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Profile | Why China actor Yan Yikuan opts for supporting roles over leading parts despite striking looks

Fans and media have nicknamed him ‘god’s work’, highlighting the precision of his ‘3D modelled face’

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Yan Yikuan often prioritises substance over style, opting for challenging supporting roles instead of leading parts. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo
Fran Luin Beijing

Chinese actor Yan Yikuan is renowned for his striking looks, often described as “god’s work”.

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However, he has never been preoccupied with his appearance and has rejected the label of “beauty”.

Yan, 45, has turned down numerous opportunities that could have propelled him to superstardom, choosing instead to prioritise his family life and embrace a more fulfilling, grounded lifestyle.

He chose not to play the leading man in favour of more diverse and challenging roles.

Born Yan Kuan in Shanghai, he had aspirations of becoming a musician when he was young.

Yan Yikuan prioritises family over stardom, choosing diverse, challenging roles for a more grounded acting approach. Photo: QQ.com
Yan Yikuan prioritises family over stardom, choosing diverse, challenging roles for a more grounded acting approach. Photo: QQ.com

In 1998, at the age of 18, he enrolled in the Shanghai Theatre Academy, setting the stage for his acting career. His television debut came in 1999 with the Chinese series Love Letter, in which he portrayed a divorced father and playboy.

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