Table of contents
Leslie Cheung (September 12, 1956 - April 1, 2003) was a Hong Kong Hall of Famer who became an eternal legend in the Chinese entertainment industry due to his versatility and unique charisma. His struggle was full of twists and turns and challenges. From an ordinary young man to an international superstar, Leslie Cheung has written a moving story of perseverance and talent.
Childhood and Early Education
On September 12, 1956, Leslie Cheung was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong to a wealthy merchant family, originally named Cheung Fat Chung. He was the youngest of ten children in the family.
Father.CHEUNG WOOD HOIHe was a famous tailor who made clothes for Hollywood stars such as Marlon Brando. He was the tenth son in his family, hence the nickname "Ten Boys". As his parents were busy with their careers and family disputes, he was mainly taken care of by his maid, Sister Six, during his childhood.
Educational Experiences:
- primary school: Attended St. Lucie's College (Primary Division) and Rose Heights School (Primary Division), during which time she participated in many music festivals, speech contests and won the Championship of Poetry Speaking twice.
- middle school: He was admitted to the Buddhist Wong Fung Ling Secondary School in Causeway Bay in 1968, and later transferred to the Secondary Section of Rosehill School in Happy Valley.
- Study in the UKIn 1969, he went to the United Kingdom for further studies and was admitted to the University of Leeds where he studied textiles with a minor in English Literature. After dropping out of school due to her father's stroke, she returned to Hong Kong to study at Wellington English Secondary School.
The origin of the name:
The origin of the stage name "Big Brother" has been suggested in various ways, the most popular one being the 1987 filming of the movie "The Horseman".Sinister Soul (novel by Catherine the Great)HourlyJoey WongCall him by his name.
The name "Leslie" comes from his favorite British actor.Leslie Howard.
Lack of family warmth
"My father and my mother lived together, but my father and I never lived together, and neither did my mother. My mother would do many things for my father, but not for me." This confession reveals the inner loneliness of his childhood. This sense of loneliness and desire for love became the emotional source of his later artistic endeavors.
To a large extent, his works are so profoundly moving and soul-stirring because of his deep insight into the subtleties of human nature and his extreme interpretation of them. This insight does not come out of thin air, but is inextricably linked to his deep and complex family experiences in his early years, especially the core trauma of "lack of family warmth". This absence, like an invisible scar, has shaped his character, becoming a source of rich emotion in his artistic creations as well as a source of unspeakable loneliness and struggle in his life's journey.
Structural Alienation: The 'Lonely Child' in a Large Family
Born on September 12, 1956, to a wealthy businessman family in Hong Kong, Leslie Cheung was originally named Cheung Fat Chung. He was the oldest of ten children in his family and was supposed to be the most loved of all. However, the opposite was true. The very structure of his family set the stage for emotional estrangement.
The inevitable dilution of "polygamous" families: In a family of ten children, parental attention, care, and time as a "resource" are necessarily very diluted. Each child's share is quite limited. As the latest child, Cheung came into the world when his siblings were already very different in age, and his parents had probably already expended a lot of energy in the long process of childbearing and parenting, and had already entered a certain kind of emotional fatigue. He was not born in the midst of his parents' freshness and anticipation, but more like a "fait accompli" of this huge family machine.
Age Gap and Generation Gap: His older siblings were more than twenty years older than he was, and by the time he began to have memories and need for playmates and understanding, his siblings had long since reached adulthood and were even starting to form their own families. There was a huge generational gap between them, with little in the way of shared experiences and conversations. This age gap made it difficult for him to find intimate partnerships among his siblings, further exacerbating his sense of isolation within the family.
"The Absent Father: Chang Woon-Hoi's Stylishness and Alienation
Leslie Cheung's father, Cheung Woo-hoi, was a famous tailor in Hong Kong, with a thriving business and a clientele of Hollywood stars and celebrities. However, on the other side of his business success, he was a traditional and elegant businessman.
- Busy with business, physically absent: Mr. Zhang devotes most of his time and energy to business and socializing, and is always on the go, seldom coming home. This resulted in the physical absence of his father. Cheung once said bluntly, "My father and I have never lived together. He even teasingly said that the only time his father "lived with him" was when he went to work in his father's factory for a short period of time after his secondary school exams.
- Emotional apathy, psychosexual absence: What is more critical is the absence of a psychological dimension. Inheriting the old-fashioned style of parental authority, Cheung is not good at, and seems to have no intention of, communicating emotionally with his children. He cares more about his career and family's prosperity than the delicate inner world of his children. In addition, he was a womanizer and had another mistress outside the home, which not only hurt the couple's relationship, but also gave the young Chang a complex negative view of his father's image, with a hint of awe for a successful businessman, but more alienation, disappointment, and even disdain. His father was never his emotional support or role model.
