Lan Tianye

Lan Tianye (3 May 1927 – 8 June 2022) was a Chinese actor and painter. Lan was noted for his roles as Jiang Ziya in the television series The Investiture of the Gods.

Early life
Lan was born Wang Runsen in Raoyang County, Hebei (then Zhili) on 3 May 1927.

Acting career
Wang became a drama actor in 1944. Wang graduated from National Beiping Art School (国立北平艺术专科学校). He joined the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on 23 September 1945. In 1948, during the Chinese Civil War, Wang relocated to CCP-controlled areas, and changed his name to Lan Tianye.

Lan entered the Beijing People's Art Theatre in 1952.

In 1962, Lan learned Chinese painting from Li Kuchan and Xu Linlu.

During the Cultural Revolution, Lan paused acting.

Lan made his TV series debut in The Last Emperor (1983), playing Zaifeng, Prince Chun, alongside Chen Daoming and Zhu Lin.

Lan first rose to prominence in 1990 for playing Jiang Ziya in the epic fantasy television series The Investiture of the Gods, adapted from Xu Zhonglin's classical novel of the same title. The series reached number one in the ratings when it aired in China.

In August 1996, Lan held a personal exhibition in Fukuoka, Japan.

In 2003, at the age of 76, Lan had a supporting role in The Proof Of Memories, a historical television series starring Yihong Duan, Bae Soo-bin and Li Guangjie.

On 9 November 2013, Lan won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 13th China Drama Festival.

Death
On 8 June 2022, Lan died from pancreatic cancer in Beijing, at the age of 95.

Personal life
In 1954 Lan married Di Xin (1927 – 17 November 2018), who was a dramatic actress.

Awards

 * 13th China Drama Festival - Lifetime Achievement Award (2013)
 * July 1 Medal (2021)