The gate of Beijing Film Studio. [Photo/CFP]

Judge becomes an actor in retirement

It is never too late to pursue a dream. The saying is certainly true for Zhao Shixuan, a retired judge, who began his acting career as a film extra six years ago, Beijing News reported on Monday.

After working for 37 years in a court in Tianjin, Zhao moved to Beijing to live with his son and tried to find something interesting to do during his retirement. Soon he began to wait outside the Beijing Film Studio for an opportunity to join a crew.

Zhao earned 30 yuan ($4.83) for his first show but it costs him another 70 yuan ($11.27) for the taxi to go home at midnight. "I don’t care about the money because I feel very happy during the process. That’s enough," he said.

Although it is just for fun, Zhao treats this part-time job seriously. He often thinks about his acting skills and tries to improve his performance every time. Now he lands parts with more dialogue and more money.

"I will continue as long as I can walk," said Zhao, with a pat on his leg.

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