RENOWNED Chinese stand-up comedian Xiao Lin died from leukemia yesterday at age 59, which was confirmed by his friend and skit comedian Jiang Kun.

    The news was first released on Weibo by comedian Miao Fu. Many Chinese comedians and stars reposted the news and sent their condolences.

    Xiao Lin, originally named Zhao Xiaolin, was a folk art performer in Shandong Province. He later turned into a stand-up comedian and changed his name on the advice of Li Guyi, a famed Chinese singer.

    Xiao Lin was a student of late Chinese comedian Ma Ji. He rose to fame in 1980 while partnered with Li Guosheng. Some of his most popular shows were “Zan Ye Shiyiba” (“Let’s Give It a Try”) and “Song Chunlian” (“Sending off Spring Festival Couplets”).

    Besides performing as a comedian, he also hosted “Mei Ri Nongjing” (“Everyday Agricultural News”), a CCTV Channel 7 program that focused on stories and business opportunities surrounding Chinese farmers.(Tan Yifan)