Xiao Jiguo, a 30-year-old Chinese actor, rose to fame for his uncanny resemblance to the outgoing president.
Such is Mr Xiao's fame in his homeland, that the direction and popularity of US foreign policy had direct impact on his own burgeoning career.
"People in media, television programmes and movies were worried that inviting me could become political."
"When President Obama holds office, I sort of have to take political factors into account. But after he steps down, my path as an actor may become clearer," Mr Xiao told the BBC.