Chinese actress Wu Jinyan’s husband Hong Yao says he’s often told he’s not as successful as his wife

Chinese actor Hong Yao. Photo from Hong's Instagram

During a show aired on Zhejiang TV on April 5, Hong spoke publicly about his marriage for the first time. He shared that since announcing his marriage to Wu in 2024, he has faced negative feedback on social media, with some viewers feeling that he is overshadowed by his wife in terms of fame and acting ability, and that he is unworthy of her.

Many people recognize Hong more for being "Wu Jinyan’s husband" than for his own acting career. Some have advised him to try to break free from this label. However, Hong believes that being Wu’s husband is an integral part of his life, and thus, he doesn’t feel the need to "escape his wife’s shadow."

Chinese actress Wu Jinyan. Photo from Wu's Instagram

Hong praised his wife’s talent and the attention she attracts from the public, acknowledging and accepting her success. He said he also reminded himself to continue proving his own abilities.

Wu, 35, and Hong, 32, first met while filming the 2017 drama series "Story of Yanxi Palace." In 2021, they collaborated again on the film "The Age of Youth."

The couple welcomed their first daughter in February. Currently, Wu focuses on family life, while Hong is actively pursuing his entertainment career, appearing in several TV shows.