STUDY IN CHINA GLOBAL (SCG)Bai Guang(白光 Bái Guāng) was born Shi Yongfen(史永芬 Shǐ Yǒngfēn) in Beiping, now Beijing, 1921, China. She was a famous movie star and singer. By the 1940s, she became one of the Seven great singing stars.
Biography
In her early years, Bai was a student of the Beiping Salon Theatrical Troupe(北平沙龙剧团 běipíng shālóng jùtuán), and once performed Cao Yu’s(曹禺 Cáo Yú) play “Sunrise” (日出 rìchū). In 1937, she studied at the University of Tokyo’s music department until World War II in 1942. After drama school, she wanted to be a movie star. As she proclaimed, she wanted to be like the beams of light coming off the movie projectors onto the big screen. Hence, her stage name was Bai Guang, which translated to “White Light”.
Career
Her mandopop songs were often used in many of the movies as soundtracks. She had a slightly deep and hoarse voice, which helped her become a big star in Shanghai.
Bai’s big screen career started in 1943. She was known for playing seductive roles with her flirtatious image on screen, and have also played villain roles at times.
After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, “A Forgotten Woman” was the first PRC film shown in Hong Kong. Even the governor, Alexander Grantham went as a fan.
In 1950 Bai retired from being a singer in China, and resided in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. In 1953 she successfully opened a nightclub in Japan’s Tokyo Ginza District. She later settled in Hong Kong with her last appearance in 1995 at Hong Kong’s TV top 10 Chinese singer award presentation.
On August 27, 1999, she died in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, due to Colon Cancer at the age of 78.
Legacy
Bai’s tomb now rest in Semenyih, Malaysia. It is unique, since it plays her music. Her grave attracts visitors from all around the world including China, Hong Kong, Germany, Denmark and Spain.
Filmography
* Love Peas of Southland (红豆生南国) (1943)
* Fire of Love (恋之火) (1943)
* No.13 Unlucky House (十三号凶宅) (1947)
* Blood stained Begonia (血染海棠红) (1949)
* A Forgotten Woman (荡妇心) (1949)
* Songs in the Rainy Nights (雨夜歌声) (1950)
* A Strange Women (一代妖姬) (1950)
* Smiling Rose (玫瑰花开)
* Hours Passed the Wedding (结婚廿四小时) (1950)
* Tears of Songstress (歌女红菱艳)（1953)
