Huang Xiaoming failed to get his PhD, chose a slower pace of life, but still harbors ambitions for higher education.

Huang Xiaoming attracted attention when he admitted to failing his doctoral exam but remained determined to retake it. He also chose to slow down, temporarily suspending his acting career to pursue his studies and balance his life.

Actor Huang Xiaoming recently attracted public attention when he appeared at a marathon event in Hong Kong on March 26th. During a media interview on the sidelines of the event, he candidly shared about not passing the 2025 doctoral entrance exam, while also expressing his determination to continue pursuing his education.

Previously, in May 2025, the actor was among the candidates for the interview round of the doctoral program at the Shanghai Academy of Dramatic Arts. His chosen field of study was "artistic management/theatrical planning"—a field closely related to his years of experience in the entertainment industry. However, in June of the same year, the official results showed that he was not accepted.

Faced with this news, Huang Xiaoming maintained a calm and positive attitude. He briefly shared: "It's okay, even if I didn't get accepted, I can still try again." The actor's gentle reaction surprised many, because instead of avoiding the issue or giving lengthy explanations, he chose to view failure as a stepping stone to continue striving.

When asked about his future plans, the actor affirmed that pursuing a PhD is a personal choice and that he will persevere in it. He confided, "I hope to succeed someday, because no one in my family has a PhD yet, and I want to be the first." This simple yet sincere reason quickly resonated with the audience, as it wasn't grandiose but very ordinary and relatable.

In fact, in a previous interview, Huang Xiaoming shared that his motivation for studying stemmed from a desire to accumulate knowledge. He said, "The learning process makes me feel fulfilled and happy, and I hope it can enrich my life." For him, learning is not just about prestige, but also a journey of self-improvement.

Beyond just discussing his studies, the actor also shared his current career aspirations. He revealed that he hasn't taken on any new film projects since the beginning of the year. The reason isn't a lack of offers, but rather that he hasn't found a script that truly suits him.

"In my early twenties, I always felt like I couldn't stop, that I had to be constantly busy, but at this age, I want to enjoy the present moment more," he shared. This perspective shows a shift in the actor's outlook on life after many years in the entertainment industry. Temporarily stepping away from acting is also a way for him to balance work, personal life, and his academic goals.

Huang Xiaoming was born on November 13, 1977, in Qingdao, Shandong Province (China). He graduated from the Acting Department of the Beijing Film Academy in 2000 and quickly became one of the prominent faces of Chinese cinema. He was contemporaries of many famous names such as Zhao Wei, Chen Kun, and Zhou Xun.

Throughout his career, he has made his mark through a series of famous works such as "The Great Han Emperor," "The Condor Heroes," and "The New Shanghai Bund." Thanks to his handsome appearance and versatile acting abilities, he was once dubbed the "number one young male star" of the Chinese entertainment industry.

Huang Xiaoming "neglects" his younger girlfriend, unexpectedly becoming close again with Angelababy? Thảo Vi16:55:50 26/01/2026Although they are no longer husband and wife, Huang Xiaoming and Angelababy continue to support each other as parents. After their divorce, they have appeared together many times to take their son, Little Sponge, out to play, creating an image of a civilized family that has attracted public attention.