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| Veteran Actor Steve Ma Jingtao Collapses Mid-Livestream While Reenacting Wuxia Scene in Full Costume |
The 63-year-old star took to the stage at around 7 p.m. at the Songcheng theme park, decked out in thick period costume, performing songs and re-enacting dramatic scenes from the beloved wuxia classic. But just after 8 p.m., things took a worrying turn.
While in the middle of a routine, Ma appeared visibly unstable, tried to grab onto the event host for support—before completely falling backward and hitting the stage floor, leaving fans stunned. The livestream was cut off immediately as staff rushed in to help.
What Happened?
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Temperatures in Hangzhou had soared to around 35°C that day, and according to the event organisers, Steve Ma fainted due to low blood sugar.
Thankfully, his condition stabilised not long after, and he’s now recovering well. Some fans shared snippets allegedly from Ma Jingtao himself, adding that he hadn’t eaten properly and may have been dehydrated before going on stage.
What made the situation even more intense was the fact that Ma Jingtao had been performing several days in a row, with high-energy routines, wirework, and singing—all while wearing layers of heavy historical costume under the summer sun. Just thinking about it makes you want to grab a bottle of Pocari Sweat.
Fans Concerned Over Workload
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While the actor is known for his fiery, expressive acting style—he’s even nicknamed the “Shouting Emperor (咆哮帝)” for his bold delivery in Qiong Yao dramas—fans were quick to voice their concern over how demanding the event schedule seemed for a man in his 60s.
“He’s a legend, not a machine,” one netizen commented. Others questioned why the production team scheduled such a physically demanding performance without better safeguards, especially under heatwave conditions.
Ma Jingtao’s Long Road in the Industry
Ma Jingtao has been a staple in the Chinese-speaking entertainment world since the late 80s, becoming a household name through iconic dramas like Qing Qing He Bian Cao (青青河邊草) and the Plum Blossom Trilogy (梅花三弄). His emotionally intense performances helped define an era of classic melodrama.
In recent years, Ma Jingtao has shifted focus to livestream gigs and variety-style appearances in mainland China, which have become a surprising yet vital platform for many older stars looking to reconnect with fans or stay active in the industry.