long-time collaborator Song Dandan act in the comedy skit "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow".

At 17, Zhao Benshan joined a local performing troupe in his hometown. Later he moved to Tieling and became a member of some arts troupes there. His great acting talent helped him achieve fame in Liaoning in the 1980s. He won province and state-level prizes for his outstanding performances.

In 1987, Jiang Kun, a famous xiangsheng, or cross talk, artist watched Zhao perform onstage. Amazed at Zhao's talent, he recommended him to CCTV.

In 1990, Zhao performed for the first time at CCTV's Spring Festival Gala, becoming a household name overnight. Since then, he staged a skit every year except 1994. His well-known skits include "Matchmaking", "Selling Crutches", "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow" and "Torchbearer." Most of his skits won top prizes.

Zhao Benshan (middle) performs in a comedy skit with two of his long-time collaborators Fan Wei (left) and Gao Xiumin.

Zhao shows a great consistency in style in his skits. Donning a hat and old Chinese-style suit, he always plays the role of backward, hypocritical and witty farmer. He has a special way of walking onstage, sometimes like a clown. It is the touch of grassroots people that attracts a large audience for Zhao.

Zhao has many long-time collaborators including Fan Wei, Gao Xiumin (deceased) and Song Dandan. In 2009, he shared stage with his student, Xiaoshenyang, providing the latter with a chance to reach nationwide fame.