Mei Qiaoling (25 September 1842 – 16 December 1882), born Mei Fang, courtesy name Xiaobo and art name Huixian, was a Qing dynasty Peking opera and kunqu artist based in Beijing. He specialized in playing dan roles, or women. Originally from Taizhou, Jiangsu, he was sold to a childless man in Suzhou at age 8. After that man remarried and begot a son, Mei was sold again, this time to a theatrical troupe where he had to train to become a performer. He rose to stardom despite his pudginess, which earned him the nickname "Fat Qiaoling" (胖巧玲). At age 30, he became the leader of the Four Happiness Troupe (四喜班), one of the most famous troupes in Beijing, and rarely performed after that.
Born |
25 September 1842 Taizhou, Jiangsu, Qing Empire
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Died |
16 December 1882 (aged 40) Beijing, Zhili, Qing Empire
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Zodiac | Libra |
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