Stroke-hit comedian Zhao in stable condition after surgery

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-10-02 22:59

Chinese comedian Zhao Benshan is rushed to hospital in Shanghai, Wednesday September 30, 2009. [sina.com.cn]

SHANGHAI: Chinese comedian Zhao Benshan was in stable condition after a brain operation, doctors said Friday.

The operation, conducted on Wednesday night, was successful and Zhao was able to talk, eat and make physical movements, according to doctors with the Huashan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University in Shanghai, where he was treated.

Doctors suggested that he stay in bed and don't make big movements for sooner recovery.

He wished people a happy National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival as soon as he woke up after the surgery, according to Liu Shuangping, president of the Benshan Media Group, a company Zhao launched in 2003.

Zhao had a stroke early Wednesday due to a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is said to be triggered by excessive work and drinking of alcohol.

He felt sick when shooting the sequel of the popular TV series "Village Love" and was taken to hospital.

Zhao Benshan, who just celebrated his 52th birthday Friday, is a household name in China. He has starred in and directed short comic plays for the Spring Festival Gala, one of China's most influential TV programs, since 1990, skipping only 1994. He also played in many TV series. Many of his performances have become enduring classic comedies in the country.