British actor savors roles in Chinese dramas

Thirty-something British actor Adam Palin has become one of the most regular Western faces in recently produced Chinese historical dramas.

He has played, among others, an interpreter of former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, a Flying Tiger pilot during World War II and Edgar Snow, the famous US journalist who shared an uncommon friendship with Chairman Mao Zedong.

"China is one of the fastest-changing countries in the 21st century," the actor says in fluent Chinese, even with a slight Beijing accent. "Though Chinese history goes a long way back, I am glad to perform in dramas that are set in more recent history, which still has much influence on today's life."