Retiree stages second act as short-film star

In a makeshift studio in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province, 60-year-old Pan Yihong pivots from a menacing glare to a wicked smirk. To millions of viewers across China, she is the mother-in-law from hell or the grandmother you hope never to meet. But to the industry, she is the "Golden Leaf" of a digital revolution.

After decades spent working as a discipline official in a State-owned enterprise, Pan has emerged as an unlikely pioneer in China's explosive micro-drama market. Since retiring, she has appeared in over 300 short-form dramas, carving out a prolific "second career" that culminated in a major industry award in late 2025.

She estimates that 80 percent of the roles she has played are elderly villains, earning her the nickname "Rong Momo", a reference to one of Chinese television's most iconic villains.

While some actors might shy away from being typecast as the "bad guy",Pan embraces it. "It shows that I have successfully portrayed the images like a wicked mother-in-law, and they recognize my acting skills," she said."If others are unwilling to play a role, I can take it!"

Her secret to portraying a villain lies in capturing the character's "human logic" and focusing on subtle details instead of loud outbursts, Pan said.

In contrast to "Rong Momo", Pan, a cheerful and lively person in real life, is affectionately called "Auntie Pan" by many younger actors on set.

Her husband of decades, Qiao Rui, 63, admits he rarely watches the dramas but fully supports her. "This is just acting," he said. "In real life, she is very kind-hearted."

Pan's stardom is the fulfillment of a dream deferred for four decades. In 1984, she finished a drama training course but set it aside for a stable career and "practical reasons". She kept that faded pink certificate tucked away in her wedding trousseau through four house moves, a silent reminder of the path not taken.

The name her father gave her — Yihong, meaning "artistic rainbow" — was a wish that she would one day reach the heights of the arts.

Late last year, that wish was realized when she accepted the Golden Leaf Honor at the Weibo TV and Internet Video Summit in Beijing."Your daughter didn't just become an actress," she told her father at his grave following the ceremony. "She won an award."

As a short drama acting pioneer, Pan has witnessed the industry's evolution and has her own insight.

"I have watched this industry rise from the ground. From the beginning, it was all about 'mindless thrilling dramas', with all kinds of exaggeration. But now the market is changing, and so are the audiences. Short dramas can't just rely on 'thrills', they also need warmth, and they must be rooted in content that is beneficial to society and beneficial to families," Pan said.

When asked about why she always plays villains, Pan said: "Once an actor successfully portrays a certain type of role, they become typecast, and similar roles keep coming their way."

As for the future, Pan has bigger plans. "I also want to try my hand at comedy and spy films. If given the chance, I'd love to act in long-form dramas and work with veteran actors I admire."

As of June 2025, the number of micro-drama viewers nationwide had reached 696 million, accounting for nearly 70 percent of the total internet users.

Fast pace is common in the short drama production industry, where tight schedules and budget constraints require actors to work long hours.

"When she has to leave early and return late for work, I always remind her to take better care of herself," said Pan's husband Qiao.

However, Pan remains highly motivated about her second career. "Age is merely a symbol," she said. "Sixty can be the start of a new life. Retirement isn't about the end. It means finding a new stage to shine on."

Contact the writers at qixin@chinadaily.com.cn