"Mothers in the Presence: Resentment and Emotional Closure in Pan Yuyao's Life
The role of the mother, Poon Yuk Yiu, is even more complex and heartbreaking. Her relationship with her husband is poor and her marriage is on the rocks. Her husband's infidelity has left her in a constant state of pain, resentment and insecurity.
- Post-traumatic self-seclusion: A woman whose emotional needs are not met and whose heart is full of trauma can hardly have the strength to give her children abundant and unconditional love in a healthy way. Poon Yuk Yiu used a lot of her emotional energy to cope with her failed marriage and the trivialities of running a large family. Although she did her best to raise her young child, she was emotionally closed and detached from him. As he once sadly recalled, "My mother would do a lot of things for my father, but not for me". This statement reveals that the mother's attention was always centered on the husband who had hurt her, rather than on her young son who needed her protection.
- Embarrassment and strangeness between mother and child: This emotional barrier has led to a deformed relationship between mother and child. As Mr. Cheung once mentioned, when his mother came to his home, she would politely ask him "if she could use your toilet", and behind this excessive politeness was a sense of strangeness that was suffocating. After he became famous, he tried to repair his relationship with his mother by giving her a good life, but he realized that he had nothing to say to her when they were alone, and that the deep emotional connection had long since missed its golden age.
Childhood Trauma
His father was a busy businessman and a womanizer, while his mother, Poon Yuk Yiu, was a depressed and exhausted woman due to her unfortunate marriage. The double absence of his parents' roles has left him in an emotional vacuum since he was a child. He once said, "My father and my mother lived together, but my father and I never lived together, and neither did my mother. My mother would do a lot of things for my father, but not for me." These words express the endless loneliness and loss.
To make matters worse, his father's affair led to complicated family relationships. According to the memories of relatives and friends and some biographies, a woman close to his father (often called "stepmother") once bullied the young Cheung.There was even the extreme insult of drenching him in urine.This is a devastating blow to a child's dignity and spirit. This is undoubtedly a devastating blow to a child's dignity and soul. And perhaps the most chilling of all was the fact thatThe Silence and Detachment of the Birth MotherThe story is a story of a mother's failure to protect and comfort her son. In the face of her son's plight, his mother Poon Yuk Yiu, who is deeply influenced by traditional beliefs and is in a difficult position to protect herself, fails to step forward to provide him with protection and comfort. This double betrayal - the hurt from the bully and the absence from the protector - has left an indelible scar on his heart. As an adult, a sad barrier remained between him and his mother.Even when his mother visited his home, she had to ask politely, "Can I use your bathroom?"Behind this excessive politeness is an irreparable break in the bond between mother and son.
A potential hotbed of depression: Although the causes of depression are extremely complex, numerous studies have shown that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are a significant risk factor for mental health problems in adulthood. Chronic emotional neglect and an insecure upbringing can physically and psychologically change a person, making them more vulnerable. The childhood trauma of Leslie Cheung, who eventually died of depression, was probably one of the seeds that planted this seed.
Family Changes (1971-1973)
1971At the age of 15, his father sent him to a boarding school in Norwich, England, where he was admitted to the University of Leeds to study textiles. Living in a foreign country far away from Hong Kong shaped his independent character and made him far away from the traditional fetters of Chinese society. However1976In the end, a family tragedy changed the course of his life - his father, Cheung Woo-hoi, suffered a stroke and the family business came to a standstill. The family business was shut down, and he had to interrupt his studies and return to Hong Kong to live on his own. This change became a major turning point in his life.
Faced with the financial pressure from his family, Mr. Cheung had to give up his studies and return to Hong Kong. By this time, he had changed from a rich young man to a young man who needed to earn his own living. At the beginning of his return to Hong Kong, he tried various odd jobs, including selling shoes and jeans, but the meager income was hardly enough to make ends meet.
The First Time: Singing Competitions and Opportunities
In 1976, at the age of 21, he borrowed HK$5 from his maid, Sister Six, to enter the Asian Singing Contest organized by Asia Television. He won the first runner-up with his song "American Pie" and officially entered the show business. This competition was not only the starting point of his career, but also showed his passion and talent for music. The five dollars not only changed his fate, but also became one of the most legendary investments in the history of Hong Kong's performing arts.
