Mei Qiaoling, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

Mei Qiaoling

Date of Birth: 25-Sep-1842

Place of Birth: Taizhou, Jiangsu, China

Date of Death: 16-Dec-1882

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Mei Qiaoling (25 September 1842 – 16 December 1882), born Mei Fang, courtesy name Xiaobo and art name Huixian, was a Qing dynasty Peking opera and kunqu artist based in Beijing.
He specialized in playing dan roles, or women.
Originally from Taizhou, Jiangsu, he was sold to a childless man in Suzhou at age 8.
After that man remarried and begot a son, Mei was sold again, this time to a theatrical troupe where he had to train to become a performer.
He rose to stardom despite his pudginess, which earned him the nickname "Fat Qiaoling" (???).
At age 30, he became the leader of the Four Happiness Troupe (???), one of the most famous troupes in Beijing, and rarely performed after that. His son Mei Yutian was also a performer.
His grandson Mei Lanfang was the most accomplished Peking opera artist of all time.