Yu Menglong dead: Netflix's Eternal Love actor dies at 37 after 'falling from building'

Chinese actor and singer Yu Menglong has died at the age of 37, leaving fans across Asia mourning the sudden loss of one of the country’s most recognisable television stars.

Yu, who became a household name thanks to his role in the fantasy romance Eternal Love - a drama that went on to garner more than 50 billion views within just 18 months - reportedly “fell to his death” on September 11.

News of his death was confirmed by his management team through a statement on Weibo, where they expressed deep grief: “With unbearable sorrow, we announce that our beloved Menglong fell to his death on Sept 11. Police have ruled out any criminality. We hope he rests in peace and his loved ones remain strong.”

Speculation surrounding the tragedy began hours earlier when a paparazzi account claimed the performer had died in Beijing “after falling from height” at a friend’s apartment.

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According to the now-deleted post, Yu was said to have spent the evening with “five or six” companions before retiring to a guest room around 2am and “locking the door.”

The post continued: “When his friends were leaving the flat this morning at 6am, they couldn’t find him and only discovered his body on the ground floor. A resident who was walking their dog contacted the police, who have ruled out any criminality and investigations are ongoing.”

Yu Menglong’s path to stardom began more than a decade ago when he first appeared on the televised talent show Super Boy in 2010 but was eliminated.

He then returned in 2013 and placed in the top ten, which kicked off his stellar career into the entertainment industry. That same year, he released his debut single Just Nice, demonstrating his dual talent as both a singer and an actor.

His breakthrough as a performer came in 2015 when he portrayed the 9th prince in the historical web drama Go Princess Go. Later that year, he also launched his first album, Toy.

His popularity soared two years later thanks to his portrayal of Bai Zhen in Eternal Love, a role that cemented him as one of the most beloved figures on Chinese television and gained him an international fanbase through streaming platforms such as Netflix.

Following the success of Eternal Love, Yu continued to work successfully as he took on roles in productions including Xuan-Yuan Sword: Han Cloud, Legend of the White Snake, and Who’s Not Rebellious Youth.

His last two web dramas, The Love Lasts Two Minds and The Moon Brightens For You, were released in 2020, marking the final entries in his on-screen career.

Over the years, Yu built a reputation not only for his acting but also for his gentle public image, with fans praising his versatility and his on-screen charisma.

His death has sparked widespread grief on Chinese social media, where tributes continue to pour in from admirers who grew up watching his work.

While investigations into the exact circumstances remain ongoing, authorities have stressed there is no evidence of foul play.

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