Known For
Acting
Born
Sep 25, 1982
Place of Birth
Guizhou, China
Credits
35 titles
Zhang Yu
Biography
Zhang Yu (born September 25, 1982, in Guizhou, China) is a prominent actor from Mainland China, known for his transformative roles and deep commitment to independent cinema. Formerly credited under the name Zhang Xin, he is celebrated for embracing complex characters and unconventional projects, earning the reputation of being a "drama addict" within industry circles. With over a decade dedicated to supporting and promoting independent films, Zhang has become an influential figure among contemporary Chinese actors. He rose to international attention with his powerful performance as Yu Cheng in An Elephant Sitting Still (2018), followed by widely praised roles in Dying to Survive, A Cool Fish, and Back to the Wharf. His work often explores themes of morality, societal pressure, and emotional nuance, setting him apart as a master of subtle intensity. Zhang Yu has continued to expand his creative reach, appearing in more than 29 productions including film and television. He also serves as a part-time visual artist and script consultant, further reflecting his multifaceted approach to storytelling.
Known For
Filmography
No One is Closer Than We
Li Weiyang
Glad I Met You
Xiao Bai (voice)
Man's Inhumanity to Man
Chen Ruping / Ryohei Arakawa
A Cool Fish 2
Chen Sanjin
She's Got No Name
Dr. Liang
The One
Her Story
Xiao Ma
Betwixt and Between
Sanzhe
The First Shot
Jiang Xiaohai
Record Without Words
李立忠
Tainted Love
Lin Zhiguang
Love, My Way
Nice View
Ma Yue
Snipers
Liu Wenwu
Manchurian Tiger
Xu Dong
The Year of the Everlasting Storm
The Break Away
Pistol
Are You Lonesome Tonight?
The Blind Singer
Back to the Wharf
Song Hao
My People, My Homeland
Policeman
An Elephant Sitting Still
Yu Cheng
A Cool Fish
Hu Guangsheng
Dying to Survive
Peng Hao
Ciao Ciao
Li Wei
People Mountain People Sea
Guizhou Police Officer
幸福59厘米之爱有多久
鑫子
11度青春之李雷和韩梅梅
李雷
Shanghai Dreams
Li Jun's friend
She's Got No Name: Part Two
Heroes of Dunhuang
Lang Yaozi
The Old Dog
Cry of the Birds
Three Words
Small, Sharp & Green