Top 10 movie stars that China loves

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America's dimpled child movie star Shirley Temple Black died late Monday evening at the age of 85. Her passing has shocked the world, and her fans in China are also deeply saddened by the loss of yet another showbiz talent.
Temple is just one example of movie stars that China adored, and still adores. Their talents, their styles and their stories during their periods have deeply imprinted the hearts of Chinese audiences.
Here's our editor's pick of the top 10 movie stars who have influenced China. Some of them have left, but their work can still be appreciated, and their legacy remembered.

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1. Alain Delon

Alain Delon was considered as the "Apollo" of showbiz in the 60's and 70's. Chinese audiences might not be familiar with his best work, but can definitely recognize his handsome face. To most Chinese women, he is a perfect symbol of Western nobility and masculinity. Even to this day, fans around the world still regard him as the spokesman for handsomeness.

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2. Ken Takakura

Ken Takakura is perhaps the first Japanese character to make his way into the Chinese market. His masculinity stood out during a period where "softer" appearances were popular. Takakura is best known for his portrait of solemn, stern male characters that would hide passion under layers of responsibilities and burdens. Those close to him say he does not smile or talk much, even when he's not filming. A mysterious and good-looking man – what can be more attractive?

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3. Humphrey Bogart

Humphrey DeForest Bogart (December 25, 1899 – January 14, 1957), the greatest male star in the history of American cinema ranked by the American Film Institute, is still widely recognized as an American cultural icon. He is most known for the film Casablanca and his trademark persona on the silver screen – that hard-boiled cynic who always reveals his noble and softer side in the end.

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4. Charlie Chaplin

In the 20th century, it is not too much to say that Einstein made the greatest contributions to science, and not many would disagree that Chaplin (April 16, 1889 – December 25, 1977) did the same for film. He was the first actor that introduced comedy to most Chinese viewers, and politically, he was also a close friend of China’s. His silent films broke the barrier of language and his form of art was recognized by all. It will be a difficult task to find a person in China who does not recognize Chaplin, even today. There are many great comedians, both now and past, but no one has yet surpassed Chaplin for his vitality and longevity.

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5. Sylvester Stallone
Oh, Rambo! The first macho American man that China knew, Stallone's physique seemed like an amplified version of the sculpture David when he took his shirt off on screen. His accented English, easily recognizable even for someone who doesn't speak English, and his eyes that never seemed to smile, makes him someone whom cannot be forgotten. He represented the strong American image, and even stirred a boxing and bodybuilding fever in China.

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6. Marilyn Monroe

( June 1, 1926 – August 6, 1962)
She was the heroine in a fairytale-like politic scandal. Her life before she found fame is still a mystery. Her smile as she waves from a plane against a sea of cheering soldiers will forever be a beautiful scene in history. Hollywood defined her as sexy, something she was capable of delivering with ease, but also a weight she could not lift so as to breathe at ease. Regrettably, Chinese audiences did not know how to perceive such a symbol of the "American Dream" like Monroe during her time. But hopefully her beauty and legacy can be remembered during our time.