Cao Jun

Cao Jun (English: Neil, February 9, 1988 -), a mainland Chinese actor, was born in Shanghai and graduated from the Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts. In 1996, 8-year-old Cao Jun was selected to star in the Singapore-China co-production "The Little Monk" because of his martial arts skills. He rose to prominence with the role of "Happy". The following year, he won the Best Newcomer Award at the 2nd Asian Television Festival at the age of 9, becoming the youngest winner in Asia. As a child star, he starred in classic works such as "Lotus Boy Nezha" (1999) and "The Nine-Year-Old County Prince" (2001). In particular, he played "Agarwood" in the CCTV mythological drama "Lotus Lantern" in 2005, setting a record of the highest ratings of 9.1%, and becoming the "childhood god" of a generation. After 2005, he chose to take a break from the entertainment industry to focus on his studies and was admitted to the Acting Department of the Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts. However, due to changes in the market environment after his comeback, he switched from a leading role to a supporting role, participating in dramas such as "Lin Hai Xue Yuan" (2015), and experienced a transition trough. Since 2018, he has regained attention through the variety shows "I Am an Actor" and "Actors Please Take Your Place 2", and has been praised as the "conscience of domestic entertainment" for his solid acting skills. In recent years, he has completed his transformation with roles such as Zhang Nan in the rural revitalization drama "On the Field of Hope" (2021) and Zikong in the costume drama "Wuyou Ferry" (2025). He has returned to the public eye again with his mature acting skills and martial arts skills.