‘Real-life Cinderella’: China stuntwoman transitions from playing body double to stardom

2026.03.17 10:20 Li Yitong has transformed from a stunt double to a leading actress in China, earning the title of “real-life Cinderella”. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo/Sohu Famous Chinese actress Li Yitong, who rose from being Zhao Liying’s stunt double to becoming a leading actress, has taken on 14 roles in a single year, earning her the name of a “real-life Cinderella”. Li, whose original name is Li Xue, was born in September 1990 in Jinan, Shandong province, northern China, and graduated from the Beijing Dance Academy with a major in folk dance. After graduation, she planned to open a teahouse that incorporated dance performances. Li Yitong, above, is an accomplished folk dancer who graduated from the Beijing Academy of Dance. Photo: Sina However, while searching for a location, she helped a friend film a short video, which unexpectedly led her into the entertainment industry. With her delicate appearance and petite figure, she bears some resemblance to the popular actress Zhao Liying, and by chance became Zhao Liying’s body double. At the time, Zhao was already very popular and known for her dedication to filming. However, some professional dance movements still required a stand-in. In productions such as the 2013 historical romance drama The Palace, she wore a mask and costume and repeatedly performed Zhao Liying’s movements in scenes where the camera would not capture the actress’s face. A delicate and petite appearance led people to say that Li, above, looked like the famous actress Zhao Liying. Photo: Sina A turning point in Li’s career came when Zhao announced her pregnancy at the peak of her career. At the time, the entertainment industry began searching for actors with audience appeal and the ability to carry a major drama. Li seized the opportunity and, during that period, she entered what seemed like a “full-throttle mode,” moving almost nonstop between film sets. In 2016, producer Yu Zheng was casting for Demon Girl. After auditioning more than 300 newc

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