Both Xu Zhengxi and his agency Asian Stars (星之传媒) recently released statements that shed some light on the actor’s sudden decision where it had seemed he was leaving showbiz for good. If you’re wondering what happened to Xu Zhengxi, here’s the lowdown.
The Chinese actor, known by many English names Jeremy Jones, Xu Zhengxi, and Jeremy Tsui, surprised fans when he said farewell to his post as an actor in March 2024. At the time, he thanked fans for their support and apologized for any distress caused by his decision. While he never directly said he was quitting showbiz, many felt it was implied and speculated it was due to conflicts with his agency.
Family Comes First: The Real Reason Behind His Showbiz Break
For six months, the 39-year-old actor stayed mostly under the radar, occasionally appearing in photos such as being papped sporting a new haircut. Then, on September 6, Xu Zhengxi took to social media to address his fanbase, whom he calls “守护神” (Guardians).
He expressed deep gratitude towards his fans, writing, “No matter where you are, I want to express my appreciation to you. Without your support over the years, I wouldn’t have made it this far. You’ve been like a warm light guiding my way.” Xu Zhengxi also apologized for causing concern with his previous announcement, revealing the true reason behind his decision. “Six years ago, my father was diagnosed with a condition, but it worsened unexpectedly over the past two years. As the only son, I felt it was my duty to support my family during this difficult time. I acted impulsively, eager to return home in such a resolute way, but in doing so, I hurt many people.”
He acknowledged the impact of his decision on his ongoing projects, clients, and even his agency, stating, “In the past eight years, without the care and support of Asian Stars Team, there wouldn’t be the Xu Zhengxi you see today.” He added, “Maybe I can no longer be the Xu Zhengxi you want, but I will still persevere in fulfilling my promises and “never give up, walk hand in hand until the end of the world” in different ways.”
His Agency, Asian Stars, Releases Statement
Xu Zhengxi’s agency, Asian Stars, also released a statement, referring to their eight-year collaboration with Xu as a journey of ups and downs. They praised his dedication and professionalism, sharing how Xu always aimed for perfection in his roles. The agency explained that they respected his need to focus on family, but due to privacy concerns, they chose not to address rumors at the time.
Recent statements from the actor and his agency has some wondering if the actor intends to return to showbiz after all. Meanwhile, fans left supportive comments saying that regardless of whether he returns to acting or not, they would continue to stand by him.
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HL
Stress does make us not think calmly. I wish Xu Zhengxi happiness…
Iraida Martinez
He visto varios de sus dramas y me ha gustado mucho su profesionalismo y el interés y dedicación a cada rol que ha desarrollado.Como ser humano se merece tomar una pausa laboral para atender sus asuntos privados y familiares.Le deseo le vaya muy bien y a sus familiares que los pueda ayudar y ser felices .Si regresa algún día volverá a ver sus trabajos pues si amplia experiencia no es fácil de olvidar.Ademas se conserva siempre hermoso y juvenil y debe aprovechar tiempo para cumplir y compartir con sus seres queridos.Muchas bendiciones!
Lisa
I don’t think he made a rash decision. Our loved ones are only on this earthly plane for a short period of time. He would be filled with regret if he didn’t take a step back and spend more time with his dad if/when his dad passes away. He can always come back and refocus on his career later. I know cdrama business is cut throat but he has talent!
HL
I think it may be how he dealt with the situation at that moment…not so much the decision he made…
Ash
It was not a rash decision. Many would have made the same decision when faced with such a choice. But he could have worded it differently at the time so that it would not sound like a permanent (and angry) retirement from the industry, unless that was indeed his intention. Many others have also taken sabbaticals for various reasons. No big deal.
Lisa
It definitely sounded permanent, but I don’t recall it sounding angry? I went back to the original post and the screenshot of the message just basically said goodbye to my role as an actor, thank you for your long time support, sorry for giving you guys troubles, grateful for everything, I love you all. Maybe you’re referencing another another communication I didn’t see/read about.
Ash
Ah, you have to learn to read between and behind the cliche lines they put out officially and what was unsaid. That was what it sounded like.
Lisa
@Ash, I guess I should because it sounded super polite to me 🥲. I’ll take your word for it. I don’t really follow the inner workings of c-entertainment, but hear a lot more goes on behind the scenes than meets the eyes.
Coralie
lol does that mean he actually WANTED those terrible roles he’s been receiving for the past few years? the ones where he’s caked with makeup and looks more like an uncle than ML protagonist?
in any case, any reason to leave a career is always valid if it’s affecting them. good on him.
Anon
You talked as if roles were literally forced on him. He has enough standing to have some say and influence on whether he accepts the role or not. If his agency has not tried to get good roles for him or fulfil their contract terms, he could just wait for the contract to end if it is about the time anyway or terminate it. Others have done so. And have his own company to manage his own career path as he wishes it. Others have done so as well.
Arduinna
I think this alleged “choice” is an illusion. His fan base is neither numerous nor aggressive enough to move anything for him and unlike some other people, he doesn’t have any capital behind him. The terms of the artist contract are very likely such that if he just refused to take a drama, the agency could sue him for refusal to work. The notion of a “good role” is very vague and up to interpretation. For the agency it’s probably the one with the highest short-term benefit, meaning a high salary, while for him it may be an interesting role in a detective drama with a much lower salary.
There are even some first tier traffic stars who are known to have been forced to film dramas they didn’t want. What chance could he have to say ‘no’.?
I don’t think anyone who has seen his stellar performance as Yuwen Hu could believe that he enjoyed those stereotypical roles alongside hapless starlets who can’t act
MarokoJin
That’s not what we heard about a specific detective series that was successful and he missed because his agency blocked it. it’s not what we heard when he went out of his way to get roles by himself, against his agency’s wishes. This PR release is just some lip service. The issue is that we have no idea about his contract, what on earth that agency is having. See how he started his message saying that he comes from a poor family. Yes, that’s a way to shut some rumors but also indicates that whatever lawsuits that he might get into with his agency, it could ruin him on the long run.
Anyways, all this look nasty to be honest.
Arduinna
It is well known that he wanted to end the contract that was up for renewal exactly because of the dumb roles that he was given, but the agency refused to release him using all kinds of tricks. That statement looks like it was written for him and Heaven only knows how they coerced him into this. With everything that is going on in his family, he very probably couldn’t shoulder fighting a legal battle with the agency at the same time. Kicking a man when he’s already on the ground, that’s really low!
MarokoJin
Yup, that’s what I think as well. I’m also concerned about his contract. It might be extended, so now he might be down with another pile of mediocre upcoming productions. I’m afraid the next time he’ll have to retire, it’s gonna be a bitter retirement.
MarokoJin
I don’t know, it looks like some legal stuff passed on as some personal message. For the agency, if they knew about it, it’s unforgivable that they were asking him to slave himself by working on two projects at the same time, disregarding his health history and now, the condition of his father. Where was their “management” at that time? If they were that “nice” and “encouraging”, how can you ask from someone who’s obviously an only child (like all people from his generation born under the one-child policy) to disappear from such critical moments in his dad’s life to work on some lousy half-assed productions? If only it were something worthy, I might understand their profession.
As for his contract, it seems that it’s still ongoing, I just hope that Xu Zhengxi didn’t extend it… man, if you do that, I really don’t know what to say anymore unless there’s some secret dirt that most agencies do on purpose to trap their talents. Only this case can be understandable.