Gu Yue, 68; Actor Portrayed Mao in 84 Films, TV Shows
From Times wire services
Gu Yue, 68, a former Chinese soldier who shot to fame because of his uncanny resemblance to Mao Tse-tung, died of a heart attack Saturday in Guangdong province, the official Xinhua News Agency reported Tuesday.
Gu, who portrayed Mao in 84 movies and television programs, joined the army in 1949 and was recruited by Marshal Ye Jianying to play the role of Mao in 1978, two years after the Chinese leader’s death, Xinhua said. His original name was Hu Shixue.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
