Zhao Lusi Profile: Talented Actress who Suffered Various Adversities (2025 Updated)

Known internationally as Rosy Zhao, Zhao Lusi has swiftly risen from a promising newcomer to one of the nation’s most popular and commercially valuable young actresses. Her journey, marked by breakout roles in beloved dramas such as “The Romance of Tiger and Rose,” “Love Like the Galaxy,” and the globally streamed “Hidden Love,” exemplifies the dynamic potential of China’s entertainment industry.

Yet, her path has not been without its challenges, navigating the pressures of fame, intense public scrutiny, and deeply personal struggles that she has recently shared with remarkable candor.

Biography

• Birth Name: Zhao Lusi (赵露思)
• English Name: Rosy Zhao
• Nationality: Chinese
• Place of Birth: Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
• Date of Birth: November 9, 1998
• Weibo: 赵露思的微博
• Instagram: @rooosyzh09

Fun Facts

• She is fluent in various dialects, including northeastern Chinese, Taiwanese, and Shanghainese accents. During her university years in Taiwan, she developed this ability thanks to friends from different regions.
• Zhao Lusi attended Mingdao University and majored in fashion design. During this period, she studied in Los Angeles, USA as an exchange student.

• She is known to come from a wealthy family, receiving full support from her businessman father. Her father is reportedly close friends with renowned MC Wang Han, giving her strong connections in the entertainment industry.
• On May 18, 2024, she participated in the torch relay for the 2024 Paris Olympics in France.
• In an interview with iQIYI, she was asked who she thought might be calling if she received a call from an unknown number right after waking up. She responded that it was probably a delivery driver—because she loves shopping.
• During university, she often cooked hometown dishes for her friends and even ran a wonton stall in the school food court.
• The actress is extremely fond of spicy foods. When she was studying in Taiwan, she often cooked hometown dishes for her classmates. She even applied and opened a stall at the school to sell wontons, personally visiting the food markets every morning to pick and buy ingredients for the wonton pork fillings.
• Zhao Lusi’s ideal type is a person with Wang Yilun‘s sense of humor, Xiao Zhan‘s tenderness, Wu Junyu‘s cuteness, and Li Hongyi‘s cunningness. She listed the three most attractive traits in a man as kindness, reliability, and warmth. Conversely, she said she could never accept stinginess, sleaziness, or arrogance in a partner—stating that no one should have bad character.
• She is an avid pet lover with 3 dogs (named Ba Wan, Mi Dou, and Lai Fu) and 1 cat (named Rou Rou).
• She can play the traditional Chinese instrument guzheng.

Career

Pre-Acting Fame and Entering the Industry

Zhao Lusi garnered a degree of online attention even before formally entering the entertainment world, suggesting an innate charisma or early engagement with social platforms that foreshadowed her later popularity. Her official entry into the industry occurred around 2016-2017. Reports suggest she was scouted in Kichijōji, Tokyo, while still in elementary school, possibly during a visit, as her upbringing was primarily centered in Chengdu and her university studies were in Taiwan.  

Her first foray into the entertainment business wasn’t acting, but rather hosting. In 2016, she became an “Intermediate Agent” (co-host) on the popular variety show Huo Xing Qing Bao Ju (Mars Intelligence Agency), returning in later seasons as well. Starting with hosting might indicate an initial strategy focused on leveraging her personality to gain exposure before transitioning fully into acting, a path not uncommon for aspiring stars seeking a foothold in the competitive industry.  

Early Roles and First Lead (Untouchable Lovers, Oh! My Emperor)

Zhao Lusi’s acting journey commenced in 2017 with minor appearances, including a guest role as a nurse in the film City of Rock and a supporting part as Liu Yiyi in the web drama Cinderella Chef. Her profile began to rise significantly in 2018 with her portrayal of the scheming Ma Xueyun in the historical romance series Untouchable Lovers. This role, though secondary, increased her visibility within the industry and among audiences.  

The true turning point arrived later that same year when she landed her first leading role as Luo Feifei in the quirky time-travel historical drama Oh! My Emperor. The web drama proved immensely popular, charming viewers with its lighthearted tone and Zhao’s energetic performance. Her portrayal earned her widespread recognition and the Newcomer Award at the Golden Bud–The Third Network Film And Television Festival in 2019, firmly establishing her as a talent to watch.

