By [Your Name], Staff Journalist
Beijing, China – September 18, 2024 — The entertainment world is in mourning following the sudden and unexpected passing of veteran voice actor Shi Banyu, who succumbed to sudden cardiac arrest at the age of 66. The news was confirmed by Shi’s colleague and fellow voice actor Ye Qing through a post on his personal微博 on September 18.
Shi Banyu passed away peacefully in Beijing at 11:41 am on September 17, with his farewell ceremony scheduled to take place on September 20 at the Babaoshan Funeral Home. According to Mr. Zhang, a contact listed in the obituary, Shi had always enjoyed good health, and his passing came as a shock to many.
A Voice Behind the Stars
Born Shi Renmao on March 9, 1958, in Taiwan, with ancestral roots in Guilin, Guangxi, Shi Banyu began his career in voice acting in 1983. His journey into the limelight began in 1990 when he provided the Mandarin voice for Zhou Xingchi in the film God of Gamblers. The pairing of Zhou’s exaggerated acting style with Shi’s quirky voice was a perfect match, and he soon became Zhou’s go-to voice actor for Mandarin dubbing.
In February 1993, Shi Banyu’s voice became even more recognizable when he participated in the dubbing for the television series The New White Snake, which aired in mainland China. His versatility and distinctive voice led to roles in numerous other film and television projects, including Turn Corner to Fall in Love, The Brave, and Give Me a Reason to Love You Again: The Sequel.
According to data from Maoyan Professional Edition, Shi Banyu’s last project was the 2023 series Immortal God King on the streaming platform Youku, where he again lent his voice to the characters.
Tributes Pour In
The news of Shi Banyu’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from his friends and colleagues in the industry. Zhou Xingchi, who frequently collaborated with Shi, posted a message of remembrance, saying, Eternal remembrance of Mr. Shi Banyu.
Director Li Lichi, another close friend, also took to social media to express his condolences. Meanwhile, voice actor Ye Qing, who shared the news of Shi’s passing, also expressed his sorrow and appreciation for Shi’s talent.
Among the fans, the reaction was equally poignant. A fan named Hai Xin, a screenwriter, shared memories of the first time they heard Shi Banyu’s voice in the movie Flirting Scholar, expressing gratitude for the laughter and joy his voice brought to so many.
A Legacy of Laughter
Shi Banyu’s unique voice and distinctive style of dubbing have left an indelible mark on the Chinese entertainment industry. His ability to bring characters to life with his voice has been a source of joy for audiences across generations.
One commenter on social media summed up the sentiment of many, saying, The magical laughter is gone. We who once laughed uncontrollably in front of the movies have now become the little characters in Zhou Xingchi’s films, struggling to chase our dreams. But fortunately, the magical laughter and the images are eternal, inspiring every ‘Little Zhou’ and ‘Yin Tianchou’ to laugh at the truth of life in adversity and to continue to pursue their dreams, not to become a ‘salty fish.’
Conclusion
Shi Banyu’s passing is a significant loss to the world of entertainment. His contributions to the industry will be remembered, and his voice will continue to resonate through the films and shows he brought to life. As fans and colleagues mourn his loss, they also celebrate the joy and laughter he gave to so many. Rest in peace, Mr. Shi Banyu.
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