Among entertainment stars, maverick actor Wang Baoqiang is an exception, without stunning good looks or trained dramatic skills, he is now a superstar thanks to his simple background and audience-friendly style. Wang is a glowing example of a modern day Cinderella in a male form.

A construction worker-turned celebrity, Wang has become one of the leading actors in China, realizing his long-cherished dream of starring in movies. He now excels among his peers with his simplicity and sincerity.

The 25-year-old Wang has appeared in several movies and TV dramas. He played the role of a soldier in Soldiers Sortie in 2006 and 2007 and My Brother's Name is Smoothie this year. His instinct-based approach to his work has earned him an endearing reputation.

Several years ago, Wang led a very simple life, poor and without enough money to sustain himself, he came to Beijing in search of his dream.

Wang achieved his goal with relentless effort and persistence despite numerous hardships and many knock-backs.

Born in a small village in central Hebei Province, Wang studied martial arts at the Shaolin Temple when he was eight, hoping that he may get the opportunity to star in an action film.

"When I was a child, I fancied myself to become a movie star just like Jet Li and the dream never deserted me," Wang said.

After six years of study, Wang decided that Beijing would be a better place where his dreams could come true. He waited in front of the Beijing Film Studio every day for a chance at any role in a film.

Faced with unemployment and no money, Wang found work as a laborer on a construction site.

"That was the most difficult time for me and I had to wait patiently for any chance to be an actor. When my luck turned, I was given a tiny role earning 20 to 30 yuan (US$2.90 to 4.40) a day."

In 2002, Wang's luck changed completely, winning a leading role in the movie "Blind Shaft," directed by Li Yang. The film was a big success and saw Wang pick up awards for his role in France, Thailand and Taiwan.

At the end of 2006 the 28-episode TV series "Soldiers Sortie" was an instant hit and immediately attracted a large group of avid followers. Playing the lead character, Wang soon became an influential household name in China.

"When the series was on TV, I was told that many young men started to have regrets about not having joined the army," Wang commented.

Playing Xu Sanduo, the protagonist of the series, Wang became one of the most popular actors in Chinese mainland. His big and somewhat na?ve smile has never failed to leave a lasting impression.

Xu Sanduo, a village boy who became the best soldier in the army, grew to symbolof persistence and honesty for viewers across the country. The series was also a ratings success.

"My own life is similar to that of Xu Sanduo, we were both born in the countryside, achieved success and won respect through our own efforts. I think that my life is exactly a course of pursing my dream, no matter how difficult the environment is, I can make it as long as I strive for it," Wang said.

"We have to experience a lot in our lives, no matter whether it's happiness or sorrow, we will grow, otherwise our lives would be a blank sheet in the end, with nothing memorable left," he added.

"The key to success is hard work and to try your best to fulfill everything that you do with all of your might and energy and success will then follow."

(Global Times July 20, 2009)