SAD NEWS: Recently, fans of the once-popular film “Journey to the West” were s*dd*ned to learn that the actor who played Buddha, Zhu Guanglong, p*ss*d aw@y after a long battle with illn*ss…

A light on the stage has dimmed, but its warmth lingers in the hearts of generations. Yesterday, Chinese media confirmed the passing of Zhu Guanglong, the veteran actor who portrayed the Buddha in the legendary 1986 television adaptation of Journey to the West. He passed away peacefully at the age of 89, after a prolonged battle with illness. The news has triggered an outpouring of grief from colleagues, fans, and viewers who grew up with his serene, profound, and iconic portrayal of compassion and wisdom.

A Brief Appearance, A Lasting Impression

Though his screen time was limited, Zhu Guanglong’s portrayal of the Buddha in Journey to the West became one of the most spiritually resonant and symbolic characters in the entire series. His serene presence—seated upon a golden lotus, above the clouds—brought a sense of gravitas and inner peace that elevated every scene.

Liu Xiao Ling Tong, the actor who played the Monkey King (Sun Wukong), wrote on his personal page:

“Elder Brother Zhu Guanglong embodied tranquility and wisdom. In the scene where Wukong is humbled before the Buddha, I wasn’t just acting—I was learning humility in the presence of spiritual grace.”

Family Statement: “He Left Peacefully, Without Regret”

According to Zhu’s son, Zhu Kaiming, the actor passed away surrounded by family after battling chronic kidney disease and heart complications for several years.

“My father lived by the same philosophy as the role he played—peaceful, detached, and fulfilled. He didn’t want a grand funeral. He wished to be remembered through his art, not through grief.”

The family revealed that Zhu had quietly declined many public appearances or lifetime honors in recent years, preferring to stay out of the spotlight.

Fans Remember: “He Is the Only Buddha We Know”

Hundreds of thousands of comments flooded Weibo, Douyin, and even Vietnamese fan pages dedicated to Journey to the West. One viewer wrote:

“I didn’t even know his name as a child, but whenever he appeared, I felt a profound sense of awe and calm. No one else has ever captured ‘Buddha energy’ like him.”

Another shared:

“In an age of flashy effects and noise, he was a rare, quiet presence. No drama, no controversy—just timeless dignity.”

Colleagues Reflect: “A Master Who Taught Without Teaching”

Actor Ma Dehua, who portrayed Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), said in an interview:

“I still remember filming in the mountains—he sat still for hours in full costume under the blazing sun and said, ‘The Buddha cannot blink if He’s still listening to the world.’ That line stayed with me for life.”

An Era and a Spirit Come to a Close

Zhu Guanglong may not have been a media celebrity, but he represented a generation of actors who treated their craft as a form of moral expression. He stayed away from fame, from scandal, and from self-promotion—choosing instead to let his performances speak for themselves.

Film critic Zhang Yabing remarked:

“If the Monkey King symbolizes rebellion and intellect, then Zhu Guanglong’s Buddha symbolizes compassion and insight. His performance wasn’t just acting—it was a spiritual edifice on screen.”

CONCLUSION:

Zhu Guanglong has departed this earthly realm, but his image—as the calm and omniscient Buddha—will remain etched in the memories of millions. His portrayal transcended character and became a cultural icon, a spiritual landmark of childhood nostalgia, and a reminder of moral artistry in performance.

May he rest in peace in the Western Paradise—just as he once portrayed it, with unwavering grace.