“Ji Gong” You Benchang passed away due to illness at the age of 93

You Benchang, a performing artist and first-class actor at the National Theater of China, passed away this morning in Beijing due to illness. You Benchang was born in 1933. He has been engaged in drama performances for a long time. In his works such as “Ji Gong”, he created many artistic images that are deeply loved by the people. You Benchang has been engaged in the literary and artistic career for more than 70 years. He has long wanted to join the party, but he always felt that he had not yet met the requirements for party membership. In early 2024, he solemnly submitted an application for party membership to the party organization. In May 2025, he was approved as a probationary member of the Communist Party of China. From a minor role to becoming a high-profile protagonist, You Benchang has written an extraordinary acting career with persistence and love. As a literary and art worker, he regards “leading people’s hearts with literature and art” as his life creed, and has practiced these seven words throughout his life: “Never forget for a moment, always be prepared.”

據悉，You Benchang was born in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province in 1933. As the only boy in his family, he was frail and sickly since he was a child. Others said that he would not live to be 13 years old.

In 1951, 18-year-old You Benchang graduated from high school and successfully entered the Nanjing Art Troupe. A year later, he was recommended to the performance department of the newly established East China Branch of the Central Academy of Drama, which later became the Shanghai Theater Academy.

In 1984, You Benchang performed the pantomime “Shower” on the Spring Festival Gala and entered the audience’s field of vision through the screen. Later, he was spotted by Shanghai TV Station and played the role of Jigong.

You Benchang has been engaged in drama performances for a long time. In his early years, he played 79 supporting roles, most of which were minor roles. It was not until 1985, when he was 52 years old, that he became a household name with his role as “Ji Gong”. In 2023, at the age of 90, he starred in the role of “Uncle” in “Flowers” and once again won widespread praise for his superb acting skills, demonstrating his lasting passion for art.