Yan Huaili (1936-2009)

Yan Huaili was born in Hebei Province on July 24, 1936. He died from lung complications on April 12, 2009. Yan was widely known after playing Monk Sha in the Chinese classic fiction adapted TV series Journey to the West (25 episodes, broadcast in 1987). Monk Sha is the third apprentice to Tang Xuanzang (played by Xu Shaohua, Chi Zhongrui and Wang Yue). In the story, Monk Sha is the former Curtain Raising General in Heaven who was exiled to the mortal world after accidentally smashing a crystal goblet that belonged to the Heavenly Queen Mother. He is known to be the most obedient, logical, and polite of the three disciples, and always takes care of his master, seldom engaging in the quarrels of his fellow-disciples. Yan put on a great performance and vividly portrayed his character. Thousands of fans mourned Yan's death at his funeral on April 16.

The TV series has influenced Chinese children and teenagers. It is played almost every summer and winter vacation on TV. Cast members spent six years traveling all over China to finish the series.

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