Profile of Xu Kai

Early Beginnings: From Modeling to Acting

Born on March 5, 1995, in Guangdong Province, Xu Kai began his career in the spotlight as a model, winning the national championship in the print category at the 2013 China (Guangzhou) International Model Contest. This early success laid the foundation for his transition into acting, as his striking looks and natural charisma caught the attention of industry professionals. In 2016, he signed with Huanyu Film and Television, a prominent production company founded by renowned producer Yu Zheng, marking the beginning of his acting career. Xu Kai’s journey from a modeling champion to a celebrated actor showcases his versatility and determination to excel in the entertainment industry, as evidenced by his debut role as Yang Jian in the historical drama Zhao Ge, which introduced him to the world of acting and set the stage for his rapid rise.

His early years in the entertainment industry were marked by a series of supporting roles that allowed him to hone his craft and gain valuable experience. However, it was his breakthrough performance in the 2018 hit drama Story of Yanxi Palace that catapulted him to fame. Xu Kai’s portrayal of the noble and devoted Fu Heng not only won the hearts of audiences but also established him as a rising star in Chinese television, demonstrating his ability to bring depth and emotion to his characters.

Breakthrough and Rise to Fame: The Story of Yanxi Palace Effect

In 2018, Xu Kai’s career reached new heights with his performance in Story of Yanxi Palace, a historical drama that became a cultural phenomenon. Playing the role of Fu Heng, the loyal and tragic love interest of the protagonist, Xu Kai captivated audiences with his nuanced portrayal of a man torn between duty and love. The drama’s immense popularity, both domestically and internationally, brought Xu Kai into the limelight, earning him the 2019 iQIYI Scream Night Award for Promising Actor of the Year and solidifying his status as a leading man in the industry.

Following the success of Story of Yanxi Palace, Xu Kai continued to build on his momentum with a series of high-profile projects. In 2019, he starred in the fantasy drama The Legends, where he played the dual roles of Mo Qing and Li Chenlan, showcasing his ability to handle complex characters. His performance in The Legends not only solidified his status as a leading man but also earned him the top spot on Weibo’s Rising Star Chart, further cementing his popularity among fans and highlighting his ability to captivate audiences across genres.

Diverse Roles and Expanding Horizons: A Versatile Actor

Xu Kai’s career is characterized by his willingness to explore a wide range of roles, from historical dramas to modern romances and action-packed series. In 2019, he starred in the military drama Arsenal Military Academy, playing the role of Gu Yanframe, a wealthy playboy who transforms into a disciplined soldier. His performance in the series earned him the 2020 iQIYI Scream Night Award for Most Popular Actor and the Wenhong Award for Best Actor, highlighting his ability to bring depth and charisma to his characters and demonstrating his versatility as an actor.

In 2021, Xu Kai continued to expand his repertoire with roles in Court Lady, a historical romance, and You Are My Glory, a drama centered on the world of e-sports. His portrayal of the confident and charming e-sports team captain Lu Sicheng in You Are My Glory resonated with younger audiences, further broadening his fan base and showcasing his ability to connect with diverse demographics. Additionally, his role in the historical drama Royal Feast, where he starred alongside Wu Jinyan, showcased his ability to excel in period pieces while maintaining a strong on-screen presence.

Recent Projects and Continued Success: A Leading Man in Demand

In 2022, Xu Kai starred in She and Her Perfect Husband, a modern romantic comedy alongside Yang Mi, where he played a young man who enters into a fake marriage. The drama’s lighthearted tone and Xu Kai’s chemistry with his co-star made it a hit among viewers, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile leading man and demonstrating his ability to excel in both historical and contemporary settings. The same year, he also appeared in Lost in the Kunlun Mountains, an adaptation of a popular novel, where he played the role of Ding Yunqi, a kind-hearted and talented young man.

2023 saw Xu Kai take on the lead role in The Legend of Snow Eagle, a fantasy drama based on a popular web novel. His portrayal of Dongbo Xueying, a determined young man on a quest to save his mother, showcased his ability to handle action-packed and emotionally charged roles, further cementing his status as one of China’s most sought-after actors. Later that year, he starred in Wonderland of Love, a historical romance alongside Jing Tian, where he played the role of Li Ling, a royal descendant navigating love and political intrigue. These projects not only demonstrated Xu Kai’s range as an actor but also reinforced his position as one of China’s most bankable stars, capable of delivering compelling performances across genres.

Philanthropy and Public Image: A Role Model On and Off Screen

In addition to his acting achievements, Xu Kai has also made significant contributions to charitable causes. As a spokesperson for the China Green Foundation’s Forest Carbon Initiative, he has actively promoted environmental conservation efforts, including the protection of biodiversity and ancient trees. His commitment to these causes reflects his dedication to using his platform for positive change, earning him admiration from fans and peers alike and solidifying his reputation as a role model both on and off screen.

Despite facing controversies, such as the 2018 allegations of domestic violence, Xu Kai has maintained a relatively positive public image. His candid response to the allegations, where he acknowledged past mistakes while denying the claims of abuse, demonstrated his willingness to take responsibility for his actions and showcased his maturity in handling difficult situations. Supported by his agency, Huanyu Film and Television, Xu Kai has continued to focus on his career, letting his work speak for itself. His resilience and dedication to his craft have helped him overcome challenges and remain a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, proving that he is not only a talented actor but also a person of integrity.

A Bright Future: Xu Kai’s Ongoing Journey

As Xu Kai continues to take on new challenges, his career shows no signs of slowing down. In 2024, he starred in Sword and Fairy, a highly anticipated fantasy drama based on the popular video game series, where he played the lead role of Yue Jinzhao. The drama’s release was met with enthusiasm from fans, further cementing Xu Kai’s status as a leading actor in the genre and highlighting his ability to bring beloved characters to life. Additionally, his role in The Story of Xing Fu, a modern drama alongside Yang Zi, showcased his ability to connect with audiences in contemporary settings.

Xu Kai’s dedication to his craft, combined with his ability to adapt to diverse roles, ensures that he remains a prominent figure in Chinese entertainment. As he continues to explore new opportunities and expand his horizons, Xu Kai’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance. With his talent, charisma, and commitment to excellence, Xu Kai is poised to achieve even greater success in the years to come, solidifying his legacy as one of China’s most influential and beloved stars.