Renowned Chinese comic cross-talker Guo Quanbao died of cancer on Monday at the age of 82.

The old-generation actor, partner of celebrated comedian Hou Baolin, devoted himself to his art for over 50 years and formed a special style in the process.

Born in 1922, Guo Quanbao started his career as an actor in the Chinese Broadcast Artistic Troupe, and cooperated with many famous comedians including Ma Ji and Liu Baorui.

Chairman of the Chinese Ballad Singers Association Li Jindou said the death of the artist means the end of an old but unique stream of comic dialogue.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday in western Beijing. (Photo Source: Stardaily.com.cn)

(CRI July 14, 2004)