Veteran Chinese actress Li Mingqi, best known for her unforgettable role as the evil “Rung Momo” in the classic drama My beautiful princessrecently became a hot topic on Chinese social media after being recognized by passers-by while shopping at a local market.
According to 163 News, witnesses were delighted to see the actress, now approaching 90, looking healthy, energetic and with a sharp mind. His voice, they noted, was even clearer and more authoritative than ever, instantly recognizable to anyone who remembers his chilling performance from decades ago.
Although Li Mingqi has long retired from the entertainment industry, her performance as Rung Momo remains etched in the memories of millions of people across Asia. Fans online celebrated the news of his good health, expressing nostalgia for his legendary performance.
“Even after all these years, I still get goosebumps when I think of Rung Momo,” wrote a fan on Weibo.
“She terrified us as kids, but what an incredible actress she is!” another commented.
The role made Li Mingqi a household name but also caused her unexpected problems. After the broadcast of My beautiful princess in the late 1990s, some overly emotional viewers reportedly threw rotten eggs and vegetables at her in public because they despised her character so much.
Despite unpleasant encounters, Li always interpreted such reactions as a backhanded compliment to his acting skills.
In previous interviews, Li revealed that she was not the first choice for the role. Another actress was originally chosen, but she fell ill shortly before filming began. The production team urgently called Li to step in, and she agreed without hesitation.
Interestingly, the drama’s infamous needle torture scene, in which Rung Momo punishes Princess Ziwei and Xiaoyanzi, was not in the original script written by author Qiong Yao. It was Li Mingqi herself who proposed this intense scene, claiming that it would better express her character’s cruelty and obsession with loyalty.
The director agreed, and the result became one of the most memorable – and feared – moments in the history of Chinese television.
Born in Dandong, Liaoning Province, Li Mingqi grew up in a time of great difficulty. Her father died when she was young, leaving her mother alone to raise a large family. At just 11 years old, Li started working in a factory to help his family.
Her powerful singing voice later earned her a place in a railway propaganda company and, eventually, she was recruited into a military art ensemble, marking the beginning of her career as an artist.
Recognizing her talent, the troupe even invited foreign instructors to teach her vocal training. However, after two years of music studies, Li discovered that his true passion was theater and cinema.
In 1960, he made his screen debut in the film The 12th traina small role that opened the door to a long and respected acting career that has spanned decades.
Today, Li Mingqi lives quietly, occasionally appearing at community events and remaining active in daily life. His continued health and brilliant spirit at nearly 90 years of age are seen by many as an inspiration.
Although she is remembered for playing one of the most feared villains on Chinese television, Li Mingqi, in real life, won admiration for her humility, resilience and deep love for her craft.
“She might have been terrifying as Rung Momo,” one netizen wrote, “but in real life, she’s the sweetest grandmother we could hope for.”
Sources: Znews
