From Hero to Heartache: The Decline of My Fair Princess 2 Star Zhu Hongjia and His 20-Year Grief Over Liu Dan
Once adored for his portrayal of Xiao Jian—the heroic elder brother of Xiao Yan Zi in the beloved Chinese drama My Fair Princess 2—Zhu Hongjia captured hearts with his gallant image and sincere performance. But two decades later, fans are stunned by his aged, sorrowful appearance, and a painful story of loss that never faded.
Recent photos show Zhu dressed in a casual sports jacket, his figure noticeably heavier, and his hair cropped and mostly silver. While his face remains relatively unlined, his weary expression and dramatic transformation reflect a man shaped by years of emotional turmoil.
Xiao Jian — The Nation’s “Ideal Older Brother”
Back in the early 2000s, Xiao Jian stood out in My Fair Princess 2 for his righteousness, courage, and a touching love story with Qinger (played by Wang Yan). Their on-screen relationship was widely cherished and considered as emotionally compelling as the main romantic leads, Xiao Yan Zi and Yongqi.
A Promising Start That Never Reached Stardom
Born in 1970 and trained at the prestigious Beijing Film Academy, Zhu starred in notable productions like The Legend of the Condor Heroes, Hunter, and The Legend of Shen Li. However, despite his early promise, Zhu’s career never ascended to A-list fame. He eventually settled into supporting roles and gradually faded from public attention.
The Tragedy of Liu Dan — A Turning Point
The turning point in Zhu’s life came in 2000 when Liu Dan, the actress behind the elegant Xiang Fei, tragically died in a car accident while traveling to promote My Fair Princess 2 with Zhu and a cameraman. Liu Dan, just 25, was resting in the back seat when the vehicle crashed. Zhu, who sat in front, was forced to witness the horrifying aftermath.
In interviews, Zhu recounted the traumatic moment: “She was thrown from the car, her head hit the road, and blood poured from her nose and mouth.” Despite immediate medical attention, Liu Dan succumbed to her injuries, devastating fans and colleagues alike.
Bitterness Toward Zhao Wei and Ruby Lin
What deepened the emotional wounds for Zhu was the absence of Zhao Wei and Ruby Lin—who played Xiao Yan Zi and Ziwei respectively—from Liu Dan’s funeral. Zhu reportedly harbored resentment for years, believing their absence reflected a lack of respect. Zhao Wei later explained that her fame at the time could have caused chaos at the solemn event, but the emotional scar remained.
A Life Marked by Grief
Though Zhu continued acting in dramas like The Legend of Shen Li and Hunter, he never regained his former charisma. Today, his grey hair and withdrawn gaze are a far cry from the confident, sword-wielding Xiao Jian of the past. His sorrow over Liu Dan’s death, combined with a fading career, seems to have aged him far beyond his years.
Zhu Hongjia’s story is more than just about a visual transformation—it’s a reflection of grief, loss, and the lingering impact of a tragedy that rewrote the course of his life and image in the public eye.
Sources: kenh14