Veteran Taiwanese actor Steve Ma Jingtao gave fans a scare when he suddenly collapsed during a livestream performance in Hangzhou, China. First appearing dressed as Zhang Wuji from his 1994 wuxia series The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber at 7 p.m. on June 21, the 63-year-old actor went on to sing and dance before the incident occurred just past 8 p.m.
While on stage, Ma Jingtao suddenly wobbled and attempted to grab the event host for support before completely falling backward and hitting the floor. The livestream was immediately cut off as staff rushed to assist him. Earlier that day, temperatures in Hangzhou ranged from 28°C to 35°C. According to the company he was working with, Ma Jingtao fainted due to low blood sugar. His condition was stabilized after treatment, and he has since recovered. Some fans also shared a possible update from Ma himself, claiming dehydration and not eating beforehand were additional factors.
Reports noted that Ma Jingtao had been performing in Songcheng for consecutive days, which included wire work and high-energy stage routines—all while wearing thick period costume during the summer. In his heyday, Steve Ma Jingtao was one of the most sought-after actors on television, starring in many classics since the early 1990s. Many lamented his working conditions as an aging performer and questioned the organizers who allowed such physically demanding activities for someone in his sixties.
HL
The things some people do to earn money…even at his age. The task he has to do require lots of energy. I hope he take better care of himself in future. Remember to eat.