Chinese actor Chen Xiao has captivated audiences once again with his latest historical drama The Magnate (大生意人), which debuted at the top of LINE TV’s popularity chart. In the series, he plays Gu Pingyuan, a scholar wrongfully exiled during the late Qing Dynasty who rises again through wit and resilience.
One of the most unforgettable scenes for the actor was a confrontation with rebel forces, where innocent civilians were used as emotional leverage. Reflecting on the shoot, Chen Xiao confessed that he was emotionally overwhelmed—not only during filming but even while reviewing the footage days later. He described the experience as “feeling powerless in the face of an unstoppable tide.”
But it wasn’t just the emotional weight that pushed him to his limits.
Chen recalled that the very first scene he shot required him to ride a horse across a frozen river at –20°C, turning back repeatedly during a gallop. This was especially traumatic due to a past incident involving a fall from a horse, making the scene a literal battle against his personal fears. “It felt like the horse was out of control… I thought I might not make it,” he admitted.
To embody Gu Pingyuan’s war-torn, weary persona, Chen maintained a lean, sharp physique for over 150 days, braving intense weather fluctuations—from deep winter chill to scorching 40°C summer heat. In one memorable scene, he rolled in thick mud for an entire afternoon. Laughing off the discomfort, he remarked, “Oddly enough, my skin felt much smoother afterward!”
The drama also features a romantic subplot with actress Sun Qian, and their behind-the-scenes collaboration added a layer of modern nuance to the period piece. During one discussion, Sun questioned a scene where the male lead held the umbrella for her character, suggesting it could be more empowering if her character held it herself. Chen expressed admiration for her viewpoint, calling her his “romantic mentor” and praising the fresh ideas of younger actors.
The Magnate is not only being praised for its gripping storyline but also for Chen Xiao’s profound commitment to his craft. From emotional breakdowns to surviving punishing weather and confronting past traumas, his performance stands as a testament to immersive acting and resilience on and off the screen.
Sources: ETtoday星光雲
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