Breakthrough and Critical Acclaim (The Romance of Tiger and Rose)

While Oh! My Emperor introduced Zhao Lusi as a capable lead, it was the 2020 web drama The Romance of Tiger and Rose that catapulted her to superstardom. Playing Chen Xiaoqian, a modern screenwriter who finds herself transported into her own script as the disliked third princess Chen Qianqian, Zhao delivered a performance celebrated for its comedic brilliance and infectious charm.  

The drama itself became a massive hit, praised for subverting typical historical romance tropes and for its witty dialogue. Zhao’s performance was central to its success, showcasing her natural comedic timing and ability to portray vibrant, unconventional female characters. This role not only solidified her position as a leading lady in the web drama landscape but also earned her significant accolades, including the Best Actress award at the 7th Hengdian Film Festival of China (Wenrong Awards) and the Breakthrough TV Actor of the Year award at the Tencent Video All Star Awards 2020. The success of Tiger and Rose highlighted a particular strength in Zhao’s acting repertoire – her capacity to bring humor and vivacity to her roles, setting her apart early in her career as a lead actress.

Solidifying Stardom (The Long Ballad, Who Rules The World, Love Like the Galaxy)

Following her breakthrough, Zhao Lusi strategically diversified her portfolio. In 2021, she took on the supporting role of the fragile yet resilient Princess Li Leyan in the acclaimed historical drama The Long Ballad. Despite not being the lead, her portrayal garnered significant praise and earned her the Asian Star Prize at the 2021 Seoul International Drama Awards, demonstrating her ability to shine even in ensemble casts. Opting for a well-received supporting role in a major production like The Long Ballad, after achieving lead status, suggests a calculated move to gain experience with different character archetypes and work alongside established actors, thereby broadening her appeal and enhancing her credibility beyond the rom-com genre.  

In 2022, Zhao returned to leading roles in two major productions. She starred opposite Yang Yang as the formidable Feng Xiyun/Bai Fengxi in the wuxia fantasy epic Who Rules The World. Later that year, she reunited with actor Wu Lei (having previously worked together briefly) for the historical drama Love Like the Galaxy, portraying the intelligent and emotionally complex Cheng Shaoshang. The drama was a critical and commercial triumph, further cementing Zhao’s A-list status and earning her the Outstanding Actress award at the 18th Chinese American TV Festival – Golden Angel Award.  

Continued Success (Hidden Love, The Last Immortal, The Story of Pearl Girl)

Zhao Lusi’s momentum continued unabated into 2023. She starred as Sang Zhi in the modern romance drama Hidden Love, adapted from a popular web novel. The series became a massive hit, not only domestically but also internationally, resonating strongly with audiences on platforms like Netflix and further boosting her global profile.  

She followed this with the lead role of A Yin/Feng Yin in the fantasy drama The Last Immortal (2023). In 2024, she led the historical drama The Story of Pearl Girl as Duan Wu/Su Muzhe. Her upcoming projects include Love’s Ambition and Almost Lover, the latter of which was reportedly filming when she experienced her recent health crisis.

Management and Industry Navigation (Galaxy Cool Entertainment)

Zhao Lusi’s career has been guided by the management agency Galaxy Cool Entertainment, which she signed with in 2016 as an 18-year-old, initially thinking their persistent recruitment efforts were a scam. The agency, particularly its founder Li Wei (who has since left the company), played a key role in her early development, with Li expressing immense pride in her subsequent success and calling her signing one of his best career decisions.  

However, this long-standing relationship entered a period of intense public scrutiny in early January 2025. Following Zhao’s hospitalization and subsequent revelations about her mental health struggles, allegations surfaced, primarily from Zhao’s own posts and those attributed to her friends, of workplace abuse occurring within her management structure. While Zhao herself did not name individuals, speculation pointed towards figures within her agency. Both Galaxy Cool Entertainment and its former founder Li Wei issued statements denying any abuse, affirming their commitment to Zhao’s well-being and acknowledging shortcomings in management while apologizing for any misunderstandings.

