With just one line — “Dong’er, smile. Mother, don’t cry” — this child actor left a deep impression on audiences in My Fair Princess 3, becoming unexpectedly famous despite minimal screen time.

That child actor is Jia Yunzhe, once a well-known face on Chinese television. In 2003, he was cast as Dong’er, the son of Xia Ziwei (played by Ma Yili), in My Fair Princess 3. Though his role consisted of only a single line of dialogue, his innocent delivery moved countless viewers to tears and made him widely recognized almost overnight.

Born in 1997 in Hebei, China, Jia Yunzhe grew up in an ordinary family. Because his parents were busy, he was largely raised by his grandparents, especially his grandmother, who shared a love for film and television. Thanks to his cute appearance and lively personality, his parents encouraged him to join children’s TV programs. His confident speech, natural charm, and stage presence quickly stood out, even when performing in front of large audiences.

At nearly five years old, Jia Yunzhe landed his first acting role in My Fair Princess 3. Despite having only one line, the performance became unforgettable and launched him into fame. In 2004, he went on to appear in the historical drama I Am Tang Bohu, where his sweet, natural acting won him even more affection from viewers. Alongside acting, he frequently appeared on game shows and cultural programs, and his eloquence helped him become the main host of several large-scale events.

With such a strong start, many expected Jia Yunzhe to continue rising as a star. However, his life took a difficult turn when he was diagnosed with a rare medical condition. According to Chinese media, he suffered from a growth hormone disorder caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland near his left ear, which prevented normal physical development. For many years, he remained only 1.26 meters tall while his peers continued to grow.

In September 2008, Jia Yunzhe underwent a major surgery lasting more than four hours to remove the tumor from the left side of his brain. The operation was successful, but it only partially improved his height and physique. Despite the challenges, he remained optimistic and continued to fight against his circumstances. In 2017, he openly discussed his condition on television, admitting that he had once felt deeply hurt by hurtful comments about his appearance. He also shared that even after the surgery, he lacked the confidence to return to acting or participate in variety shows.

Now 29 years old, Jia Yunzhe has reached a height of around 1.60 meters. While not tall by conventional standards, it is a milestone he is genuinely happy about. Due to physical limitations, he no longer pursues acting in film or television. Instead, he has focused on his strengths in speaking and performance, becoming a stage actor and a talented host. Interestingly, his youthful, childlike appearance has proven to be an advantage for children’s programs.

Over the years, Jia Yunzhe has consistently participated in shows aimed at young talents, often winning first place. In 2023, he became the main host of the program Open the Door for Good Fortune. Beyond hosting, he remains active in variety shows, advertising work, and livestreaming on social media.

Today, Jia Yunzhe speaks openly about his unique appearance and frequently shares moments from his daily life online. His current life, filled with work, positivity, and peace, reflects a different but no less meaningful path from the one many once imagined for the child star who made an entire generation cry with just one line.