Zhu Longguang, Actor Who Played the Buddha in 1987’s “Journey to the West,” Passes Away

CNBC AI News, August 3rd – Veteran actor Zhu Longguang has passed away in Beijing at the age of 86, according to a family statement released today. Zhu succumbed to illness on August 2, 2025.

Zhu Longguang was a celebrated figure in Chinese entertainment, renowned for his portrayal of Gao Chuanbao in “Tunnel Warfare,” but perhaps best known internationally for his iconic role as the Buddha in the 1987 adaptation of “Journey to the West.” He also delighted audiences with his character Tong Boda, father of Tong Xiangyu, in the popular sitcom “My Own Swordsman.”

The veteran actor, whose serene and dignified presence shaped memorable screen portrayals, has bid farewell to the stage and audiences he so deeply cherished. His passing marks the end of an era showcasing the depth and range of Chinese acting talent.

News of Zhu’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance online, with fans recalling his profound interpretation of the Buddha, a performance widely considered definitive.

Actor Liu Xiao Ling Tong, who played the Monkey King in “Journey to the West,” posted a message lamenting the loss: “A master of film, television, and stage art, Zhu Longguang, passed away in Beijing on August 2, 2025, at the age of 86. Eternal ‘Buddha’ – infinite sorrow and remembrance.”