Chinese actress and singer Gong Qiuxia (Dec 4, 1916 – Sept 7, 2004). File photo

3. Gong Qiuxia (Dec 4, 1916 – Sept 7, 2004)

Gong Qiuxia joined Shanghai Plum Song and Dance Ensemble at a tender age of 12. She toured with the troupe all around China and abroad and climbed to the top as one of the leading performers of the institution. In 1937, Gong participated in film New Year's Gift and instantly rocketed to stardom. She released her first official single Roses Blossoming Everywhere the year after and showed her talents to China. She was most well-known for portraying grounded and kind-hearted female characters on screen. Gong died of heart failure in Hong Kong at the age of 88 in 2004.

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