Liu Yifei embraces her nickname ‘Fairy Sister’ after years of resistance

Chinese-American actress Liu Yifei. Photo from Liu's Weibo

In her interview with Harper’s Bazaar China, which was published in the magazine’s January issues, Liu explained that her thoughts and perspectives have evolved over time. She initially disliked being reminded of her roles in the TV series "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" and "The Return of the Condor Heroes," which led to her being dubbed "Fairy Sister" for portraying ethereal and innocent female characters. She desired to escape being typecast in such roles.

However, Liu now appreciates that being remembered by a nickname holds significant meaning. After her role in the TV series "The Tale of Rose," she was affectionately called Golden Rose, a name derived from her character in the film, by many fans. She expressed enjoyment in being called so, stating: "Each nickname is a medal for a certain period."

Liu also revealed that she has not taken on any new film roles recently, as she often needs several months to detach from the mood and emotions of her previous character after a project. She does not aim to star in a specific number of films each year but chooses roles based on her mental readiness and interest in the script, preferring to take breaks from the entertainment industry rather than pursuing quantity.

She thus has declined several film offers, believing that knowing when to say "no" is as crucial as saying "yes."

Liu, 38, was born in China and moved to the U.S. at age 10 after her parents’ divorce. She later became a U.S. citizen but returned to China to continue her entertainment career.

She first became well-known from the 2003 TV series "The Story of a Noble Family" and has since significantly impacted both Chinese and Hollywood cinemas. In 2009, she was named one of the New Four Dan actresses, marking her as one of the top actresses in China.