Mr. Yang Shaohua, a famous crosstalk performer of Tianjin Quyi Troupe, died of illness on July 9, 2025 at the age of 94.
Yang Shaohua was born in Beijing. He showed a strong interest and talent in crosstalk art since he was a child. In 1944, he entered Beijing Qiming Tea House to learn crosstalk and studied under crosstalk artist Mr. Guo Rongqi. In the 1970s, he was transferred to Tianjin Quyi Troupe. He once served as a supporting actor for crosstalk master Mr. Ma Sanli, and successively cooperated with famous crosstalk artists Ma Zhiming and Zhao Weizhou. With his unique humorous style and steady performance rhythm, he has become an indispensable presence on the stage. In his long artistic career, Mr. Yang Shaohua performed many popular crosstalk works, bringing countless joy to the audience. He is also well-known to the audience for his film and television works such as "Yang Guang's Happy Life". His persistence and love for crosstalk art are not only reflected in stage performances, but also in his unremitting efforts to inherit art. He has cultivated and delivered many outstanding talents for the crosstalk industry. He won the first prize of the second CCTV Crosstalk Competition and performed the sketch "At Your Service" on the "2018 CCTV Spring Festival Gala".
His major representative works include crosstalks such as "The Meat is Rotten in the Pot", "After Winning the Award", "Poems in Praise of Horses", "Playing Cards", "Selling Books", "Comparison", "Eating Moon Cakes", "Playing Mahjong", etc., TV series such as "Yang Guang's Happy Life", Lunar New Year TV series "Beautiful Dreams of Lighting and Decorations", drama "Crazy Text Messages", and movie "Chasing You", etc.
Mr. Yang Shaohua was a humble and kind person. His passing is a great loss to the crosstalk community. Here, we mourn Mr. Yang Shaohua deeply. May he rest in peace and his artistic spirit live forever!