One of China’s most celebrated actresses, Zhang Ziyi, and her husband, renowned musician Wang Feng, recently took to Weibo to announce their decision to part ways after eight years of marriage. The couple, who share two children, used the popular social media platform to communicate their joint decision to their fans and well-wishers.
Their shared message on Weibo conveyed the mutual respect and understanding they have for each other despite the end of their marital relationship. Emphasizing that neither was at fault, they stated that the separation was a mutual decision taken after much contemplation and discussions. They stressed that their commitment to their children remains unwavering and they will continue to co-parent their daughter and son, aged eight and three respectively.
Zhang Ziyi, now 44, and Wang Feng, 52, began their marital journey in 2015. Their daughter was born in the United States later that year, and their son was welcomed into the world in January 2020, also in the US.
Zhang’s cinematic journey began when the acclaimed Chinese film director Zhang Yimou identified her potential during her second year at The Central Academy of Drama in Beijing. Their collaboration resulted in a series of celebrated films, including Zhang’s debut, “The Road Home” (1999), as well as “Hero” (2002) and “House of Flying Daggers” (2004).
But it wasn’t just Zhang Yimou who recognized Zhang Ziyi’s unparalleled talent. Internationally recognized directors, including Ang Lee and Wong Kar-wai, cast her in significant roles. Zhang played pivotal roles in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000), “2046” (2004), and “The Grandmaster” (2013). Her performances in these films brought her multiple Best Actress awards from Hong Kong and Taiwan. Additionally, she was part of the cast of “Memoirs of a Geisha” (2005), a film that sparked discussions for featuring Chinese actresses in the roles of Japanese characters.
Zhang Ziyi’s contributions to the world of cinema have been acknowledged globally. In 2005, Time magazine hailed her as one of the world’s 100 most influential individuals and celebrated her as “China’s gift to Hollywood”. A couple of years later, in 2007, she secured Hong Kong residency through the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. In 2008, she got engaged to Israeli-American venture capitalist Aviv Nevo. However, the relationship ended in 2010. She found love again with Wang Feng in 2015, marking her first marriage. For Wang, this was his third marriage, having previously fathered two daughters.
The couple’s joint statement on Weibo underscored their commitment to their children and their desire for privacy, emphasizing that they won’t be addressing their divorce publicly any further.
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