Cheung Kwok Wing Wiki Biography
Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing (12 September 1956 – 1 April 2003) was a Hong Kong singer-songwriter, actor, film director, record producer, and screenwriter. Cheung is considered as “one of the founding fathers of Cantopop” by “combining a hugely successful film and music career.” He rose to prominence as a teen heartthrob and pop icon of Hong Kong in the 1980s, receiving numerous music awards including both Most Popular Male Artist Awards at the 1988 and 1989 Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards. In 1989, Cheung announced his retirement from the music industry as a pop singer. Returning to the music scene after a five-year hiatus, Cheung released his chart-topping comeback album (寵愛) which achieved a huge market success. In 1999, he won the Golden Needle Award for his outstanding achievement as a musician at the RTHK Top 10 Gold Songs Awards, and his 1984 hit song Monica was voted as Hong Kong’s “Song of the Century”. He was honoured as “Asia’s Biggest Superstar” at the 2000 CCTV-MTV Music Honours.Cheung won the 1991 Hong Kong Film Award (Days of Being Wild) and the 1994 Hong Kong Film Critics Society Award (Ashes of Time) for best actor. He had also won the 1994 Japan Film Critics Society Award for best actor for his performance in Farewell My Concubine and ten other best actor nominations, five Golden Horse Awards, three Cannes Film Festival Awards, a Asia Pacific Film Festival Award, and a Venice Film Festival Award.Cheung’s music and movies not only captured fans in Hong Kong but also other Asian areas including Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, China, Japan and South Korea. He is the first foreign artist to hold 16 concerts in Japan that has yet to be broken and the record holder as the best-selling C-pop artist in Korea.Cheung was ranked as the favourite actor in the 100 years of Chinese cinema. In 2010, he was voted the third “Most Iconic Musicians of All Time” (after Michael Jackson and The Beatles). CNN considered Cheung as the “Most Beautiful Man from Hong Kong Cinema” and one of “Asia’s 25 Greatest Actors of All Time.”
| Full Name | Leslie Cheung |
| Net Worth | $30 Million |
| Date Of Birth | September 12, 1956 |
| Died | 2003-04-01 |
| Place Of Birth | British Hong Kong |
| Height | 5′ 9″ (1.75 m) |
| Profession | Actor, Music Department, Writer |
| Education | University of Leeds, Rosaryhill School |
| Parents | Pan Yuyao, Cheung Wut Hoi |
| IMDB | http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002000 |
| Awards | Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor, Hong Kong Film Award for Best Original Film Song, Hong Kong Film Award for Timeless Artistic Achievement Award |
| Movies | Farewell My Concubine, Days of Being Wild, Happy Together, A Chinese Ghost Story, A Better Tomorrow, Ashes of Time, Inner Senses, He’s a Woman, She’s a Man, The Bride with White Hair, Once a Thief, The Phantom Lover, A Better Tomorrow II, Who’s the Woman, Who’s the Man?, Temptress Moon, The Eagle Sh… |
| Fact | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Leslie came out with the album “Salute” in 1989 and all the proceeds were donated to the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Conservatory of music as a scholarship. After 2004, this scholarship changed to the “Leslie Cheung Memorial Scholarship”. |
| 2 | In 1977, Cheung won first runner up by singing Don McLean’s “American Pie” at the Asian Music Contest. |
| 3 | Worked as a bartender at his relatives’ restaurant and sang during the weekends. |
| 4 | In his early career chose his name “Leslie” after the British actor Leslie Howard and because of his love for the American film Gone with the Wind (1939). He liked the fact that the name Leslie could be either a male or female name. |
| 5 | Stated that he had a fairly unhappy childhood and was brought up by his grandmother. |
| 6 | Attended the University of Leeds in northern England where he studied textile management. He dropped out of university at the end of his first year when his father fell ill. After his father’s recovery, however, he did not return to England to complete his studies. |
| 7 | Cheung was bisexual and claimed so in an interview with Time magazine. He had denied it during the earlier portion of his career but “came out” in the 1990s after emigrating to Vancouver, Canada. In a 1997 concert Cheung openly revealed his relationship with Daffy Tong Hok-Tak. He became the co-executor of Cheung’s estate. A full-page obituary on Cheung in a Hong Kong newspaper listed Tong as his surviving spouse. |
