TV anchor Zhao Zhongxiang [File photo]

Household name TV anchor Zhao Zhongxiang died at 7:30 Thursday morning in Beijing. He was 78.

In a statement released on his official Sina Weibo account by his son, Zhao Fang, the veteran anchorman sought medical care at the end of 2019 after feeling unwell. He was diagnosed with cancer, which had already spread by the time of diagnosis.

Zhao, a native of North China's Hubei province, is best known for his professionalism in journalism, news broadcast and dubbing. Many audiences said they grew up listening to Zhao's smooth voice when he dubbed for Animal World, which has been airing since 1981.