23 May - Chinese actress Zhu Yuanyuan has recently passed away after battling cancer for some time.

The news was confirmed by her husband and actor Xin Baiqing on 21 May via an obituary. He wrote, "In the nearly five years of her fighting cancer, she did not become pessimistic or depressed, but remained firm and confident in facing difficulties, and passed on her love for life with laughter and warmth to everyone around her."

He added that Zhu passed away peacefully and that the funeral will be a simple ceremony.

Her passing was announced just 16 days after she completed filming the drama, "The City Builder", which stars Zanilia Zhao and Huang Xiaoming.

Huang, who admitted to be surprised by the news of her passing, said that Zhu had always been strong and optimistic.

"She didn't even tell us about cancer. She always faced everything with a smile," he added.

It was reported that Zhu found out about her cancer diagnosis in 2020 while filming her movie, "A Little Red Flower". The actress, who graduated from the Central Academy of Drama, had worked in many dramas and movies throughout her career including "A Love For Separation", "Ocean Heaven" and "Nine Daughters in My Family".

Zhu tied the knot with Xin in 2006, and the couple welcomed their daughter two years later.

She was 51.

The late actress and husband Xin Baiqing with their daughter

(Photo Source: Oriental Daily, SINA)