Photo/Liu Xiao Ling Tong (actor of Monkey King in Journey to the West)

Feb 21 (NBD)-- Ren Fengpo, vice director of Journey to the West and renowned Peking Opera performer at the National Peking Opera Company, passed away on February 20th at the age of 83, according to a Weibo post of Liu Xiao Ling Tong, actor of Monkey King in Journey to the West on Monday. 

Ren was best known for his roles in the classic 1986 version of Journey to the West, where he played multiple characters, including the memorable "Yellow Robe Monster". He also made a cameo appearance as Monkey King in the 12th episode.

At the time, the crew was using rudimentary equipment and Liu Xiao Ling Tong, the actor playing Monkey King, was often injured. Ren stepped in to help the crew stay on schedule and played Monkey King in the episode "Seizing Treasures In Lotus Flower Cave". His performance was so good that even Monkey King himself would not have been able to tell the difference.

Ren was one of 11 "all-purpose actors" on the set of Journey to the West, and each of them played multiple roles.

Even when Ren was hospitalized, Liu Xiao Ling Tong paid him a visit.

Upon the news of his death, many netizens posted online to pay their respects.