Ma Tianyu (Chinese: 马天宇; pinyin: Mǎ Tiānyǔ; born 12 July 1986), also known as Ray Ma, is a Chinese singer and actor. He graduated from the Beijing Film Academy.
Ma was born to an ethnic Hui family in Wucheng county, Dezhou, Shandong, China. At the age of 5, his mother passed away due to suicide, and subsequently, his father left the family due to debts. Ma, along with his two sisters, went on to live with their elderly grandparents.
To support his family, at the age of 16, Ma relocated to Beijing, where he began working in various capacities. During his time as a bartender in Beijing, he encountered individuals associated with the entertainment industry who recognized his potential. They suggested that he pursue a career as an actor and advised him to undertake the entrance examination for the Beijing Film Academy.
In the absence of a clear career path, Ma followed the suggestion. Grappling with shyness during the auditions, Ma decided to participate in the talent competition My Hero (2006) to bolster his self-confidence.
2006–2008: Debut as a singer
In 2006, Ma became the regional champion for the Wuhan area and came sixth in the final round of My Hero; he was elected the most popular contestant.[1]
In 2007, Ma released his first album Beautiful Light.[2] The album was well-received, and topped the Asia Music Chart for Chinese albums. Ma won two newcomer awards at the China Billboard Award Ceremony,[3] and Most Popular Singer awards at the 5th Southeast Music Chart Awards and 11th Tencent Star Award Ceremony.[4][5] "The Death of Gentleness" from the album was also chosen as one of the Top Ten Songs of the Year.[6]
2009–2013: Acting debut and breakthrough
Ma made his acting debut in the film Evening of Roses, based on a novel of the same name by Cai Zhiheng.[7] In 2010, he played the character Jia Baoyu in the historical television series The Legend of Daiyu.[8]
Ma first gained public attention in 2011 when he starred in wuxia drama The Vigilantes in Masks alongside Wallace Huo and Cecilia Liu.[9] He won the Breakthrough Actor award at the 2011 Youku Television Index Awards.[10] He then starred in Hunan TV's family drama Treasure Mother Treasure Girl (2012), which topped viewership ratings.[11] The same year, he had a guest starring role in Xuan-Yuan Sword: Scar of Sky, which was well received by the audience.[12]
In 2013, Ma starred in the comedy film, The Cosplayers,[13] and was chosen as the Most Promising Film Actor for his performance.[14]
2014–present: Rising popularity
Ma gained an increase in popularity after starring in the wuxia drama Young Sherlock (2014). His portrayal of the elegant and dandy Wang Yuanfang was critically praised.[15] He continued his success streak with dual roles in Swords of Legends (2014), which was a huge commercial success.[16] The same year he released a single titled "Narcissus". The song received positive reviews from both the media and fans and topped various music charts in China.[17]
In 2015, Ma joined the cast of travel-reality show Sisters Over Flowers, and sung the theme song titled "Let Time Rewind in the Wind" for the show.[18] The same year, he starred in the comedy film Surprise. The film broke a million admissions and Ma received acclaim for his dynamic portrayal of a "tragic hero".[19] Ma received the "Outstanding Male Artist" award at the Esquire Man at His Best Award.[20]
In 2016, Ma starred in the epic fantasy drama Ice Fantasy, based on Guo Jingming's best-selling novel City of Fantasy, playing the role of the silent and mysterious ice prince, Ying Kongshi.[21] He became known to wider international audience following the airing of the drama.[22] The same year, he released the album Flower in Hand to celebrate his 10th anniversary since debut.[23]
In 2019, Ma starred in romance melodrama River Flows To You alongside Zheng Shuang,[28] and romance environmental drama My Mowgli Boy alongside actress Yang Zi.[29]
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