Chen Xiaoxu Was Born to Play Lin Daiyu

Chen Xiaoxu Was Born to Play Lin Daiyu

China – When the director of Dream of the Red Chamber suggested that Chen Xiaoxu take a supporting role, she firmly refused, declaring, “I am Lin Daiyu.”

Many fans have been reminiscing about the 1987 TV adaptation of Dream of the Red Chamber, feeling disappointed with the casting and changes made in the film version released on August 16. On August 21, the phrase “Chen Xiaoxu – Lin Daiyu chosen by heaven” became a trending topic on Weibo, with tens of thousands of people expressing their agreement, unable to forget her portrayal. When the actress passed away in 2007, fans commented, “Heaven gained Chen Xiaoxu, but the world lost Lin Daiyu.”

Chen Xiaoxu was born in 1965, and because she was born in the morning, her father, Chen Qiang, named her with a meaning related to the morning sunshine. When she was born, her father noticed that she was frail and said to his wife, “Our daughter is so weak; I hope she will grow up full of life like the morning sun, radiant and joyful.”

From a young age, Chen Xiaoxu studied ballet, enjoyed reading, and often wrote poetry. At 18, when the production of Dream of the Red Chamber was casting its lead roles, Chen Xiaoxu sent a letter and photos to the crew, along with some of her poems and an essay about her understanding of the character Lin Daiyu. This dedication made her a candidate for the lead roles in the project, and she was invited to Beijing to attend an arts training program. The final casting decisions were made after the training period.

According to Mtime, director Wang Fulin once asked Xiaoxu, “If you don’t play Lin Daiyu, how about choosing another role?” The actress replied, “I am Lin Daiyu. If I play another character, the audience will wonder why Lin Daiyu is portraying someone else.” The director was surprised by her determination, and in the end, the significant role went to Chen Xiaoxu.

In 2023, Yang Shuyun, responsible for the costume and makeup design for Lin Daiyu, revealed that when Xiaoxu first saw her reflection in full costume, she shed tears and said, “Teacher Yang, why do I look so pitiful?”

Yang Shuyun was pleased with the director’s choice of Chen Xiaoxu for the lead role. Out of over 30,000 applicants, Xiaoxu was selected for her deep understanding of the novel and character, as well as her appearance, which matched the original description. During the training and preparation before filming, she demonstrated a strong desire and determination to play the character.

In an interview with The Paper, director Wang Fulin commented, “Chen Xiaoxu may not have been conventionally beautiful, but she embodied the spirit of Lin Daiyu. That essence is something that cannot be simply acted out.”

In 2006, during a speech at Peking University, Chen Xiaoxu said that Lin Daiyu came into this world to fulfill a wish. Once it was completed, she became enlightened and returned to the heavens with a liberated and peaceful soul, without any lingering regrets.

In the series, Lin Daiyu wore over 40 different outfits, each styled with a unique hairstyle and accessories by Yang Shuyun. Her hairstyles were inspired by the ancient lily bun, making her hair resemble a flower in many scenes.

Beijing TV remarked on the striking similarities between the actress and the character Lin Daiyu, noting how both were intelligent, had an icy beauty, and left the world too soon. “However, whether it’s Lin Daiyu in the show or Chen Xiaoxu, neither has been forgotten. Both evoke a subtle sadness that tugs at the heartstrings without being overly tragic. A glance, a slight smile, a simple gesture… Lin Daiyu and Chen Xiaoxu have long become one, etched deeply in the memories of the audience,” Beijing TV commented.

Despite her artistic talent, Xiaoxu appeared in only a few films. By the early 1990s, she had transitioned to a career in business, becoming a successful entrepreneur and was once named one of China’s top 30 women in advertising. In 2006, her company earned a profit of 200 million yuan (about 29.5 million USD), and she expanded her investments into IT, healthcare, and other sectors. However, fame, success, and wealth did not bring Chen Xiaoxu happiness. From 1999 onward, she spent two to four hours daily reading and listening to Buddhist teachings.

In 2006, Chen Xiaoxu was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In early 2007, she took monastic vows and passed away at a temple in May of the same year. Her family placed a statue of Lin Daiyu at her gravesite. On the anniversaries of her birth and death, fans often visit her grave, leaving flowers, photos, and notes expressing their respect and admiration.