Years later, when Zhang Guo Rong became successful and famous, in order to repay his sixth sister's kindness, he bought a house for her, realizing her dream of owning her own house. This act embodied the character of Cheung Kwok-wing, and became a warm page in his life.
Business Downturns and Struggles (1977-1982)
- 1977Mr. Chan made his debut when he won the first runner-up in Hong Kong with the song "American Pie" in the Ritz-Carlton Asian Singing Championships.
- 1978: Released her debut album "Day Dreamin'" in English, which was awarded at the Hong Kong Gold Record Awards Ceremony.
- 1979After releasing his debut album "Lover's Arrow" in Cantonese, his contract was terminated due to poor sales.
Joining PolyGram and Early Setbacks
In 1977, Leslie Cheung joined PolyGram Records and released his debut album "I Like Dreamin'". However, as Cantonese songs were the mainstay of the Hong Kong music scene at that time, his English album was poorly received and sold poorly, and it was even rumored that the album was used as a "table mat". His subsequent albums were also unsuccessful and the market response was lukewarm.
In public performances, his avant-garde style and outspokenness were at odds with the conservative tastes of the audience at the time. In one of his performances, he attempted to interact with the audience by throwing his hat offstage, only to have it thrown back at him, accompanied by jeers of "Go home and rest". The incident was a big blow to the young man, but he didn't give up.
Bar Residencies and Economic Hardships
In 1980, Polaroid decided to terminate his contract with Leslie Cheung due to the poor sales of his records. After losing his contract, he could only sing in bars, earning a meager income and leading a difficult life. What was even more distressing was that he encountered relationship disputes, with the woman extorting a huge sum of money from him and even threatening to use the triads for revenge. During this period, his psychological and financial pressure reached its peak, but he still insisted on his dream of music and performance.
Beginning in the music industry: from dreaming to being hit in the head
After returning to Hong Kong, Cheung had no intention of inheriting the family business. By chance, he entered the 1977 Asian Singing Contest organized by Asia Television and won the first runner-up prize in the Hong Kong contest with his English song "American Pie", thus entering the showbiz industry. The young man's dream of stardom is met with a series of cruel blows, but what awaits him is a series of cruel blows.
Debut under "booing": 2,000 jeers and tauntsLeslie Cheung's debut on stage was not a dream. At a public performance (a music festival organized by Lai's TV station in 1977), the newcomer was well-prepared for his debut, but the style of the performance was out of tune with the audience's tastes at the time - he sang an avant-garde English song in a red shirt and red boots, which was out of place in Hong Kong's then still relatively conservative music scene. He sang an avant-garde English song while wearing a red shirt and red boots, which was still relatively conservative at the time.The audience of up to 2,000 booed and jeered at him.He attempted to throw his hat at the audience as a gesture of interaction, but it was thrown back to the stage. He attempted to interact with the audience by throwing his hat at them, only to have it mercilessly thrown back on stage. It was a humiliating public execution, and he insisted on singing the entire song, bowing calmly as he was booed off the stage, only to crumble as soon as he returned to the backstage. The boos became his nightmare for a long time.
Stagnant Record Sales and the Shame of the 'One Dollar Record'After the signing, he released his debut album "I Like Dreamin'" in English, but the market response was extremely lukewarm, with almost no one asking for it. Rumor has it that he was forced to sell the record for as low as HK$1. Whether the rumors are true or not, they are a testament to the dismal state of his early career, which was devastating to a young man's self-confidence.
Spooky Threats: Malice from the Underworld - Plutonium Coins: In the midst of his career, he has suffered from incomprehensible malice. He has received anonymous mailings ofPlutonium (paper money)This behavior goes far beyond ordinary criticism or denial. This line of behavior is far more than ordinary criticism or denial; it carries a vicious curse, meant to intimidate and humiliate, as if denying the value of his existence and success. This makes his already difficult life even more difficult, and makes him feel that the world is not as good as it should be.
Moviemaking and Compromise: The Years of Threatened Films
After a setback in the singing industry, the company started to make movies for him in order to maintain his exposure. However, his early career in the movie industry was also full of pitfalls and helplessness.
Tricked into making a vulgar movie
In order to make ends meet, he took part in some low-budget movies, including 1978's "Spring on the Red Mansion", which was publicized as an art film but was actually an erotic film. The movie was advertised as an art film, but in fact it was an erotic film, in which Cheung took part unknowingly and was forced to take part in films that tarnished his image, and he felt ashamed and angry afterwards.
This experience has given him a deep understanding of the dark side of the entertainment industry, and has prompted him to be more careful in choosing his roles.
