Foreign star who became a big hit in China dies at 82

A major star of Yugoslavian films who was popular with the older generation in China has died at age 82 in Belgrade.

Velimir Bata Zivojinovic won popularity in China for his role as Walter in the 1972 movie Walter Defends Sarajevo.

In February, the tourist organization in Belgrade counted on his popularity in the movie to attract more Chinese tourists to the Serbian capital with a promotional video.

The 1972 film, about partisan resistance in Sarajevo, was one of few foreign movies shown in China at the time, offering a glimpse into the outside world.

It was seen by hundreds of millions of people in China, turning Zivojinovic into a nationwide star. The film was so popular that a beer brand was named after Walter in China, and each time Zivojinovic visited the country fans turned out in large numbers to greet him. The actor died in a hospital late on Sunday after battling long illnesses.

He suffered a heart attack in 2006 and underwent two heart surgeries. He also suffered from gangrene in his right foot, but initially recovered after receiving special therapies in Cuba, where his daughter lives.

Zivojinovic recovered from a stroke four years ago, but several weeks before his death he had his leg amputated due to gangrene.

In 2002, he was the Socialist Party's candidate in the Serbian presidential election, but after failing to win a majority of votes he withdrew from politics in 2003.

Xinhua - AP