You Benchang

In this Chinese name, the family name is You.

You Benchang (Chinese: 游本昌; pinyin: Yóu Běnchāng; born 16 September 1933) is a Chinese actor. You is known for his roles as Ji Gong in the television series Ji Gong, which earned him a Best Actor Award at the 4th Golden Eagle Awards.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]}

You Benchang
游本昌
Born	(1933-09-16) 16 September 1933 (age 91) Taizhou, Jiangsu, Republic of China
Alma mater	Shanghai Theatre Academy
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1959–present
Agent(s)	Beijing Benchang Movie & TV Cultural co., ltd
Notable work	Ji Gong
Parent	Ye Yusheng (father)
Awards	Golden Eagle Award for Best Actor 1986 Ji Gong

Early life and education

You was born in Taizhou, Jiangsu on 16 September 1933, and primarily studied in Shanghai and Nanjing.^[7] When he was a child, a fortune teller said that he could not live to be 13 years old unless he became a monk. So when he was 6 years old, his parents sent him to Fazang Temple (法藏寺) in Shanghai, where he received ordination as a monk under Master Xingci (兴慈法师).^[8] And he got the dharma name "Chengpei" (乘培).^[8]

In 1951, You joined the Nanjing Song and Dance Troupe after high school. You entered Shanghai Theatre Academy in 1952, majoring in acting.^[9]

Career

After graduating in 1956 he was assigned to the National Theatre Company of China as an actor.

You joined the Chinese Dramatists Association in 1980.

In 1984, You performed a famous pantomime named Shower (淋浴) in the annual CCTV New Year's Gala.^[10]

You first rose to prominence in 1986 for playing Ji Gong in the television series Ji Gong.^[11] The series reached number one in the ratings when it aired in China.^[12][13]

In 2009, You had a minor role as Tang Pangzi in The Butcher, the Chef and the Swordsman, which starred Masanobu Andō as Yaba.

You participated in many films, such as Reign of Assassins, The University Days of a Dog, and Painted Skin: The Resurrection.

In 1994, You founded the Beijing Benchang Movie & TV Cultural Co., Ltd.

On 28 July 2009, You became a monk at the Great Light Temple, in Suifenhe, Heilongjiang.^[14]

In 2021, he made a guest appearance as a Buddhist monk on the comedy film Lie Detector.^[15]

In 2023, Director Wong Kar-wai choose You for the part of Blossoms Shanghai, which enjoyed great popularity.^[16] You was praised for his performance as Ye Shu, A bao (Hu Ge)'s guide, mentor, and partner.^[17]

Filmography

Film

Year	English title	Chinese title	Role	Notes
1984		下次开船 港游记	Yang Tieren
1988	A Magic Doctor in Suzhou	姑苏一怪	Ye Tianshi
1995	Fake Emperor	冒牌皇帝	Li Hongzhang
2009	The Butcher, the Chef and the Swordsman	刀剑笑	Tang Pangzi
	Ji Gong	济公3之古刹风云	Ji Gong
	Ji Gong	济公3之茶亦有道	Ji Gong
	Reign of Assassins	剑雨	Master Monk Xingchi
2010	The University Days of a Dog	一只狗的大学时光	Grandpa
2011	Lee's Adventures	李献计历险记	Li Xianji
	Deadly flash play	致命闪玩	A gentleman	guest
2012	Cheer Up Mr Wan	老万加油	Laowan's boss
	Painted Skin: The Resurrection	画皮2	Master
2013	Blockbuster	大片	A patient
	The Fox Lover	白狐	Master Shaye
	The Wrath Of Vajra	金刚王	Master Yuanzu
2021	Lie Detector	测谎人	Buddhist monk

Television

Year	English title	Chinese title	Role	Notes
1985	Ji Gong	济公	Ji Gong
1998		清明酒家	Private adviser
	The Story of Liaofan	了凡的故事	Master Yunguhui
		游先生哑然一笑
2004	Not Without You	不能没有你
	Lotus Lantern	宝莲灯	Daode Tianzun
2011	New Era of the Police	新时代警察	An old overseas Chinese
2022	Thank you Doctor	谢谢你医生
	The Blood of Youth	少年歌行	Wang You
2023	Blossoms Shanghai	繁花	Uncle Ye, or Yeshu (Yaso in Shanghainese)

Awards

Year	Work	Award	Result	Notes
1986	Ji Gong	Golden Eagle Award for Best Actor	Won
2024		2nd China TV Drama Annual Ceremony – Lifetime Achievement Artist	Won	[18]
		32nd China TV Golden Eagle Awards – Lifetime Achievement Award	Won	[19]