'Bodhisattva' Zuo Daifen, 82, still performs on stage, revealing her real life after the 1986 Journey to the West.

At the age of 82, Zuo Daifen – the classic "Bodhisattva" of the 1986 Journey to the West – unexpectedly appeared on the stage in real life with a sharp mind and a healthy demeanor. Her new image quickly evoked emotions, bringing back childhood memories for many generations of viewers.

Images of actress Ta Dai Fen appearing simply dressed on a stage promoting a restaurant recently surprised netizens. At 82 years old, the actress, once synonymous with the image of Guanyin Bodhisattva in the 1986 Journey to the West, still maintains her sharp mind, clear voice, and confident demeanor when interacting with the audience. Without the bright lights of a film set or elaborate makeup, her presence alone was enough to create a special feeling for viewers.

The clip, recorded by a passerby, quickly went viral on social media, sparking numerous comments expressing surprise. Many viewers confessed they couldn't believe that the "Bodhisattva from years ago" had already turned over 80. For them, the image of Guanyin from Journey to the West seemed to remain unchanged, gentle, benevolent, and timeless. Therefore, seeing Zuo Daifen in real life, still healthy and active, the feeling of nostalgia became even more pronounced.

According to some sources, even after retirement, Zuo Daifen has never truly left the arts. She still maintains a deep passion for Hunan opera and frequently participates in rehearsals and mentors young actors whenever she has free time. For her, the stage is not just a profession but also a part of her spiritual life, helping her maintain connection and positive energy in her twilight years.

Not long before, Zuo Daifen, along with many familiar faces from the 1986 Journey to the West series, participated in an event at Changchun Zoo. The moment she reenacted the scene of putting the golden hoop on Sun Wukong immediately moved the audience. With just one familiar gesture, a whole sky of memories for many generations was awakened, reminding them of a television series that has become a cultural icon.

Few people know that the opportunity for Zuo Daifen to portray Guanyin Bodhisattva began very early. In 1976, she briefly played the Bodhisattva in a play. However, that fleeting role caught the eye of director Yang Jie. After the performance, the director proactively met with Zuo Daifen and expressed her desire to invite her to participate in a film project if the opportunity arose.

It wasn't until six years later that the fateful call from Yang Jie arrived. By then, Zuo Daifen was 38 years old and had barely gone through any auditions. The reason was simple: her benevolent face and calm demeanor were said to "look exactly like the statue of Guanyin in the temple." That choice later proved to be entirely correct.

Despite playing only a supporting role, the image of Guanyin Bodhisattva, as portrayed by Zuo Daifen, remains deeply etched in the audience's memory. Without exaggeration or drama, her performance touched viewers with compassion, integrity, and a rare sense of peace. Nearly four decades later, whenever the 1986 Journey to the West is mentioned, Zuo Daifen's name is still remembered as an irreplaceable part of the story.

At 82, Tả Đại Phân's continued public appearances are not just a testament to her health and vitality, but also proof of the enduring vitality of art and classic values. For audiences, she is not only a "Bodhisattva on screen," but also a beautiful, quiet, yet lasting memory.

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