Yuan Quan (Chinese: 袁泉; pinyin: Yuán Quán, born 16 October 1977), also known as Yolanda Yuan, is a Chinese actress and singer. She graduated from the Central Academy of Drama where she majored in drama.[1]
Though Yuan achieved success in films, it is on stage that Yuan has earned most fame and applause.[4] She chose to become a professional drama actress at the National Theater of China after graduation and first attracted the audience and media in the 2001 production of Hurricane.[citation needed] Yuan rose to prominence in 2005 when she starred in Meng Jinghui's musical drama Amber, which was a hit; touring seven cities in Asia and attracting more than 100,000 audiences.[5] In 2006, she starred in Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land by Stan Lai, which won critical acclaim and was voted "Best Stage Drama of 2006".[6] The success of the play led to Yuan's introduction to famous Taiwan musician Yao Qian, who in turn inspired Yuan Quan to start a musical career. In 2007, Yuan released her first album, The Lonely Flower.[7]
Yuan also took on the role of the titular protagonist for the 2009 and 2013 drama production Jane Eyre by the National Center for the Performing Arts.[citation needed] Her performance received acclaim; in an audience poll conducted by the Beijing News, 90% believed that Yuan's Jane did justice to the novel, conveying the character's ‘calm, introverted and persistent personality’.[8] Yuan won the China Golden Lion Award for Drama in 2010 and the Plum Blossom Award in 2012; both are considered high honors in theater.[9][10]
In 2017, Yuan co-starred in The First Half of My Life, a drama that tells the inspirational story of a housewife-turned-career woman. The drama was a huge hit in China.[15]
^"第36届中国电影金鸡奖评委会提名名单" [The 36th China Golden Rooster Awards Jury Nomination List]. China Golden Rooster Awards and Hundred Flowers Film Festival (in Chinese). 15 October 2023. Archived from the original on 25 November 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
^"官宣!第37届大众电影百花奖公布提名名单及主视觉" [Official announcement! The 37th Popular Film Hundred Flowers Awards announced the nomination list and key visual]. Sohu (in Chinese). 2 July 2024.