He Chunlian

Biodata

Background

He Chunlian raised Gu Jinshui and Gu Yinxing alone after their father died when Yinxing was three or four. By 1983, she lived with her children and Jinshui’s wife, Liang Ying, in a Beijing courtyard compound 1 4.

When the family learned that Yinxing’s prospective husband Chen Shiwen might already have a wife and child, Chunlian ended the marriage talks rather than accept his mother’s demands. She later brought the dispute before Director Liu, making the family’s reasons for rejecting the match public 1 2 4. She remained involved in Yinxing’s later choices: she was wary of Zhao Donglai after meeting him, but welcomed Yan Ren when he came to court her daughter 36 40.

Appearance

Chunlian is described as having a nearly wrinkle-free face in 1983. Years later, while working in the United States, she adopts a more fashionable style that impresses her visiting family 1 146.

• During her U.S. visit, she wears a white mohair sweater, ash-gray trousers, fringed ankle boots, pearl earrings, and a jade pendant 146.

Personality

Chunlian is protective without assuming every good-looking match is a good one. She asks for facts when Song Mei accuses Yinxing of taking her wages, and urges Liang Ying to approach a divided workshop cautiously rather than provoke its workers at once 29 36. She is also willing to help beyond her household: she finds paid work for her sister-in-law Chen Liying and connects actress Zhang Lili with performance opportunities 44 70.

Performing Career

• Chunlian grew up in an opera troupe and continued practicing, teaching, and performing Peking opera. She organized countryside shows with colleagues when the opportunity arose 22 59 63.
• Director Zhang Mouyuan invited her to audition for Flower and Leaf Wedding. She prepared carefully, won the part, and played Lily’s Mom, a supporting character whose views on her daughter’s marriage drew attention from audiences and newspapers 63 65 82.
• She continued filming after her debut. By 1989, she had retired from her earlier work and was receiving acting offers 86 94.
• Her drama The Last Imperial Court was nominated for an overseas Golden Lion Award. She later won Best Supporting Actress, took a Hollywood role, and worked in the United States 146.

Relationships

• Gu Jinshui — Her son. She worries about his safety when he travels for antiques work 4 107.
• Gu Yinxing — Her daughter. Chunlian defends her against damaging accusations and helps assess prospective partners 2 36 39.
• Gu Yousi — Her granddaughter. Chunlian cares for her and takes her reactions seriously when she senses a possible threat to Jinshui’s interests 63 65.
• Liang Ying — Her daughter-in-law. Chunlian advises her on workplace politics and supports her after she leaves the textile factory 29 94.
• Chen Liying — Her eldest sister-in-law, whom she regards as a mother figure. Chunlian helps her obtain a paid nanny position 43 44.
• Huang Xirong — Her neighbor and frequent rival, first in courtyard disputes and later on a film set 2 63 70.
• Lan Yeping — A family acquaintance who helps bring her to Zhang Mouyuan’s attention; she subsequently recommends Chen Liying for a job caring for his grandson 42 44 63.

Notable Quotes

“Play a supporting role well enough and you can outshine the lead. Just wait and see. That part is mine.” 63