Zhao Wei Net Worth: Age, Gangster, Husband
Zhao Wei, also known as Vicki Zhao, is one of the most recognized and influential figures in the Chinese entertainment industry. As an actress, singer, film director, and businesswoman, Zhao has experienced dizzying highs and controversial lows throughout her career. She is admired not only for her on-screen charisma but also for her ventures in business and philanthropy.
However, her career took a dramatic turn in recent years amid political scrutiny and rumors of ties to powerful figures and alleged “gangster” affiliations. These claims—though mostly speculative—have placed her in a complex narrative involving fame, finance, and political fallout.
This comprehensive article titled Zhao Wei Net Worth: Age, Gangster, Husband aims to provide a reliable, insightful, and helpful deep dive into Zhao’s life, wealth, relationships, and controversies. Everything is structured for SEO performance and written with a focus on truth, clarity, and context.
Quick Bio: Zhao Wei Net Worth
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Zhao Wei (Vicki Zhao) |
| Date of Birth | March 12, 1976 |
| Age | 48 (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Wuhu, Anhui Province, China |
| Nationality | Chinese |
| Profession | Actress, Singer, Director, Businesswoman |
| Years Active | 1994 – Present (Limited public activity) |
| Zhao Wei Net Worth | Estimated $1 billion USD (before restrictions) |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Huang Youlong |
| Children | One daughter |
| Not available (presence removed in China) | |
| Father | Zhao Jiahai |
| Mother | Wei Qiying |
| Political Status | Under soft restrictions (since 2021) |
Early Life and Background
Zhao Wei was born on March 12, 1976, in Wuhu, a city located in the Anhui Province of China. Her father, Zhao Jiahai, worked as an engineer, while her mother, Wei Qiying, was a school teacher. Zhao grew up in a typical working-class family during a time of great transition in China’s economic and cultural landscape.
From an early age, Zhao showed a strong interest in the arts. She studied piano, calligraphy, and dance as a child and excelled in academic performance. Her decision to pursue acting came during a period when Chinese cinema was gaining renewed global attention.
Her big break came after she was cast in the 1998 television drama “My Fair Princess” (还珠格格), which turned her into a household name across Asia almost overnight.
Age and Physical Appearance
As of 2024, Zhao Wei is 48 years old. She stands at approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) and has long been admired for her graceful beauty and expressive eyes. Her youthful features and elegant fashion choices have earned her roles as brand ambassador for luxury companies like Fendi, Estée Lauder, and Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Zhao has often been described in media as a symbol of “timeless Chinese beauty,” combining both classical femininity and modern style in her public image.
Education
Zhao Wei is not only a talented artist but also academically accomplished. She attended the Beijing Film Academy, one of China’s most prestigious performing arts institutions. In 2000, she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Performance Arts. Later, in 2012, she earned a Master’s degree in Film Direction from the same academy.
Her thesis film, So Young, released in 2013, was her directorial debut and became a box office hit, grossing over $118 million USD in China alone. This marked a transition from actress to critically acclaimed director, showcasing her intellect and creative versatility.
His Father: Zhao Jiahai
Zhao’s father, Zhao Jiahai, is a retired engineer who worked in the local steel industry in Anhui Province. He has maintained a relatively low profile throughout Zhao’s career and is rarely mentioned in media coverage, reflecting the family’s preference for privacy.
His support during her early years reportedly played a key role in Zhao’s artistic education and moral grounding.
His Mother: Wei Qiying
Zhao’s mother, Wei Qiying, was a schoolteacher and reportedly had a keen interest in Chinese literature. This literary influence may have nurtured Zhao’s passion for storytelling and performance. Her mother has occasionally accompanied her to public events but generally avoids the spotlight.
Despite Zhao’s fame, both parents have managed to maintain a quiet life away from media intrusion.
Children
Zhao Wei has one daughter, born in April 2010, with her husband Huang Youlong. The couple has kept their child largely out of the public eye, prioritizing her privacy amid growing media and political scrutiny.
Although Zhao is known to be a dedicated mother, details about her daughter’s name, school life, or activities are rarely disclosed, in line with Chinese celebrity norms to protect minors.
Who Is Zhao Wei?
Zhao Wei is a multi-talented figure who wears many hats: actress, director, singer, producer, and investor. She first rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s as one of China’s “Four Dan Actresses”—a term reserved for the most bankable female stars.
Notable works in her filmography include:
- Shaolin Soccer (2001)
- Red Cliff (2008)
- Painted Skin (2008)
- So Young (2013, as director)
- Dearest (2014)
Outside of film and television, Zhao has been involved in wine production, real estate, and technology investments. Together with her husband, she made strategic acquisitions in public companies and luxury industries, becoming one of China’s wealthiest entertainers.
