Zheng Kai, also known by his English name Ryan Zheng, has established himself as one of China's most recognizable actors and television personalities since graduating from the Shanghai Theatre Academy Performance Institute in 2008. Born on April 17, 1986, he rose to prominence through a combination of film roles and his enduring presence on the hit variety show Keep Running. During his university years, Zheng shared a dormitory with fellow actors Du Jiang, Chen He, and Zhang Dianlun, a group that would all go on to achieve significant success in the Chinese entertainment industry. After completing his studies, he signed with Huayi Brothers Media Corporation, a major move that launched his professional acting career.
Zheng first gained widespread attention for his supporting role in the coming-of-age drama So Young (2013), directed by Zhao Wei. That same year, he appeared in Feng Xiaogang's comedy Personal Tailor, further showcasing his versatility. His big breakthrough came in 2014 when he joined the cast of the Chinese variety show Keep Running, which was adapted from the South Korean program Running Man. Zheng became a beloved regular on the show, known for his athleticism, humor, and competitive spirit, earning him the nickname "Little Hunter" among fans. The show's massive popularity significantly boosted his public profile and opened doors to leading film roles.
On the big screen, Zheng delivered memorable performances in romantic comedies such as My Lucky Star (2013) and the blockbuster franchise Ex-Files (2014), where he played a philandering husband. The latter film became a major commercial success, and its sequel Ex-Files 2: The Backup Strikes Back (2015) cemented his status as a bankable leading man in Chinese cinema. His filmography also includes the action-comedy I Am Somebody (2015) and the drama The Shadow Play (2018). Zheng's consistent work earned him recognition on the Forbes China Celebrity 100 list, where he ranked 86th in 2015, 67th in 2017, and 68th in 2019.
In his personal life, Zheng married his long-time girlfriend Vivi Miao on May 21, 2020, a date chosen for its phonetic similarity to "I love you" in Chinese. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in October 2020, followed by a son in June 2022. Beyond acting and variety shows, Zheng has ventured into business, launching his own fashion brand and engaging in philanthropic efforts. He continues to be a prominent figure in Chinese entertainment, balancing his roles as a television personality, film actor, and family man.