Taiwanese Actress Chen Yalan Makes History By Becoming First Woman To Win Best Leading Actor At The Golden Bell Awards

Who said a best actor has to be a man?

Last Saturday (Oct 22), Taiwanese opera actress Chen Yalan, 56, made history when she became the first woman to be named Best Leading Actor in a Television Series at Taiwan's annual Golden Bell Awards. 

Yalan, who is famed for playing male roles in opera shows, was recognised for her performance as Qing Dynasty's Jiaqing Emperor in Lord Jiaqing and The Journey to Taiwan. 

When Yalan received the award, she shared her wish to continue promoting opera culture, and took the opportunity to thank her mentor Yang Lihua, a veteran Taiwanese opera performer, who's regarded as a "living national treasure"

"All the small achievements that I have today were given to me by her. She taught me how to be a [good] person, how to act, and how to take on male roles. This award should be hers, Yang Lihua will always be the Best Leading Actor in my heart."

Many celebrities and netizens have since commented on Yalan's history-making achievement.

"Only Taiwan could give a Best Actor award to a woman! Operas are shows too, and they can also win the Golden Bell Awards! All hail Chen Yalan the king!" effused Taiwanese influencer Emmy Hu.

Acclaimed Taiwanese novelist Giddens Ko also praised the awards show for being "ahead of its time".

Photos: setn, focustaiwan