Biography
Ma Jingwu (1937–2023) was a Chinese actor, director and film educator. Born in Urumqi, Xinjiang, he graduated from the acting department of the Beijing Film Academy in 1960 and later joined its faculty, where he taught for decades and held positions including head of the performance teaching and research group.
He appeared in numerous films, most notably as Chen Zuoqian (The Master) in Zhang Yimou’s Raise the Red Lantern (1991). Other credits include the blind Taoist in Green Snake (1993), Master Shadow Glow in Seven Swords (2005), Minister Yin Taichang in The Banquet (2006), and an old fisherman in Red Cliff (2008) and Red Cliff II (2009). He also directed the 1981 film Duan pan zi de gu niang.
Ma was married to fellow performer and educator Li Ranran. He received one documented acting award during his career.
