# You Benchang

You Benchang (Chinese: 游本昌; pinyin: Yóu Běnchāng; born 16 September 1933) is a Chinese actor. You is known for his roles as Ji Gong in the television series Ji Gong, which earned him a Best Actor Award at the 4th Golden Eagle Awards.

## Early life and education

You was born in Taizhou, Jiangsu on 16 September 1933, and primarily studied in Shanghai and Nanjing. When he was a child, a fortune teller said that he could not live to be 13 years old unless he became a monk. So when he was 6 years old, his parents sent him to Fazang Temple (法藏寺) in Shanghai, where he received ordination as a monk under Master Xingci (兴慈法师). And he got the dharma name "Chengpei" (乘培).
In 1951, You joined the Nanjing Song and Dance Troupe after high school. You entered Shanghai Theatre Academy in 1952, majoring in acting.

## Career

After graduating in 1956 he was assigned to the National Theatre Company of China as an actor.
You joined the Chinese Dramatists Association in 1980.
In 1984, You performed a famous pantomime named Shower (淋浴) in the annual CCTV New Year's Gala.
You first rose to prominence in 1986 for playing Ji Gong in the television series Ji Gong. The series reached number one in the ratings when it aired in China.
In 2009, You had a minor role as Tang Pangzi in The Butcher, the Chef and the Swordsman, which starred Masanobu Andō as Yaba.
You participated in many films, such as Reign of Assassins, The University Days of a Dog, and Painted Skin: The Resurrection.
In 1994, You founded the Beijing Benchang Movie & TV Cultural Co., Ltd.
On 28 July 2009, You became a monk at the Great Light Temple, in Suifenhe, Heilongjiang.
In 2021, he made a guest appearance as a Buddhist monk on the comedy film Lie Detector.
In 2023, Director Wong Kar-wai choose You for the part of Blossoms Shanghai, which enjoyed great popularity. You was praised for his performance as Ye Shu, A bao (Hu Ge)'s guide, mentor, and partner.

## Filmography
### Film

| Year | English title | Chinese title | Role | Notes |
| 1984 | | 下次开船 港游记 | Yang Tieren | |
| 1988 | A Magic Doctor in Suzhou | 姑苏一怪 | Ye Tianshi | |
| 1995 | Fake Emperor | 冒牌皇帝 | Li Hongzhang | |
| 2009 | The Butcher, the Chef and the Swordsman | 刀剑笑 | Tang Pangzi | |
| 2009 | Ji Gong | 济公3之古刹风云 | Ji Gong | |
| 2009 | Ji Gong | 济公3之茶亦有道 | Ji Gong | |
| 2009 | Reign of Assassins | 剑雨 | Master Monk Xingchi | |
| 2010 | The University Days of a Dog | 一只狗的大学时光 | Grandpa | |
| 2011 | Lee's Adventures | 李献计历险记 | Li Xianji | |
| 2011 | Deadly flash play | 致命闪玩 | A gentleman | guest |
| 2012 | Cheer Up Mr Wan | 老万加油 | Laowan's boss | |
| 2012 | Painted Skin: The Resurrection | 画皮2 | Master | |
| 2013 | Blockbuster | 大片 | A patient | |
| 2013 | The Fox Lover | 白狐 | Master Shaye | |
| 2013 | The Wrath Of Vajra | 金刚王 | Master Yuanzu | |
| 2021 | Lie Detector | 测谎人 | Buddhist monk | |

### Television

| Year | English title | Chinese title | Role |
| 1985 | Ji Gong | 济公 | Ji Gong |
| 1998 | | 清明酒家 | Private adviser |
| 1998 | The Story of Liaofan | 了凡的故事 | Master Yunguhui |
| 1998 | | 游先生哑然一笑 | |
| 2004 | Not Without You | 不能没有你 | |
| 2004 | Lotus Lantern | 宝莲灯 | Daode Tianzun |
| 2011 | New Era of the Police | 新时代警察 | An old overseas Chinese |
| 2022 | Thank you Doctor | 谢谢你医生 | |
| 2022 | The Blood of Youth | 少年歌行 | Wang You |
| 2023 | Blossoms Shanghai | 繁花 | Uncle Ye, or Yeshu (Yaso in Shanghainese) |

## Awards

| Year | Work | Award | Result |
| 1986 | Ji Gong | Golden Eagle Award for Best Actor | Won |
| 2024 | | 2nd China TV Drama Annual Ceremony – Lifetime Achievement Artist | Won |
| 2024 | | 32nd China TV Golden Eagle Awards – Lifetime Achievement Award | Won |