Leslie Cheung was an American actor from Hong Kong, best known for his roles in “Farewell My Concubine,” “Happy Together,” and “A Better Tomorrow.” He was celebrated not only for his acting talents but also for his contributions to music, becoming an iconic figure in the Hong Kong entertainment industry.
Personal and Family Life
Leslie Cheung was the youngest of ten siblings. His parents divorced when he was young, which had a lasting impact on him and contributed to his reluctance to marry. After finishing secondary school, he studied at Leeds University in the UK before returning to Hong Kong. He began his career in show business in the late 1970s, winning second prize in a music contest in 1976, leading to a successful career in acting and singing.
Career Highlights
In the early 1990s, Cheung became one of the first Hong Kong actors to portray gay characters in films, starting with his role in “Farewell My Concubine.” He continued to break boundaries with his performances, particularly in “Happy Together,” which earned him critical acclaim. Leslie also ventured into the music scene, becoming a popular singer with numerous hits that resonated with fans across Asia.
Death and Legacy
On April 1, 2003, Cheung tragically took his own life by jumping from the 24th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong. He left behind a suicide note revealing his struggles with depression, a battle he had faced for many years. His death sparked widespread mourning, and he is remembered as a groundbreaking artist who influenced the Hong Kong entertainment landscape.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 新最佳拍檔 | 1989-01-28 | Brother Thief |
| 倩女幽魂 | 1987-07-18 | Ling Choi Sin |
| 英雄本色 | 1986-08-02 | Kit |
| 白髮魔女2 | 1993-12-22 | Cho Yi Hang |
| 倩女幽魂II人間道 | 1990-07-13 | Ning Choi San |
| 家有囍事 | 1992-01-25 | Shang So |
| 春光乍洩 | 1997-05-30 | Ho Po-wing |
| 霸王别姬 | 1993-01-01 | Cheng Dieyi / Xiao Douzi |
| 金枝玉葉 | 1994-07-23 | Sam Koo Gai Ming |
| 東邪西毒 | 1994-09-17 | Ouyang Feng / Malicious West |