Charles Zhang(L), Chairman and chief executive officer of Website Sohu.com, meets actor Zhao Benshan during a ceremony on January 9, 2008, to launch Zhao's new website. [yule.sohu.com]

Iconic skit actor Zhao Benshan launched his official website on Sohu.com, China's top online media service company, on Friday.

The new website (www.zhaobenshan.cc) will provide the latest news on the acting legend and information about his Benmountain Media Group, which is based on folk art performances from Naoning in northeastern China. Zhao is the group's chairman.

The launch of the website marks the second time that Benmountain Media Group has worked with Sohu.com, following the signing of a long-term agreement last November 11.

Having initially gained immense popularity from his performances on national broadcaster CCTV's New Year's Gala, Zhao is now a household-name comedy actor on the mainland. He won the hearts of audiences with his simple and unaffected humor, especially his good command of rich and lively colloquialisms.

Chinese skit actor Zhao Benshan attends a ceremony on January 9, 2008, to launch his official website on Sohu.com. [yule.sohu.com]

Although he started out as a skit actor, Zhao has become a successful director and producer. His countryside-themed TV sitcoms, including "Liu Lao Gen" and "Ma Da Shuai" as well as their sequels, are very popular among the public.

During the website's launch ceremony, Zhao recalled his childhood and his participation in CCTV's Spring Festival Gala since 1987.

Media reports on January 8 said CCTV did not choose the skit Zhao proposed for this year's Spring Festival Gala during its prelimilary selection. This was the first time in more than 20 years that CCTV rejected one of Zhao's skits. But he downplayed the media buzz and assured his fans that he quickly would write and propose a better skit.

"I am only a farmer, and I only care about what the people will say," Zhao said, according to a report on Sohu.com.

(CRI January 12, 2009)