Zhao Wei Net Worth
Estimated Net Worth (as of peak in 2020–2021): $1 billion USD
Zhao Wei Net Worth has fluctuated due to political pressure and regulatory intervention. At her peak, she was considered one of the richest actresses in China, with assets accumulated from:
- Film and TV Earnings
With decades in acting and directing, Zhao has been consistently among the highest-paid actresses in China. - Endorsements and Brand Deals
Zhao Wei Net Worth Deals with international brands significantly boosted her income. - Business Investments
Zhao Wei Net Worth She and her husband acquired large stakes in several companies, including the beverage giant Jia Duo Bao, and were involved in tech ventures such as Alibaba Pictures. - Real Estate
Zhao Wei Net Worth Zhao owned multiple high-value properties in China, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Zhao Wei Net Worth However, beginning in 2021, Chinese regulatory authorities started tightening oversight on celebrities and financial speculation. Zhao and her husband were linked to questionable stock market behaviors, which led to:
- Blacklisting from media platforms
- Removal of her name from acting credits and search engines
- Loss of investment licenses and regulatory privileges
Zhao Wei Net Worth As of 2024, Zhao Wei is reportedly under informal house arrest or “soft restrictions”, though this has not been confirmed officially.
The “Gangster” Allegations: What’s the Truth?
The term “gangster” in the context of Zhao Wei’s story largely originates from online speculation and state-influenced media narratives. In 2021, her sudden disappearance from Chinese internet platforms fueled theories of ties to powerful political factions and business practices deemed “unethical” or “shadowy.”
It is important to clarify:
- Zhao Wei has never been formally charged with a crime.
- There is no confirmed affiliation with known criminal organizations.
- The “gangster” rumors are speculative and likely linked to China’s broader crackdown on celebrity culture and financial manipulation.
While rumors abound about her connections to high-level figures and controversial financial dealings, there is no public legal document classifying Zhao Wei as a criminal. That said, her vast influence and opaque business maneuvers certainly drew attention from regulatory authorities.
Husband: Huang Youlong
Huang Youlong, Zhao Wei’s husband, is a Chinese businessman and investor with considerable influence in Asia’s financial circles. He became a public figure due to the couple’s joint investment ventures, particularly in publicly traded companies and real estate.
Huang has faced scrutiny for questionable stock dealings and has been banned from China’s securities markets for certain violations. Despite these issues, the couple reportedly maintains significant overseas assets, including luxury properties in Singapore.
Together, Zhao and Huang formed a business empire that blurred the lines between entertainment and capital markets—something that eventually triggered official backlash in China’s shifting political climate.
Current Life
As of 2024, Zhao Wei maintains an extremely low public profile. She has not appeared in public media since 2021, and all traces of her filmography were removed from China’s major streaming platforms and search engines during that time.
Unofficial reports suggest:
- She is living either in Shanghai or Singapore.
- She remains under “soft surveillance” but not in prison.
- Her online accounts are deactivated or controlled.
- She is focusing on private family life and possibly planning a discreet return to directing through international platforms.
Despite the controversy, Zhao still has a strong base of loyal fans, and her past work continues to circulate internationally.
Conclusion
Zhao Wei’s life and career represent the extraordinary potential and peril of modern celebrity in China. From one of Asia’s most adored actresses to a figure surrounded by speculation and political opacity, her story is both inspiring and cautionary.
Zhao Wei Net Worth$1 billion USD—and her association with business elite made her a symbol of celebrity capitalism. However, in a changing regulatory environment, that success came under heavy fire.
Despite the “gangster” rumors, no official evidence ties Zhao to criminal activity, and much of her fall from grace appears linked to political recalibration, not criminal prosecution.
Whether Zhao Wei will return to the screen remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: her impact on Chinese entertainment and culture is undeniable, and her story remains one of the most compelling in contemporary Asian media history.
FAQs
Q: What is Zhao Wei Net Worth in 2024?
A: Zhao Wei Net Worth was once $1 billion USD, though recent financial and political issues have likely reduced her accessible assets.
Q: How old is Zhao Wei?
A: She is 48 years old as of 2024.
Q: Is Zhao Wei involved with any gangs or gangsters?
A: There is no confirmed or legal evidence of her involvement with any criminal organizations. Rumors stem from political crackdowns and speculation.
Q: Who is Zhao Wei’s husband?
A: She is married to businessman Huang Youlong.
