Zhao Benshan Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Zhao Benshan is a celebrated Chinese comedian, actor, television director and entrepreneur — best known for bringing Northeastern “errenzhuan” folk comedy to national fame through the CCTV New Year’s Gala and for building a business empire around performance and media.

Introduction

Zhao Benshan has become a legendary figure in Chinese entertainment, admired for his comedic brilliance, cultural influence, and business acumen. Born on October 2, 1957, his storied career spans decades — from humble village beginnings to nationwide stardom and entrepreneurship. His estimated net worth is around US$30 million, and over the years his personal life has included marriages, children, and both triumphs and personal struggles. In this profile, we explore Zhao Benshan net worth, relationships, age/birthdate & birthday — and the journey that made him iconic. 

Quick Facts

From Northeastern Villager to Household Name

Zhao Benshan’s life began in a small village in Kaiyuan County, Liaoning Province, born into a peasant family.  When he lost his parents at the age of six, young Zhao moved in with his uncle — a blind man who taught him traditional performing arts: playing the erhu and sanxian, singing folk tunes, and mastering “errenzhuan,” a regional two-person folk comedy. 

Over time, Zhao’s natural talent and relentless dedication turned hardship into opportunity. In 1982, during a provincial countryside performance festival, his portrayal of a blind man in a piece called Breaking the Sanxian won first prize — a defining moment that brought him public recognition.  After that, he joined the Tieling Troupe and later the Tieling Folk Art Troupe, steadily refining his craft. 

Eventually, his unique style and sharp observational comedy caught the attention of national audiences. Recommended by famed xiangsheng (traditional comedic dialogue) artist Jiang Kun, Zhao debuted on the CCTV New Year's Gala — China’s most watched annual television event — in 1990.  From then on, he became a recurring figure in the Gala, performing annually from 1990 through 2011, making him a household name across the nation. 

Defining moments in Zhao Benshan’s journey include:

• Winning first prize at the 1982 countryside operetta show with Breaking the Sanxian. 

• Debuting at the CCTV New Year’s Gala in 1990 and becoming a regular performer. 

• Transitioning from stage and skits to film roles in movies such as Happy Times (2000) and Getting Home (2007) — expanding his artistic reach. 

• Founding production companies and performance troupes, commercializing rural-style comedy and building a business empire. 

Through creative ambition and entrepreneurial drive, Zhao transformed from a poor village performer into an entertainment powerhouse, shaping Chinese popular culture along the way.

The Core Pillars of Zhao Benshan’s Wealth

The core pillars of Zhao Benshan’s wealth include:

• Live performances and touring shows: Through venues such as the Liulaogen Guild Hall in Beijing and touring operations in multiple cities. 

• Media production and entertainment companies: Including the Benshan Media Group, parent company to several troupes and production arms. 

• Acting roles in films and television: Participation in both comedic and dramatic films and major television series. 

• Cultural influence and brand value: As one of China’s most recognizable comedic voices, his name carries value for endorsements, collaborations, and cultural capital.

Relationships & Family Life

While Zhao Benshan is publicly known for his career, his personal life has also attracted attention. According to public records:

• He first married Ge Shuzhen in 1979; they had two children — a daughter named Yufang and a son named Tiedan. 

• The couple divorced in 1992. Reports indicate Ge Shuzhen later became an entrepreneur. 

• That same year, Zhao married his second wife, Ma Lijuan, originally from Inner Mongolia. 

• In 1997, Zhao and Ma Lijuan had fraternal twins: a son Zhao Yinan and a daughter Zhao Jiaxuan. 

Key insights into Zhao Benshan’s relationships and personal life:

• His early marriage and divorce coincided with the beginning of his rise — possibly reflecting personal sacrifices during his struggle for fame.

• His second marriage and children occurred during a more stable, successful phase of his career.

• Family hardships — including the tragic illness and death of his son Tiedan — informed some of the emotional depth in his performances. 

• Despite personal ups and downs, Zhao has maintained a private and low-key personal life, rarely using family for publicity.

Beyond Career Success: Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Zhao Benshan leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• Theater venues and touring shows: His performances at Liulaogen Guild Hall and touring productions across major Chinese cities demonstrate his commitment to live performance and rural-style comedy. 

• Cultural entrepreneurship: Through Benshan Media Group and related troupes, he has contributed to preserving and modernizing traditional Northeastern Chinese folk arts, nurturing new talents and bringing traditional comedy to modern audiences. 

• Philanthropic and cultural legacy (implied): His efforts in education and cultural preservation — for instance founding an “arts academy” tied to a university — suggest a dedication beyond profit: supporting cultural heritage and new generations. 

While some media reports once linked him to lavish spending — including rumored private jet purchases — public documentation now emphasizes his deep ties to rural performance art and cultural preservation rather than ostentatious display. 

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Zhao Benshan’s net worth is typically cited in sources such as CelebrityNetWorth, estimating his wealth at approximately US$30 million.

It is worth noting that some reports (especially older ones) claim higher valuations for his business ventures — for example, around 125 million RMB (roughly US$19 million at a certain rate) for his media holdings. Discrepancies likely stem from currency fluctuations, valuation methods, and private asset disclosures.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Zhao Benshan is widely regarded as a cultural bridge — someone who translated rural, Northeastern Chinese traditions into mainstream entertainment while retaining authenticity. His comedic sketches often depict ordinary folk, rural life, and everyday social issues — resonating deeply with both urban and rural audiences.

His influence extends beyond comedy: through business ventures and formal institutions (like his arts academy), he has helped preserve regional performing arts, supported emerging talent, and created a sustainable model for traditional arts in modern China.

Public perception of Zhao balances admiration for his talent and success with respect for his roots. In a media environment increasingly saturated with glitz and celebrity, his story — from orphaned villager to national icon — carries authenticity and emotional resonance.

Closing Thoughts

Zhao Benshan net worth and fame did not come overnight. Born on October 2, 1957, he turned childhood hardship into the foundation for a remarkable career. With an estimated net worth of roughly US$30 million, he has built an entertainment empire rooted in tradition, creativity, and entrepreneurship. His personal life — marked by marriages, children, tragedy, and resilience — mirrors the depth and authenticity that made him beloved by generations.

Zhao Benshan’s journey shows how passion, talent, and perseverance can elevate humble beginnings into enduring legacy — reminding us that art and culture remain powerful forces for connection, identity, and transformation.