"Sha Tang Journey to the West" died suddenly, the journalist had bad news, and the whole of Asia was shocked

Artist Liu Dagang, who played Sha Tang in the 2000 version of Journey to the West, died suddenly in Beijing on November 3, at the age of 78. The shocking information from the family has made social networks and the fan community extremely sad.

Shocking information has just been confirmed by Chinese media: Veteran artist Liu Dagang – who played Sha Tang in the 1998 version of Journey to the West (part 2) – died in Beijing on November 3 due to a violent illness. His sudden death not only made the art world mourn but also shocked social networks. This sad news immediately ranked first on Weibo hot search, proving the influence and love that the audience had for the late artist.

Simple will of the late artist

According to an announcement from opera artist Liu Bing on November 7, Liu Daigang's family said that the funeral would be held simply, in accordance with the late artist's will. This discreet and serene choice reflects the authentic and calm performance that he has shown throughout his career, leaving a deep impression in the hearts of the audience.

Liu Dagang was born in 1947, used to be an actor in the Chinese Opera House and was awarded the title of First Class National Artist. By the 1990s, he began to participate in films and quickly became a familiar face on the small screen.

Classic role: Sha Tang in Journey to the West (1998)

Liu Dagang's name is deeply associated with the role of Sha Tang in the 1998 film Journey to the West, which was first broadcast in 2000. This is a continuation and complete part of the classic version of Journey to the West 1986 (with the role of Sa Tang played by the late artist Yan Hoai Le, who also passed away in 2009).

The version of Journey to the West Part 2, directed by Duong Khiet, with the participation of familiar actors such as Lu Tieu Linh Dong, Tu Shaohua, Tri Trong Thuy, has been considered the perfect ending to the classic journey of Tang Tang's teachers and students. The film not only has more epic battle scenes but also has vivid character creation, recorded a viewership rate of up to 30% when it was first broadcast on February 8, 2000 on CCTV1, becoming one of China's most prominent television productions in the early 21st century.

Luu Dai Cuong's performance as Sa Tang is commented as authentic, calm, fully conveying the loyalty and patience of the character.

The great legacy of the great artist

In addition to the role of Sha Tang for life, Liu Daigang also appeared in many other famous Chinese dramas and movies such as: Three Kingdoms Dien Nghia, Prime Minister Liu Gu, Yi Thien Do Long Ky: Demon Sect Master... He has proven his ability to act in diversity and depth in each role.

The passing of artist Liu Daigang at the age of 78 has left a huge void in the hearts of the public, especially fans who grew up with his classic TV works. His name and artistic legacy will forever be remembered as an integral part of the history of Chinese film and television.