From historical dramas to Versace, the rapid rise of Rosy Zhao
In short: In just a few years, Zhao Lusi transitioned from minor supporting roles to becoming a global brand ambassador for Versace. Her career trajectory, marked by breakout hits and significant industry shifts, offers a compelling look at the intense pace of modern Chinese entertainment stardom.
Zhao Lusi, also called Rosy Zhao, entered acting in 2017 through a minor part in the web series Cinderella Chef, following her birth on November 9, 1998. Her rise was rapid; she landed her initial lead position in the 2018 period fantasy series Oh! My Emperor, a role that won her the Golden Bud–The Third Network Film And Television Festival's Newcomer prize. She also co-hosted the variety show Mars Intelligence Agency. Her early career included a small role in the film City of Rock.
Her filmography expanded rapidly through the early 2020s, featuring hits such as The Romance of Tiger and Rose (2020) and The Long Ballad (2021). The latter earned her the Asian Star Prize at the 2021 Seoul International Drama Awards. This momentum eventually crossed into the high-fashion world in 2023, when she was named a global brand ambassador for Versace, a move celebrated by chief creative officer Donatella Versace. She also appeared in the romance film Autumn Fairytale. Her work also includes the wuxia fantasy drama Who Rules the World.
However, this rapid success has been accompanied by significant personal and professional challenges. Following health concerns, Zhao halted all work in December 2024, admitting she had struggled with depression since 2019. This period was marked by allegations of workplace abuse and a contractual dispute with her management agency regarding unauthorized financial withdrawals. By late 2025, Zhao appeared to be navigating a professional rebirth, with reports indicating she would sign with Alibaba's entertainment division, Hujin DME, to resolve previous legal matters and secure new television roles. In May 2024, she served as a torchbearer for the Summer Olympics. She also released two English songs produced by Brian Lee.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Zhao Lusi
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