| 8 | In the early 1990s he became one of the few Hong Kong actors who dared to play gay characters on-screen. Cheung’s first gay role was Cheng Dieyi in Farewell My Concubine (1993). In Happy Together (1997), Cheung played another gay role which involved him in graphic sex scenes and for which he was nominated for the Best Actor Award at both the Golden Horse Awards and the Hong Kong Film Awards. |
| 9 | On April 1, 2003, he jumped to his death from the 24th floor of the famed Mandarin Oriental Hotel, located in the Central district of Hong Kong Island. He left a suicide note saying that he had been suffering from depression. The day after Leslie’s death, his long time partner, Tong, confirmed that Cheung suffered from (clinical) depression and had been seeing psychiatrists for treatment for almost a year. He also revealed that Cheung had attempted suicide in 2002. |
| 10 | One of the first generation of PEPSI stars in Asia. |
| 11 | Most Favorite Chinese Actor in 100 years of Chinese Cinema in the poll held by Henderson Land Development Co. Ltd, Hong Kong Ferry Co. Ltd, HKFAA and UA Cinemas for the Centennial of Chinese Film History (2005) |
| 12 | He was named “Asian Biggest Superstar” by CCTV-MTV in Beijing China (2000) |
| 13 | His song “Monica” was crowned as “Song of the Century” (1999) |
| 14 | The first singer to hold 100 concerts at Hong Kong Coliseum in 1997 |
| 15 | Member of the jury at Tokyo International Film Festival in 1993 |
| 16 | The first Hong Kong actor who acted in a mainland China film (Farewell My Concubine, 1992) |
| 17 | Member of the jury at the Berlin International Film Festival in 1998 |
| 18 | He was one of the most popular singers in the 80s. He bade farewell to his professional singing career in December 1989 when he held 33 continuous nights of “Final Encounter of the Legend” concert. |
Actor
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yee do hung gaan | 2002 | Jim Law | |
| Lian zhan Chong Cheng | 2000 | Jimmy Tong | |
| Siu chan chan | 2000 | C.H. Yuen | |
| Cheong wong | 2000 | Rick Pang | |
| Yan fei yan mie | 2000 | Short | |
| Lau sing yue | 1999 | Wing | |
| Sing yuet tung wa | 1999 | Tatsuya Misawa / Shek Karbo | |
| Ngon na ma dak lin na | 1998 | Editor | |
| Knock Off | 1998 | Young Worker (Skinny Freight) | |
| Gau sing biu choi | 1998 | Ma Lun Cheung / Tok Choi | |
| Hong se lian ren | 1998 | Jin | |
| Who’s the Man, Who’s the Woman | 1997 | Sam Koo Gai Ming | |
| Happy Together | 1997 | Ho Po-wing | |
| Se qing nan nu | 1996 | Sing | |
| Xin Shang Hai tan | 1996 | Hui Man Keung (as Lesile K.W. Cheung) | |
| Feng yue | 1996 | Yu Zhongliang | |
| Tri-Star | 1996 | Father Zhong Guoqiang | |
| Ye ban ge sheng | 1995 | Song Danping | |
| Jin yu man tang | 1995 | Chiu | |
| Ji de… xiang jiao cheng shu shi II: Chu lian qing ren | 1994 | Cameo appearance (uncredited) | |
| Jin xiu qian cheng | 1994 | Lam Chiu-Wing | |
| Dung che sai duk | 1994 | Ou-yang Feng | |
| Gam chi yuk yip | 1994 | Sam Koo Gai Ming | |
| Daai foo ji ga | 1994 | Francis | |
| Bai fa mo nu zhuan II | 1993 | Cho Yi-Hang | |
| The Bride with White Hair | 1993 | Zhuo Yi-Hang | |
| Se diu ying hung ji dung sing sai jau | 1993 | HuangYao-shih | |
| Fa tin hei si | 1993 | David Copper Feel | |
| Farewell My Concubine | 1993 | Cheng Dieyi (segment “Douzi”) | |
| Lam Gong juen ji fan fei jo fung wan | 1992 | Teddy | |
| All’s Well, Ends Well | 1992 | Shang So | |
| Zong heng si hai | 1991 | James – Jim | |
| Days of Being Wild | 1990 | Yuddy | |
| A Chinese Ghost Story II | 1990 | Ling Choi San | |
| Miss Asia Pagaent 1989 | 1989 | TV Movie | Guest performer / singer |
| Mad Mission V: The Terracotta Hit | 1989 | Brother Thief | |
| Sha zhi lian | 1988 | Chi Ken-Wing | |
| A Better Tomorrow II | 1987 | Sung Tse-Kit | |
| Yan zhi kou | 1987 | Chan Chen-Pang | |
| Sien nui yau wan | 1987 | Ling Choi San | |
| Ou ran | 1986 | Louie | |
| A Better Tomorrow | 1986 | Sung Tse-Kit | |
| Wei ni zhong qing | 1985 | Piggy Chan | |
| Qiu ai fan dou xing | 1985 | ||
| San wen zhi | 1984 | ||
| Sheng dan kuai le | 1984 | ||
| Yuen fan | 1984 | Paul | |
| Nong boon do ching | 1984 | TV Mini-Series | Chim Siyu |
| Long feng zhi duo xing | 1984 | Chan | |
| Yang guo yu xiao long nu | 1983 | ||
| Di yi ci | 1983 | ||
| Gu shou | 1983 | ||
| Lie huo qing chun | 1982 | Louis | |
| Chong ji 21 | 1982 | ||
| Ning meng ke le | 1982 | Chen, Jackson | |
| Shi ye sheng | 1981 | ||
