Chinese Actor/Actress
Profile of Yu Shi
Name: Yu Shi (于适)
Date of Birth: October 10, 1996
Place of Birth: Lingyuan,Liaoyang, Liaoning Province, China
Nationality: Chinese
Occupation: Actor, Model
Years Active: 2019–present
Height: 188 cm (6’2″)
Social Media: Active on Weibo
Early Life and Background
Yu Shi, born on October 10, 1996, in Lingyuan, Liaoyang, Liaoning Province, is a rising star in the Chinese entertainment industry. From an early age, Yu Shi displayed a strong interest in fashion and the arts. His tall, athletic build and striking facial features made him stand out even in his early years, leading him to explore the world of modeling and acting as potential career paths.
Growing up in Shandong, Yu Shi was active in sports, particularly basketball, which gave him a disciplined and competitive spirit that would later translate into his work in the entertainment industry. His interest in performing arts grew during his teenage years, leading him to pursue opportunities that would eventually guide him toward acting and modeling.
With his decision to join the entertainment industry, Yu Shi left his hometown to seek better opportunities in larger cities like Beijing and Shanghai, where the entertainment business is booming. His drive and ambition soon paid off, as he caught the attention of talent scouts and agencies.
Entry into Modeling
Before becoming an actor, Yu Shi started his career as a model, and his success in the modeling world helped him establish a strong foundation in the entertainment industry. Standing at an impressive height of 188 cm (6’2″), with a lean physique and sharp facial features, Yu Shi was the ideal candidate for high-end fashion modeling. He walked in numerous runway shows for luxury brands and appeared in fashion editorials, garnering attention for his distinct look and confident demeanor.
Yu Shi’s entry into modeling was not only about showcasing his physical appeal but also about cultivating a public image of poise and charisma. His modeling career allowed him to develop a strong presence in front of the camera, preparing him for the next step in his career: acting.
His growing popularity in the fashion industry opened doors for him to transition into acting, as many Chinese talent agencies seek models to diversify into television and film due to their marketability. This shift marked the beginning of Yu Shi’s ascent in the entertainment industry.
Transition to Acting
In 2019, Yu Shi made the leap from modeling to acting, a transition that many successful models have undertaken in China’s entertainment landscape. With his established presence and charisma, Yu Shi quickly gained attention from casting directors, which led to his acting debut in the popular fantasy romance drama Love and Redemption (琉璃) in 2020.
In Love and Redemption, Yu Shi portrayed Hao Chen, a supporting role that allowed him to showcase his acting potential in a high-profile production. The drama, which revolved around themes of love, destiny, and reincarnation, was well-received by audiences, and Yu Shi’s performance helped him gain initial recognition as an actor. Despite being new to acting, Yu Shi impressed viewers and critics alike with his strong screen presence and natural ability to embody his character.
This debut marked the beginning of Yu Shi’s acting career, and it quickly became clear that he had the talent to make a name for himself in the Chinese entertainment industry. His background in modeling gave him an edge in portraying characters with elegance and confidence, which suited the roles he was given early in his career.
Breakthrough Role: Word of Honor (山河令)
Yu Shi’s breakthrough came in 2021 when he starred in the wuxia (martial arts) drama Word of Honor (山河令). In this series, Yu Shi played Zhang Chengling, a key supporting character in the plot. Word of Honor, based on the BL (Boys’ Love) novel Faraway Wanderers (天涯客) by Priest, became a massive hit in China and internationally, gaining a large following for its compelling storyline, strong performances, and intricate character dynamics.
Yu Shi’s portrayal of Zhang Chengling, a young and inexperienced disciple who is caught in the middle of political intrigue and martial arts rivalries, earned him widespread praise. His character’s growth throughout the series—from a timid and sheltered boy to a more mature and confident martial artist—resonated with audiences, and his chemistry with the lead actors made him a fan favorite.
The success of Word of Honor not only solidified Yu Shi’s status as a rising star but also brought him greater visibility across the C-drama landscape. The drama’s popularity in China and abroad helped Yu Shi gain international fans, further expanding his reach.
Career Growth and Other Projects
After the success of Word of Honor, Yu Shi’s career gained significant momentum. He received numerous offers for roles in both historical and modern dramas, as well as opportunities to continue working in the fashion industry. His versatile look and acting skills positioned him as an adaptable talent, capable of taking on a wide range of roles.
Yu Shi’s acting career post-Word of Honor has seen him take on increasingly diverse roles, allowing him to showcase his versatility as an actor. Whether playing characters in historical dramas, fantasy series, or modern love stories, Yu Shi continues to impress audiences and producers alike.
Though still early in his acting career, Yu Shi is known for his professionalism and dedication to his craft. He has expressed his desire to continue honing his acting skills and expanding his range, aiming to take on more challenging and nuanced roles in the future.
Personal Life and Public Image
Yu Shi is known for maintaining a relatively low-profile personal life, focusing more on his work and public image as an actor. Despite his rising fame, Yu Shi has kept his private life out of the spotlight, instead using his social media presence to engage with fans and share updates about his projects.
His humble and hardworking attitude has endeared him to fans, who appreciate his down-to-earth personality. He is active on Weibo, where he interacts with his fanbase, sharing behind-the-scenes photos, insights into his work, and moments from his daily life.
Yu Shi is often praised for his professionalism on set and his willingness to take on new challenges. As someone who transitioned successfully from modeling to acting, Yu Shi’s story is an inspiring one for many aspiring actors and models in China.
Future Prospects
With his striking looks, strong screen presence, and undeniable talent, Yu Shi is poised to become one of China’s leading actors in the coming years. His career trajectory has been on a steady rise since his acting debut, and his ability to balance work in both modeling and acting makes him a versatile figure in the entertainment industry.
Looking ahead, Yu Shi is likely to take on more prominent roles in major Chinese television dramas and films. His success in Word of Honor and Love and Redemption has already established him as a star to watch, and his commitment to improving his craft suggests that he will continue to deliver compelling performances in future projects.
As Yu Shi continues to build his career, both domestically and internationally, he is expected to make significant contributions to the world of C-dramas, fashion, and beyond. His journey from a young model to a rising star in Chinese entertainment is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and passion for the arts.