Accolades and Commercial Powerhouse

Awards and Recognition

Zhao Lusi’s talent and popularity have been consistently recognized through numerous awards and nominations. Her journey from newcomer to established star is reflected in accolades such as the Newcomer Award for Oh! My Emperor (2019, Golden Bud) , the Best Actress win at the Wenrong Awards for her breakthrough in The Romance of Tiger and Rose (2020), and the Breakthrough Actor of the Year award from Tencent Video for the same drama (2020).

Her international appeal was acknowledged with the Asian Star Prize at the Seoul International Drama Awards for The Long Ballad (2021). Her performance in the blockbuster Love Like the Galaxy (2022) earned her the Outstanding Actress award at the Golden Angel Awards. She has also consistently received recognition at the annual Weibo Awards Ceremony, being named Outstanding Actor, Expressive Actor, and Dazzling Actor of the Year in consecutive years. Furthermore, she has received nominations from prestigious bodies like the Huading Awards, the Macau International TV Festival, and The Actors of China Awards Ceremony.  

Brand Endorsements and Market Influence

Beyond critical acclaim, Zhao Lusi has proven to be a formidable commercial force. In 2024, she was recognized as leading Chinese female celebrities in terms of commercial value, securing over 20 endorsement contracts within the year. Her portfolio includes partnerships with top-tier global luxury brands. In 2023, she was appointed as a global brand ambassador for the iconic Italian fashion house Versace, with Chief Creative Officer Donatella Versace praising her style, energy, and spirit as embodying the “powerful Versace woman”. She also represents other prestigious names like Bulgari and Guerlain.  

This ability to attract numerous high-profile endorsements, especially global ambassadorships for luxury giants, speaks volumes about her market influence. It signifies not only her immense popularity within China but also an image and appeal that resonates with international luxury markets – a key indicator of top-tier stardom in the modern global entertainment landscape.

Personal Life

Early Life

Born Zhao Lusi (赵露思) on November 9, 1998, in Chengdu, the capital of China’s Sichuan Province, the actress often goes by the English name Rosy Zhao internationally. Official records confirm her 1998 birth year, making her 26 years old as of late 2024, though occasional speculation regarding an earlier birth year has surfaced.

Before stepping into the limelight, Zhao pursued higher education at MingDao University in Taiwan, where she majored in Fashion Design. During her university years, she showcased an early entrepreneurial flair and a passion for food by running a wonton stall on campus. Demonstrating notable initiative, she reportedly managed the stall herself, personally visiting markets each morning to source fresh ingredients for her pork wontons, even attracting university teachers as regular customers. This anecdote paints a picture of a creative and resourceful young woman even before her entertainment career took flight.  

Health Issues

In late December 2024, concerns for Zhao Lusi’s well-being escalated dramatically after photos and accounts surfaced showing her appearing infirm and using a wheelchair at a hospital A&E department. Her studio confirmed she had been hospitalized on December 18 due to ill health and was suspending work commitments.

Friends and subsequent posts revealed she experienced severe symptoms, including difficulty walking and eating, temporary paralysis and loss of speech, nausea, dizziness, and joint pain. Reports and images indicated a drastic weight loss, with one photo showing her weight at approximately 36-37kg. A doctor’s note, shared in her later social media post, appeared to certify a diagnosis involving Dissociative [Conversion] Disorder and anxiety.

Fortunately, the actress has since significantly recovered, sharing positive updates on her health conditions. 

Her recovery involved rehabilitation , and she made her first public appearance in late January 2025 at a fan meeting in her hometown of Chengdu, where she addressed her health struggles and thanked fans for their support. A reality show titled Be Myself, documenting her recovery journey, was later aired in March 2025.  

Speaking Out: Abuse Allegations and Mental Health Journey

On January 1, 2025, Zhao Lusi broke her silence with a lengthy, candid post on Weibo, detailing her struggles with mental health and alleging past abuse. She revealed she had been battling depression since 2019, initially ignoring symptoms and advice to seek help, partly due to societal stigma and being told she was “overthinking” or “too weak”. She described how her mental health struggles manifested physically, leading to various ailments including pneumonia, hives, hearing loss, and severe allergic reactions, particularly in 2023 and 2024. She emphasized that depression is a genuine medical illness requiring treatment, not simply a matter of positive thinking.  

