Cheung Kwok-Wing (Chinese: 張國榮, English name: Leslie, September 12, 1956 – April 1, 2003) was a Hong Kong Canadian singer and actor. Born in Hong Kong, Leslie Cheung moved to the United Kingdom in 1971, settling in Leeds, where he enrolled at university to study fashion design. After completing his studies, he returned to Hong Kong and, in 1977, took part in an amateur singing competition—the ATV Asian Music Contest—where he won second prize. The following year, he released his first album, I Like Dreaming. He soon began appearing on television and quickly landed his first film role in Erotic Dreams of the Red Chamber (1978), an erotic production that Cheung himself later described as a “shameful disaster.” Throughout a 26-year career from 1977 until his death, Cheung released over 40 music albums and acted in 56 films. He was one of the most prominent pioneers that shaped the identity of Cantopop during the 1980s. His studio albums Summer Romance (1987) and Most Beloved (1995) each sold over 300,000 copies and are among the best-selling albums of all time in the territory. In addition to music, Cheung achieved pan-Asian fame with such films as A Better Tomorrow (1986) and A Chinese Ghost Story (1987). He won the Best Actor at the 1991 Hong Kong Film Awards for his role in Days of Being Wild (1990). His venture into acting in the 1990s was recognized for his portrayal of queer characters in the then-conservative film industry, he was one of the few Hong Kong actors willing to take on gay roles—such as in Wong Kar-wai’s Happy Together—or to play a cross-dressing opera performer in Chen Kaige’s Farewell My Concubine, which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes in 1993. Leslie Cheung died by suicide on April 1, 2003, at the age of 46, by jumping from the 24th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong. In the note he left behind, he stated that he had been suffering from depression.
Leslie Cheung was born on September 12, 1956, in Hong Kong, British Colony. Recognized as a Hong Kong-Canadian singer and actor, Cheung moved to the United Kingdom in 1971, where he attended university in Leeds and studied fashion design. After completing his education, Leslie Cheung returned to Hong Kong and won second prize in the ATV Asia Music Competition in 1977. This competition marked the beginning of his music career.
The turning point in his career began with his role in the film "Erotic Dreams of the Red Chamber" in 1978. This film served as a gateway for Cheung into the film world. Over his 26-year career, he released more than 40 music albums and acted in 56 films, becoming one of the most important pioneers in shaping the identity of Cantopop music in the 1980s.
Some of Leslie Cheung's most significant works include "Ashes of Time Redux," "Happy Together," "Under the Stars," "All's Well, End's Well '97," "Viva Erotica," "Shanghai Grand," "Temptress Moon," "Tri-Star," "The Chinese Feast," and "Time's Ashes." These films showcase not only his acting talent but also his success across different genres.
Throughout his career, Cheung won numerous awards and gained a large fan base worldwide. Leslie Cheung passed away on April 1, 2003, but he is still remembered in the film and music worlds, and the question "Who is Leslie Cheung?" is frequently asked. Leslie Cheung films continue to keep his legacy alive and inspire new generations.
Leslie Cheung was a famous actor, singer, and producer from Hong Kong. He was born in 1956 and passed away in 2003.
He was 70 years old, born in 1956.
Leslie Cheung's most famous film is 'Farewell My Concubine.' This film achieved great international success and won many awards.
Leslie Cheung was born in Hong Kong. He is considered one of the most important figures in Hong Kong cinema.
Leslie Cheung participated in significant projects such as 'The Last Emperor.' He also acted in popular series like 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes.'
