Du joined the performing arts troupe of Tianjin Military District (天津警备区) at the age of 16.
As drama was not very popular at that time, Du travelled to Beijing in search of opportunities to start an acting career.
He became more familiar to audiences after portraying Nian Gengyao in the 1998 television series Yongzheng Dynasty.
Du's first wife, Yang Li (杨丽), is a dancer.
In 2004, Du married his second wife, actress Zhao Na (赵娜).