From 'The Tale of Hoàn Châu' to the countryside: How a retired man became a farmer and stayed youthful at the age of over 60

Châu Kiệt used to study at the Performing Arts Department of the Shanghai Drama Academy (China) before entering the entertainment industry at the age of 22. He made a mark with films such as: Youth Bao Thanh Thien, The Return of the Condor Heroes (2003), Night at Cape Nhi Tan, New Four Scholarly Families…

The male actor is considered a talented star in the entertainment industry and his role as Ni Kang in Return of the Condor Heroes is the most famous role in his career. In 2009, Châu Kiệt was shunned by audiences when he caused an accident while driving and then fled, causing a romantic scandal.

In 2015, he silently left the entertainment industry, focusing on business and agriculture to become an underground tycoon. The famous actor once turned to investing in rice cultivation, selling clean products. He also owns his own vineyard.

His business success has made Châu Kiệt a millionaire in the Chinese entertainment industry. According to estimates by QQ, Châu Kiệt's assets are not less than 2 million USD and he also owns many properties in Europe.

When asked about the decision to "flee" from the entertainment industry, Châu Kiệt once said: "When one is trapped in a deadlock, impulsive choices will be made, regardless of right or wrong. On that day, I had no way to face everyone so I chose the stupidest but most comfortable way for myself."

In 2020, Châu Kiệt unexpectedly accepted an invitation to act in a film and returned to the entertainment industry after nearly 5 years "in hiding". He participated in a play at the National Drama Theater and received the attention of the audience.

Although he received attention, Châu Kiệt stated that he has no intention of returning to the entertainment industry. The male actor shared that during his years away from the entertainment industry, he lived a lifestyle focused on health and meditation.

On social media, he occasionally shares about rice cultivation, drinking herbal water, practicing physical fitness, and maintaining emotional balance. Châu Kiệt also maintains a secretive lifestyle, especially in romantic relationships.

At the beginning of 2020, he caused a stir when he was seen at a hospital with a woman and a young boy. There were reports that this was Châu Kiệt's wife and son, but the male actor did not comment.

In 2021, he was embroiled in controversy when a girl claimed to be his ex-girlfriend and accused him of having a loose lifestyle, liking younger girls, and being irresponsible to his ex-girlfriend.

In response, the actor said: "A friend of mine once said that only when I admit to being homosexual will rumors about my private life stop appearing. Maybe people should think like that so I can be cleared."

Châu Kiệt is also the only star who does not maintain relationships with his colleagues from the cast of Return of the Condor Heroes. For over 20 years, the actors from the film still attend reunions. In these events, Châu Kiệt is always absent.

In 2021, when attending an entertainment program, the actor explained why he did not appear in all the events of the cast of Return of the Condor Heroes. It was because the cast never invited him to attend.

Châu Kiệt was involved in a scandal of forcing a kiss with co-star Lin Xinru. At that time, fans of the two artists engaged in heated debate. Châu Kiệt was also accused by Chen Chih-Ping (as Ni Tai) of pressuring weaker actors.

At the end of last year, writer Quynh Dao – the creator of Return of the Condor Heroes – suddenly passed away, and many actors from the cast posted, attending her funeral to bid farewell. Châu Kiệt was the only one from the cast who did not respond.

Film critic Ngo Thanh Cong criticized the actor. He wrote: "Except for Châu Kiệt, all the main actors in the various versions of Return of the Condor Heroes expressed condolences for Quynh Dao. Châu Kiệt has issues with some actors but Quynh Dao did not treat him badly. Why did Châu Kiệt behave like that?".

Ngo Thanh Cong's post received support from many viewers. In response to the audience's reactions, Châu Kiệt did not comment.

At the beginning of May, Châu Kiệt unexpectedly appeared at the Shanghai Drama Academy - where he studied and graduated from many years ago. At the age of 55, Châu Kiệt is praised for being youthful and stylish.