Nearly two decades after her sudden passing, late Chinese comedy star Gao Xiumin has unexpectedly re-entered public discourse alongside veteran actress Zhang少华 following a distressing merchandising controversy in late October 2026.
The Bottom Line
- The Incident: A viral video surfaced showing the television stills of late actresses Gao Xiumin and Zhang Shaohua printed onto funerary paper products marketed as “heavenly televisions.”
- The Family Response: Speaking to Hong Kong 01 and other outlets, Gao’s partner He Qingkui expressed profound indignation on October 29, 2026, noting that the family remains uncertain of who manufactured the items or how to pursue legal remedies.
- The Legal Reality: Local legal experts point out that while deceased individuals no longer hold standard portrait rights, using their likenesses on commercial funerary items violates post-mortem personality interests and breaches public order and good morals.
Unsanctioned Funerary Merchandise Sparks Outrage
The controversy erupted when social media users flagged a video originating from Jilin province, showcasing paper funerary artifacts designed to mimic television screens. According to reporting from Hong Kong 01, the screens prominently featured recognizable stills of Gao Xiumin and Zhang Shaohua. Dedicated fans quickly identified Gao’s image as a direct grab from the mainland television drama Halfway Couples, extracted and repurposed by manufacturers seeking novelty products to boost sales.
He Qingkui, Gao’s longtime collaborator and family representative, addressed the discovery on October 29, 2026, telling reporters that he responded with deep sighs upon hearing the news. He emphasized that utilizing television stills of deceased artists for burning rituals is deeply upsetting, though the family initially struggled to identify the producers or determine appropriate channels for rights protection. Following intense public scrutiny, the original video publisher deleted the footage and avoided media inquiries, leaving the exact scale of production unconfirmed.
Legal Frameworks and Post-Mortem Protections
As local authorities step in to examine the market practices, legal professionals have clarified the boundaries surrounding the commercial exploitation of deceased public figures. Fu Jian, a lawyer from Henan Zejin Law Firm, noted to media outlets that Article 994 of the Civil Code explicitly protects the portrait, reputation, and personal interests of deceased individuals.
When manufacturers appropriate identifiable images of beloved actors for commercial funerary goods without the explicit consent of surviving family members, they run afoul of multiple regulatory standards.
| Subject Entity | Professional Legacy | Passing Date | Nature of Exploitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gao Xiumin | Renowned comedy actress known for CCTV Spring Festival Gala sketches including Selling Crutches | August 2005 | Television still from Halfway Couples printed on paper funerary merchandise |
| Zhang Shaohua | Veteran television actress known for Grand Mansion and My Ugly Mother | March 2021 | Likeness featured alongside Gao on unauthorized paper ritual items |
Broader Industry Implications for Memorial Goods
The incident has cast a harsh spotlight on the darker fringes of the seasonal and commemorative manufacturing sector. Over recent years, market competition has driven some producers to manufacture increasingly elaborate仿真 (simulation) goods—ranging from paper luxury villas to replica vehicles—often crossing ethical boundaries in pursuit of higher profit margins.
Local regulators, including the Dehui Civil Bureau, have initiated inquiries into the distributed videos to verify the source of the merchandise. While traditional mourning customs emphasize respect and quiet remembrance, the commercialization of classic television imagery demonstrates a troubling disconnect within low-tier manufacturing networks. As families continue to demand accountability, the case underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight to protect the dignity of performing artists long after their final curtain call.
