Chinese actress Vicki Zhao’s shares frozen, leaving her with just one company

Chinese actress Vicki Zhao. Photo from Zhao's Weibo

As reported by Znews, Chinese media outlet QQ revealed that once the owner of several successful businesses, Zhao’s financial situation has become increasingly strained. Her remaining company is also facing challenges. Many social media users have noted a visible decline in her appearance, with recent photos showing the once radiant star looking worn and haggard.

Zhao ventured into business in 1999, founding several multi-industry companies. Along with her ex-husband, Singaporean businessman Huang Youlong, whom she married in 2008, Zhao amassed an estimated fortune of 4.5 billion yuan (US$625 million) by 2019, ranking 912th on the Hurun China Rich List.

Her struggles followed speculations that she may have been "banned," a common practice in China’s entertainment industry, often implemented when individuals violate legal or moral standards. This speculation gained traction after all films starring Zhao were removed from video platforms in August 2021, and her name was erased from film award portals. Additionally, many brands associated with Zhao deleted or hid posts about her on Weibo during this time.

At 49, Zhao was once considered one of China’s "Four Dan Actresses," a title given to the country’s most financially successful actresses. She is widely recognized for her achievements across film, television, and music, as noted by Xinhua.

At the end of last year, Zhao publicly confirmed that she and Huang had divorced "many years ago."