| Shi ye sheng | 1980 | ||
| Hot choi | 1980 | Gigo | |
| Fau sun luk gip | 1980 | TV Series | Che Sui-sung |
| Gou yao gou gu | 1978 | ||
| Hong lou chun shang chun | 1978 |
Music Department
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ye ban ge sheng | 1995 | composer: theme music / theme vocals | |
| Sha zhi lian | 1988 | theme vocals | |
| A Better Tomorrow II | 1987 | playback singer | |
| Lie huo qing chun | 1982 | theme vocals | |
| Ning meng ke le | 1982 | vocals |
Soundtrack
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who’s the Man, Who’s the Woman | 1997 | music: “Love with all my heart” / performer: “Love with all my heart” | |
| Ye ban ge sheng | 1995 | music: “Song at Midnight”, “Hug in Deep Love”, “Lose You Always” / performer: “Song at Midnight”, “Hug in Deep Love”, “Lose You Always” | |
| Gam chi yuk yip | 1994 | performer: “Chase” |
Writer
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yan fei yan mie | 2000 | Short story & screenplay | |
| Gam chi yuk yip | 1994 |
Director
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yan fei yan mie | 2000 | Short |
Producer
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ye ban ge sheng | 1995 | executive producer |
Self
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Film Report | 2008 | TV Series | Himself |
| Naamsaang-neuiseung | 1998 | Documentary | |
| 97 ga yau hei si | 1997 | Himself | |
| Hao men ye yan | 1991 | Himself / Little B-head |
Archive Footage
| Title | Year | Status | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sip si ling dou – cheun gwong tsa sit | 1999 | Documentary | Himself / Ho Po-wing |
Won Awards
| Year | Award | Ceremony | Nomination | Movie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Hong Kong Film Award | Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Original Film Song | Gam chi yuk yip (1994) |
| 1995 | HKFCS Award | Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards | Best Actor | For his year-round performance(s). |
| 1993 | Golden Horse Award | Golden Horse Film Festival | Best Original Film Song | Bai fa mo nu zhuan (1993) |
| 1991 | Hong Kong Film Award | Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Actor | Ah fei zing zyun (1990) |
Nominated Awards
| Year | Award | Ceremony | Nomination | Movie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Hong Kong Film Award | Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Actor | Yee do hung gaan (2002) |
| 2002 | Golden Horse Award | Golden Horse Film Festival | Best Leading Actor | Yee do hung gaan (2002) |
| 2000 | Golden Horse Award | Golden Horse Film Festival | Best Leading Actor | Cheong wong (2000) |
| 1998 | Hong Kong Film Award | Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Actor | Chun gwong cha sit (1997) |
| 1997 | Golden Horse Award | Golden Horse Film Festival | Best Leading Actor | Chun gwong cha sit (1997) |
| 1997 | Hong Kong Film Award | Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Actor | Se qing nan nu (1996) |
| 1997 | Hong Kong Film Award | Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Original Film Song | Gam chi yuk yip 2 (1997) |
| 1996 | Golden Horse Award | Golden Horse Film Festival | Best Leading Actor | Feng yue (1996) |
| 1996 | Golden Horse Award | Golden Horse Film Festival | Best Original Film Song | Gam chi yuk yip 2 (1997) |
| 1996 | Golden Horse Award | Golden Horse Film Festival | Best Original Film Song | Feng yue (1996) |
| 1996 | Hong Kong Film Award | Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Original Film Song | Ye ban ge sheng (1995) |
| 1995 | Golden Horse Award | Golden Horse Film Festival | Best Original Film Song | Ye ban ge sheng (1995) |
| 1995 | Hong Kong Film Award | Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Actor | Gam chi yuk yip (1994) |
| 1994 | Hong Kong Film Award | Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Original Film Song | Bai fa mo nu zhuan (1993) |
| 1991 | Golden Horse Award | Golden Horse Film Festival | Best Leading Actor | Ah fei zing zyun (1990) |
| 1989 | Hong Kong Film Award | Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Actor | Yan zhi kou (1987) |
| 1988 | Hong Kong Film Award | Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Actor | Ying hung boon sik II (1987) |
| 1988 | Hong Kong Film Award | Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Original Film Song | Sien nui yau wan (1987) |
| 1983 | Hong Kong Film Award | Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Actor | Lie huo qing chun (1982) |