In the same post, Zhao recounted experiences of physical abuse. She stated she was hit by a teacher during tutoring sessions as a child and, significantly, was “beaten again” as an adult for failing an acting audition. She implied this latter abuse occurred within a workplace context, perpetrated by a female figure who supervised or managed her. She detailed gaining the courage to leave this situation only after achieving public recognition, but alleged that the individual demanded a hefty “break-up sum” and continued to spread damaging rumors about her.  

These claims were amplified by accounts attributed to her friends, alleging mistreatment within her management company. The revelations prompted denials from Li Wei, the former founder of Galaxy Cool Entertainment, and Xu Yiruo, reportedly her former manager. Galaxy Cool Entertainment also issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to Zhao’s health. Adding another layer to the public narrative, prominent paparazzo Wang Dafa claimed during a live stream that Zhao’s condition might involve self-harm stemming from depression and anxiety, contrasting with the abuse narrative.  

Zhao stated her motivation for sharing her story was to combat the culture of silencing victims and to raise awareness about the importance of mental health.

Controversies 

In 2023, while filming the drama “The Last Immortal,” paparazzi footage emerged showing an assistant helping Zhao Lusi put on socks and boots. The video sparked a divided online debate. Some netizens criticized her, suggesting she was “acting like a big shot” and treating her assistant poorly. Others defended her, pointing out the practical challenges of maneuvering in elaborate period costumes and noting that assisting with wardrobe is a standard part of an assistant’s duties on set.

In October 2024, Zhao Lusi was suspected of plastic surgery, as netizens pointed out how her face looks different compared to in the past. Nevertheless, some defended the actress, insisting that the changes were mostly due to weight loss. Meanwhile, Zhao Lusi never directly addressed the plastic surgery rumors.

Dating Rumor

In February 2024, it was alleged that Zhao Lusi and EXO’s Lay (Zhang Yixing) appeared together at a hotel. In particular, a blogger claimed that Zhao Lusi was frequently spotted around the parking lot of the hotel where Lay usually stays.

However, many people argued that just because the two stay at the same hotel doesn’t mean they were dating, as the hotel in question is popular with a lot of celebrities during busy schedules. Additionally, Lay’s agency shut down the rumors as “baseless”, while Zhao Lusi’s side remained silent.

Filmography

Selected Television Series

Year	English Title	Original Title	Role
2018	Untouchable Lovers	凤囚凰	Ma Xueyun
2018	Cinderella Chef	萌妻食神	Liu Yiyi
2018	Oh! My Emperor	哦！我的皇帝陛下	Luo Feifei
2019	I Hear You	最动听的事	Bei Erduo
2019	Love Better Than Immortality	天雷一部之春花秋月	Chun Hua
2020	Love of Thousand Years	三千鸦杀	Qin Chuan / Aman / Yan Yan
2020	The Romance of Tiger and Rose	传闻中的陈芊芊	Chen Xiaoqian / Chen Qianqian
2020	Dating in the Kitchen	我，喜欢你	Gu Shengnan
2021	The Long Ballad	长歌行	Li Leyan / Princess Yong’an
2021	Please Feel at Ease Mr. Ling	一不小心捡到爱	Gu Anxin
2021	A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College	国子监来了个女弟子	Sang Qi
2022	Who Rules The World	且试天下	Feng Xiyun / Bai Fengxi
2022	Love Like the Galaxy	星汉灿烂·月升沧海	Cheng Shaoshang / Niao Niao
2022	Hu Tong	胡同	Tian Zao
2023	Gen Z	后浪	Sun Toutou
2023	Hidden Love	偷偷藏不住	Sang Zhi
2023	The Last Immortal	神隐	A Yin / Feng Yin
2024	The Story of Pearl Girl	珠帘玉幕	Duan Wu / Su Muzhe
TBA	Love’s Ambition	许我耀眼	Xu Yan
TBA	Almost Lover	恋人	Ruan Yu

Selected Film Appearances

Year	English Title	Original Title	Role	Notes
2017	City of Rock	缝纫机乐队	Nurse	Guest appearance
2019	Autumn Fairy Tale	蓝色生死恋	Enxi	Lead role
2021	1921	1921	Liu Qingyang	Supporting role
2024	There’s a Kiosk by the Clouds / Moments We Shared	云边有个小卖部	Cherry (Cafe Owner)	Supporting role