Hou Baolin (; November 29, 1917 – February 4, 1993) was a Chinese

xiangsheng Xiangsheng (), also known as crosstalk or comic dialog, is a traditional performing art in Chinese comedy, and one of the most popular elements in Chinese culture. It is typically performed as a dialog between two performers, or rarely as a ...

performer. He was one of his generation's most popular and influential xiangsheng performers and was mentor to many later xiangsheng performers. His apprentices include Ma Ji, Ding Guangquan, Shi Shengjie, and Wu Zhaonan. He was the father of Hou Yaohua and Hou Yaowen.

Biography

Hou Baolin was born in Tianjin, China on November 29, 1917. He joined the Peking Opera Troupe at the age of 12, before switching his profession to being a xiangsheng performer, in which he studied under Zhu Kuoquan. After the founding of new China, the social status of folk performers rose considerably. Hou joined the Quyi Art Troupe of the Chinese Broadcasting Recitation and Ballad Troupe and made major contributions to China's xiangsheng art.

Personal

Hou's third wife was Wang Yalan. Hou had three sons and two daughters, including Hou Yaohua and Hou Yaowen. Hou died on February 4, 1993, at the age of 76 of stomach cancer. He was buried at

Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery The Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery () is Beijing's main resting place for the highest-ranking revolutionary heroes, high-ranking government officials and, in recent years, individuals deemed of major importance due to their contributions to soc ...

, in Beijing, China.

References

External links

Maine University. 2008. Photo of tomb of Hou Baolin and his wife at Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery in Beijing, China. Photo taken by Marilyn Shea.
1917 births 1993 deaths Chinese male comedians Chinese male stage actors Chinese xiangsheng performers Male actors from Tianjin 20th-century Chinese male actors 20th-century Chinese comedians Burials at Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery Manchu male actors {{comedian-stub