Chinese actor Zhang Linghe, known today for his tall, elegant appearance and starring roles in costume dramas, recently became a trending topic after old photos from his college years resurfaced online. The images show a very different version of the star:one that many fans say they could hardly recognize.
The photos date back to around 2017, when Zhang Linghe was still using his birth name and studying electrical engineering at Nanjing Normal University. With a height of 190 cm, he already had an impressive height, but at his heaviest, his weight would have reached almost 100 kilograms.
At the time, his face had noticeably plumper and fuller cheeks, giving him a softer, more innocent appearance. Despite his heavier build, classmates still noticed his amazing facial structure, including the high bridge of his nose and defined brow bone. According to people who knew him during college, he was still considered attractive on campus, and some students even secretly took photos of him while he ate in the cafeteria.
His transformation reportedly began after an awkward encounter with a classmate who didn’t recognize him. That moment motivated Zhang to seriously focus on weight loss. He adopted a strict routine that included cutting carbs and running at a high intensity every day.
In just four months he lost more than 25 kilograms, going from around 100 kg to around 67.5 kg. As the weight came off, his jawline became more defined, revealing the sharp features that would later help him stand out on screen.
The dramatic change soon led to an unexpected career opportunity. While studying in a bar, Zhang Linghe was allegedly discovered by a talent scout. After participating in the auditions, he quickly landed the male lead role in the historical drama The Virgin Holmesmarking his entry into the entertainment industry.
Before becoming an actor, Zhang had initially planned to pursue a career in engineering and even hoped to work for China’s national power grid. However, his discovery by the entertainment industry completely changed the direction of his life.
Today, Zhang Linghe has established himself as one of the most recognizable emerging actors in Chinese costume dramas. Through roles in popular series such as Zhu Yuhe has gradually outgrown the label of being known only for his looks. Although some critics once argued that his visuals overshadowed his acting abilities, his recent performances have gained increasing recognition from the public.
The resurfaced photos serve as a reminder of his impressive personal transformation: from an engineering college student who weighed nearly 100 kilograms to a leading man admired by fans across Asia.
Sources: Yahoo News
