Former CCTV anchorman Li Yong dies age 50

Former China Central Television（CCTV） anchorman Li Yong died on Oct.25 at the age of 50, after a 17-month battle with cancer, Li's wife said this morning on Chinese social media website Weibo.

In 1987, Li was accepted to the Communication University of China, and he became a producer at CCTV in 1991.

In 1998, Li Yong began his career as an anchorman on multiple entertainment shows, in the same year hosting the game show Lucky 52. He soon became a well-known TV host all over the country, going on to host the CCTV Spring Festival Gala in 2002.

In 2003, he hosted a talent show called A Special Six-Plus-One, which made famous his iconic hosting style. After his huge success, Li Yong gradually removed himself from the limelight, publishing a biography in 2009.

In 2013, he officially moved from CCTV to the Communication University of China, later going on to host a couple of internet shows.

On Dec. 31, 2017, Li and his wife posted a candid photo on Weibo, which was the last time Li appeared publicly.

Li’s death has come as a shock to many of his fans. Since the news, people have been reminiscing on Li’s wonderful career and their memories of watching him host a wide variety of shows.