周潤發

Early Life

Chow Yun-fat, born on May 18, 1955, in Lamma Island, Hong Kong, grew up in a humble farming community. His parents, Chow Yung-wan and Chan Lai-fong, worked hard to support the family, with Chow helping his mother sell herbal jelly and tea-pudding from a young age. At just ten years old, he moved to Kowloon, and by seventeen, he left school to take on various odd jobs, including being a bellboy and taxi driver, to help his family.

Career

Chow's acting career began in 1973 when he joined TVB's actor training program. After a year, he signed a contract with the station and quickly gained fame through popular dramas like "The Killer" and "Hotel." His breakout role came in the film "The Good, The Bad And The Ugly" in 1979, followed by the iconic series "The Bund," which solidified his status as a star across Asia. Chow made his film debut in 1976 and became known for his versatility in various genres, including action and melodrama. Over his extensive career, he has received numerous accolades, including three Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Actor and two Golden Horse Awards for Best Actor.

Personal Life

Chow has been married twice, first to actress Candice Yu in 1983, though the marriage lasted only nine months. He later married Jasmine Tan in 1986, and they chose not to have children after experiencing a stillbirth. Despite his fame, Chow maintains a modest lifestyle, often seen using public transport and frequenting local food stalls. He is also known for his philanthropic intentions, claiming he would donate 99% of his wealth to charity. In addition to his acting career, Chow has voiced support for social movements, including the Umbrella Movement in 2014, advocating for civil rights in Hong Kong.