Tan Xinpei

He was also the only actor in China's earliest film Dingjun Mountain (1905). A native of Wuhan, Hubei, Tan lived and worked for most of his life in Beijing after moving there with his family at the age of 10. More than 40 of his family members have, over seven generations, worked as Peking opera performers, including his grandson Tan Fuying. "Thirteen Masters of the Tongzhi and Guangxu Reigns" (同光十三絕), a late Qing dynasty painting by Shen Rongpu (沈容圃). 2nd from right, dressed in the role of Huang Tianba.

• Born — 23 April 1847 • Birthplace — Wuchang, Wuhan, Hubei, China • Died — 10 May 1917 • Place of death — Beijing, China • Occupation — Peking opera artist, actor • Years Active — 1905 Tan

In the 1993 TV series Niu Zihou and Fu Lian Cheng (牛子厚與富連成), Tan Xinpei is portrayed by Peking opera artist Li Fuchun (李甫春). In the 2000 film Shadow Magic, the character Tan Linmei is clearly based on Tan Xinpei. He is played by Peking opera artist Li Yusheng (李玉声). In the 2005 film Dingjun Mountain (定軍山), Tan Xinpei is portrayed by his great-grandson Tan Yuanshou, Tan Fuying's son and a notable Peking opera artist in his own right.

• Year — Title — Role — Notes • Dingjun Mountain — Opera Lord — first Chinese film • Chang ban po