Origins & Early Life

Hu Die (Chinese: 胡蝶; Wade–Giles: Hu Tieh; 1907–08 – 23 April 1989), also known by her English name Butterfly Wu, was a popular Chinese actress during the 1920s and 1930s. She was voted China's first "Movie Queen" in 1933, and won the Best Actress Award at the 1960 Asian Film Festival for her performance in Rear Door. Hu Die was born Hu Ruihua (Chinese: 胡瑞华; Wade–Giles: Hu Jui-hua) in Shanghai in 1907 or 1908, and moved to Guangzhou (Canton) when she was nine. Her father then became the general inspector of the Beijing–Fengtian Railway.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

She spent much of her adolescence in northern cities including Beijing, Tianjin and Yingkou, and learned to speak perfect Mandarin, which later proved to be a great advantage when the cinema of China transitioned from silent films to talkies. In 1924, Hu Ruihua moved back to Shanghai with her family. When China (Zhonghua) Film School, the country's first film actor training school, opened, she was the first student to enroll. She adopted the professional name "Hu Die", meaning "butterfly", and Butterfly Wu in English (Wu is the Shanghainese pronunciation of Hu). Hu Die played her first role in the...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abraham Maslow — Contemporary (Born in 1908) (1908): Pioneering American psychologist known for the Hierarchy of Needs and self-actualization theory.
• Bette Davis — Contemporary (Born in 1908) (1908): Iconic Hollywood actress known for intense, unsympathetic, and sardonic performances.
• C. Vann Woodward — Contemporary (Born in 1908) (1908): Influential American historian specializing in the American South and race relations.
• A. J. Ayer — Contemporary (Died in 1989) (1989): Influential English philosopher known for logical positivism and emotivism.
• Adnan Khayr Allah — Contemporary (Died in 1989) (1989): Iraqi military officer and former Minister of Defense, closely connected to the ruling family.
• Adrien Broner — Contemporary (Born in 1989) (1989): American former professional boxer known for winning world titles across multiple weight classes.
• Akira Kurosawa — Shared historical date (03-23 · Born) (1910): Master of Japanese cinema, known for dynamic style and epic storytelling.
• Ama Ata Aidoo — Shared historical date (03-23 · Born) (1942): Pioneering Ghanaian writer, poet, and academician celebrated for feminist themes.
• Boris Yeltsin — Shared historical date (04-23 · Died) (2007): Key Soviet and Russian politician, served as President of Russia (1991-1999).
• Brian Boru — Shared historical date (04-23 · Died) (1014): High King of Ireland who ended Uí Néill dominance and unified medieval Ireland.
• 1908 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1908
• March 23 (03-23) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 23
• 1989 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1989
• April 23 (04-23) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on April 23