TOP Chinese comedian Zhao Benshan has decided to retire from performing, claiming he wants to leave opportunities to others and spend time reflecting upon his career, Beijing News reported Thursday.

    “From now on, audiences won’t see me perform skits. I choose to quit,” Zhao said on a talk show hosted by another famous crosstalk comedian Guo Degang.

    “The pressure of performing at the Spring Festival gala of China Central Television (CCTV) is unimaginable, and I am not in good health these days,” said Zhao.

    “I performed at the CCTV grand Gala for 21 years and gained much from that,” he said, “I cannot achieve what I have without the Spring Festival Gala and I still have profound feelings about the gala.”

    The CCTV gala does not depend on any one performer, said Zhao. He also encourages TV audience to enjoy the show.(CRI)

    Date of birth: Oct. 2, 1958

    Place of birth: Tieling, Liaoning, China

    Filmography as actor:

    Movies:

    Accidental Hero (2013)

    The Grandmaster (2013)

    The Lion Roars 2 (2012)

    Beginning of the Great Revival (2011)

    Just Call Me Nobody (2010)

    A Simple Noodle Story (2009)

    Getting Home (2007)

    Happy New Year (2007)

    Nan Fu Nu Zhu Ren (1999)

    The Emperor and the Assassin (1998)

    Keep Cool (1997)

    Whoever Comes Is a Guest (1990)

    Xian Shi Huo Bao (1990)

    Don’t Kidding Me (1987)

    TV Series:

    Storytellers (2013)

    Strange Hero Ouyang De (2012)

    Village Love 5 (2011)

    Cherry (2011)

    E Love (2011)

    Back Kitchen (2011)

    Village Love Symphony (2011)

    Village Love Story (2010)

    Guandong Gentleman (2009)

    Village Love 2 (2008)

    Village Love (2006)

    Liu Laogen (2001)

    Village Chief (1992)