China’s “Most Popular Child Star”, Now 22, Undergoes Surgery For Brain Tumour

Chinese former child star Gao Junyu, 22, has recently undergone surgery for a rare brain tumour.

Once dubbed the nation’s “most popular child star”, Junyu was only four when she started modelling in commercials. She has since appeared in over 300 ads.

She became a household name in 2009 after starring in an ad for a learning tablet for kids, earning her the nickname “learning tablet girl”.

Though she has since faded from the limelight, Junyu regularly takes to Weibo to share snippets of her life with her 230K followers.

On Feb 29, Junyu shocked netizens when she revealed that she was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She also posted a video of herself getting her head shaved as she prepared to undergo surgery the next day.

According to reports, Junyu had been feeling unwell since last year and had lost 7.5kg.

Despite her condition, the optimistic star said she was “not afraid of challenges” and told her followers to “wait for [her] triumphant return”.

The next day, her family posted an update on her Weibo account, saying Junyu’s surgery, which lasted 12 hours, was a success and that she is currently under observation in the intensive care unit (ICU).

“Before entering the operating room, she cheered herself on very bravely. We believe she will recover. Thank you all for your concern and encouragement. The tumour is benign, but she still needs to be observed in the ICU for a few days, so please don’t worry,” they wrote.