The public never imagined that one day Jia Nailiang, once considered one of the most sought-after heartthrobs in Chinese entertainment, would find himself in this situation.
With his handsome looks and charming screen presence, Jia Nailiang was once the ideal boyfriend figure for millions of viewers thanks to the success of numerous hit romantic dramas. However, the actor has now officially fallen out of favor and has virtually disappeared from television screens for years. In fact, because he has not acted in so long, some viewers have even forgotten that he was originally an actor.
On the morning of June 20, Chinese outlet 163 reported that Jia Nailiang openly admitted during a recent livestream that he had already passed the peak of his career and no longer had any acting projects available.
Speaking candidly on camera, the former leading man explained that both his age and limitations in acting ability had contributed to his lack of new roles.
“The film and television market is facing many difficulties right now. At the same time, the rapid rise of younger actors with impressive skills has greatly reduced opportunities for people like me. My acting ability has never been particularly strong. Talent is something I cannot change. There are actors who don’t even need to try; just standing there conveys emotion. As for me, no matter how early I wake up, how late I stay on set, or how thoroughly I memorize my lines, the final result is often only acceptable at best. If I want to play older and more mature characters, I don’t feel my acting skills are sufficient. But for idol dramas, I’m no longer the first choice either,” he said.
After finding himself without acting work, Jia Nailiang shifted his focus to livestream e-commerce and achieved considerable success. During a recent Dragon Boat Festival vlog, he drew attention by giving away iPhones, iPads, expensive headphones, signed memorabilia, and cash red envelopes worth 8,888 yuan to his staff through a lucky draw.
However, over the past three years, Jia Nailiang’s reputation and public image have suffered significant damage. Chinese media have criticized him as a “male star willing to do anything for money,” accusing him of accepting questionable advertising deals.
The actor has been involved in controversies surrounding low-quality products sold during livestreams, promotional campaigns linked to fraudulent businesses, and even lawsuits from brands that accused him of making false claims that harmed their reputation. These incidents earned him the label of “the most money-hungry male celebrity in C-entertainment” among some viewers.
The controversies did not stop there. Jia Nailiang also faced backlash for allegedly exploiting the fame of his ex-wife, actress Li Xiaolu, years after their divorce.
Late last year, he became the center of criticism on Chinese social media after viewers noticed that one of his newly hired assistants bore a striking resemblance to Li Xiaolu. According to reports, Jia Nailiang frequently appeared alongside the assistant during livestream sessions used to promote products and boost sales.
Many viewers admitted they had to look twice because they initially believed Jia Nailiang had reunited with his ex-wife. According to 163, the assistant closely resembled Li Xiaolu, particularly around the eyes and when smiling. Her speaking style and certain gestures also reminded netizens of the actress.
As a result, Jia Nailiang faced fierce criticism online. Many accused him of being blinded by money and shamelessly using his former wife’s image to attract attention and increase livestream traffic.
Born in 1984, Jia Nailiang studied acting at the Beijing Film Academy. In 2002, he gained his first opportunity to practice his craft through the television drama High Flying Songs of Tang Dynasty. Thanks to his tall stature and handsome appearance, he quickly attracted attention from producers and casting directors.
After graduation, Jia officially entered the entertainment industry and built a successful acting career. He became widely known across Asia through popular dramas such as Destined to Love You and Best Time.
In 2012, Jia Nailiang married award-winning actress Li Xiaolu. The couple openly displayed their happiness in public and were often regarded as one of the model marriages in Chinese entertainment.
However, their relationship came to an end in late 2019 after Li Xiaolu’s highly publicized affair scandal involving rapper PG One shocked the industry and brought their marriage to a dramatic conclusion.
Sources: k14
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