From ‘lousy men collector’ to advocate for burn-injured children: The journey of Chinese actress Huang Yi

By Linh Chi   December 8, 2024 | 03:17 am PT
Chinese actress Huang Yi, once a rising star who endured domestic abuse and earned the nickname “lousy men collector,” has dedicated herself to supporting nearly 2,000 burn-injured children through her charity, Angel Baby.

According to the South China Morning Post, Huang, 47, first captured the public’s attention in 2001 with her role as Li Yuhu in "Wrong Carriage, Right Groom", where her natural charm and performance won over audiences. Her popularity soared in 2004 when she portrayed Xiaoyanzi in the third season of "My Fair Princess", a cultural staple in Chinese television history.

However, her career was marred by tumultuous relationships, which earned her the nickname "lousy men collector."

Her first marriage to businessman Jiang Kai, whom she met at a charity auction in 2009, ended in divorce after just three months. Jiang later publicly insulted her, damaging her reputation.

Actress Huang Yi is named as one of the Top 10 Philanthropists of the Year by IFeng.com on November 26, 2024. Photo from Huang’s Weibo

Actress Huang Yi was recognized as one of IFeng.com's "Top 10 Philanthropists of the Year" on Nov. 26, 2024. Photo from Huang’s Weibo

Huang’s second marriage to wealthy "second-generation" Huang Yiqing turned abusive, with her husband subjecting her to domestic violence, including physical attacks with electronic devices. Their relationship ended when he was sentenced to 16 years in prison for bootlegging, marking a pivotal moment in Huang's life.

Inspired by her daughter from her second marriage, Huang found the strength to overcome her personal challenges and rebuild her life.

In addition to resuming her acting career, Huang has dedicated herself to philanthropy. On Nov. 26, 2024, she was honored as one of the "Top 10 Philanthropists of the Year" by Chinese media outlet IFeng.com.

Huang co-founded Angel Baby a decade ago to support children affected by burns and scalds. Reflecting on her work, she shared on Weibo: "Over the past 10 years, we have collaborated with 201 hospitals across 30 provinces, providing aid to 1,892 children affected by burns and scalds."

Huang embarked on her philanthropic journey a decade ago when she co-founded Angel Baby. The organization aims to support children who are impacted by burns and scalds.

Reflecting on her work in a post on Weibo, she shared: "Over the past 10 years, we have collaborated with 201 hospitals across 30 provinces, providing aid to 1,892 children affected by burns and scalds."

Her transformation from a star embroiled in personal turmoil to a dedicated philanthropist has moved many fans.

"She is truly beautiful inside and out, helping so many children," one online user commented. Another added: "Even as someone with a low tolerance for emotional stories, I can’t help but feel moved by her actions."

 
 
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