After a long period away from the public eye, Chen Xiao has finally resurfaced to promote his upcoming drama Da Sheng Yi Ren, but fans are struggling to recognize the once-vibrant actor.
Appearing at a recent promotional event, Chen shocked the audience with his drastically thin frame, tired demeanor, and pale complexion. Dressed in black with long hair, he looked far removed from his iconic roles like the charming Shen Xingyi in Nothing Gold Can Stay or the dashing Yang Guo in The Romance of the Condor Heroes.
Despite wearing a padded jacket, his shoulders appeared sunken and frail. “He looked like a bobblehead his body too small for his head,” one attendee described. Holding the microphone, even his smile couldn’t hide the exhaustion in his sunken eyes.
Online reactions ranged from concern to sadness. “His skin is yellowish, eyes dull he looks utterly drained,” a fan noted. Others questioned whether he had truly recovered from his highly publicized divorce: “They said the eyes would shine again after separation, but he looks even sadder now.”
Indeed, Chen Xiao’s struggles post-divorce have been ongoing. Rumors of retreating to his hometown for recovery followed the separation from actress Michelle Chen. A noticeable weight loss had already sparked concern in mid-2025, yet months later, his condition appears unchanged.
In contrast, Michelle Chen has rebounded swiftly participating in variety shows, attending commercial events, and promoting economic independence for women. Her latest drama Letter to the Butterfly in which she stars alongside an actor 19 years her junior is set to premiere in December, just days apart from Chen Xiao’s Da Sheng Yi Ren.
This scheduling has added fuel to public fascination, as the former couple’s comeback dramas now face off in what’s being dubbed a “post-divorce showdown.” Media and fans alike are eagerly anticipating the outcome of this unexpected on-screen rivalry.
Da Sheng Yi Ren, produced by iQIYI and based on Zhao Zhiwu’s novel, follows the trials of Guo Bingyuan, a young man exiled under false accusations in the late Qing Dynasty. Chen leads the cast, joined by Sun Qian and Luo Yizhou, under the direction of Zhang Ting (known for Ming Dynasty, River of the World).
As the drama gears up for release, fans hope the role will mark Chen Xiao’s true return both professionally and personally.
Sources: K14
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