Chinese actor Jia Nailiang admits to limited talent, career struggles

Chinese actor Jia Nailiang, once married to Golden Horse Award-winning actress Li Xiaolu, has opened up about his current career challenges. Following Li Xiaolu's 2017 extramarital affair with rapper PG One, the couple divorced, and Jia Nailiang has since largely stepped away from acting.

In a recent live stream, Jia Nailiang candidly addressed audience questions about his career. He confessed that his acting talent is limited, stating, "My acting talent is not strong, I don't act well." He described his past efforts, including early mornings and late nights memorizing lines, but felt his performances only reached a "passing" standard.

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My acting talent is not strong, I don't act well.

The actor also expressed frustration with his current age and the evolving film and television industry. He feels caught in an awkward middle ground, unable to play elder roles convincingly while not fitting the profile for younger, idol-like characters. This sentiment reflects a common predicament for many mid-career actors.

Jia Nailiang's remarks have sparked discussion online, with some viewers commending his honesty and others questioning if he is merely seeking sympathy. He has largely transitioned to live-streaming for product sales, a common path for celebrities seeking alternative income streams in China's entertainment landscape.

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As I get older, my role positioning becomes awkward; I can't play elders, and I'm not suitable for playing idols, getting stuck in the middle.