Zhang Jinlai
Zhang Jinlai (章金莱), better known by his stage name Liu Xiao Ling Tong, is best known for his role as the Monkey King (Sun Wukong) in the 1986 television series "The Journey to the West."
"The Journey to the West" is a timeless classic Chinese television series based on the classic novel of the same title by Wu Cheng'en in the 16th century, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. First shot in 1982 and first broadcast in 1986, the drama tells of the legend of the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), the Buddhist monk Xuanzang, who traveled to the place later known as India on a pilgrimage to obtain Buddhist scriptures. Protected by his three disciples, he faced many trials and tribulations on his way there and back.
Once the series was broadcast, it received significant approval and high popularity from both Chinese and foreign audiences. It was re-played on TV every year and Zhang Jinlai became a household name for generations.
Zhang plans to apply to Guinness World Records for the most rebroadcast and top rated TV series in the world record for "Journey to the West" since the TV series has been rebroadcast more than 3,000 times, and for another record: having the most family members playing the same role (Monkey King), including Zhang's great-grandfather, grandfather, father, elder brother (who passed away in a young age), and himself played Monkey King in various plays, operas and TV dramas.
The Monkey King actor has already two records recognized by China Records, a similar organization, like the Guinness World Records, which was established in 1992 and only recognizes and promotes Chinese cultural and folk records. The records include the longest span 17 years (1982-1999) spent filming and producing a world classic novel-based TV series; as well as the person (and his art gallery) with the largest collection of arts and handicrafts from "Journey to the West."
"The Journey to the West" stories and characters have been widely used and have been adapted many times into modern film, television, stage, and other media, even inspired several classic comics, such as the Japanese manga "Dragon Ball" by Akira Toriyama.