Rumors of "Threatened Filming" and the Dark Side of the Industry
Showbiz is more complicated than one can imagine. About his early careerThreatened with a movie.Rumors of such a situation have been spreading noisily. For a newcomer with no background and eager to find a way out, he often lacks the capital and courage to resist the pressure and coercion of certain forces, and is forced to make compromises. This experience has undoubtedly deepened his understanding of the dark side of the industry, and made him long for autonomy and the ability to create purely for the sake of art.
Career Change and Rise (1983-1989)
The Wind Keeps On Blowing breakthrough
In 1983, Leslie Cheung switched to China Star Records and released the album "The Wind Continues to Blow", with the hit song of the same name becoming his first classic hit. This song not only established his position in the music industry, but also made him gradually recognized by the audience. His warm and emotional voice, combined with his avant-garde image, began to attract a large number of fans.
Breakthroughs in Film: Heroes and Sinisters
In 1986, he played the role of police officer Song Zijie in John Woo's "Heroic", demonstrating his superb acting skills and successfully transforming himself from an idol to a powerful actor. 1987, he portrayed the scholar Ning Caixian in "Sinister Spirit", and his pairing with Joey Wong became a classic of Chinese cinema, the film not only sold well in Hong Kong, but also became popular in Asia, establishing his international influence.
The pinnacle of the music business
His 1987 album "Summer Romance" was a huge success, with the hit song "Mindless Sleep" becoming the golden song of the year and the album went platinum. His music style gradually matured, blending pop, rock and lyrical elements, demonstrating his unique understanding of music.
Movie career and classic roles
1. The Lai Period (1977-1982)
- She has acted in many TV dramas, such as "Crocodile Tears" and "Raccoon Flower and Sword Cleansing Book".
- 1980Winner of the Commonwealth Film and Television Festival Award for Best Performance in A Woman in My House.
2. Debut on the silver screen (early 1980s)
- Starred in youth idol movies such as "Drink Up" and "Youth on Fire".
- 1982Nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards for "Youth on Fire".
3. Emergence (1984-1988)
- 1986: Starred in "Heroic" as Sung Tse-kit.
- 1987: Starred in "Sinister Souls", portraying the classic character of a scholar.
- 1988Mr. Wong was nominated for the Best Actor Award in the Academy Awards for his work in Rouge Buckle.
4. Awarded a movie star (1991)
- 1991Mr. Wong was awarded the Best Actor in the Hong Kong Film Awards for his work in the film "The Legend of Ah Fei".
5. International Recognition (1993-1994)
- 1993Mr. Wang was nominated for Best Actor at the Cannes Film Festival for "Farewell My Concubine" and received the Best Actor Award from the Japan Film Critics Association.
- 1994Mr. Wong was awarded the Hong Kong Film Critics Society's Best Actor Award for his starring role in East is East, West is Venom.
6. Variety of roles (1996-2002)
- 1996He was nominated for the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for his work on "The Wind and the Moon".
- 1997: Starred in Spring Breakers, which was nominated for the Academy Award and Golden Horse Award.
- 2000: Starred in "The Gun King" and successfully portrayed a cold-blooded killer.
Movie Achievement Data Chart:
| years | Movie | Awards and Honors |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Youth on Fire | Nominated for Best Actor in a Golden Film Award |
| 1991 | The Legend of Aphrodite. | Best Actor, Academy Award |
| 1993 | "Farewell My Concubine | Nominated for Best Actor at Cannes Film Festival |
| 1994 | East is East, West is West. | Hong Kong Film Critics Society Best Actor |
| 1997 | Spring Breakers. | Nominated for Best Actor in a Golden Film Award |
Peak Business and Internationalization (1990-2000)
Movie Stars: "Alfie's Story" & "Farewell My Concubine
In 1990, he won the Best Actor Award at the Hong Kong Film Awards for his portrayal of the prodigal son Xuk Tsai in Wong Kar-wai's The Legend of Ah Fei Zheng (阿飛正傳). The film was not only a masterpiece of the Hong Kong New Wave, but also brought international recognition to Cheung's acting skills. 1993 saw him starring in Farewell My Concubine, directed by Chen Kaige, in which he played Cheng Dieyi, a character whose complexity of emotions was so well realized that the film won the Palm d'Or award at the Cannes Film Festival, and Cheung became the first Hong Kong actor to achieve international fame.
Music and concert splendor
In the 1990s, Leslie Cheung's music career reached its peak, with his albums "Pampered" and "Red" selling incredibly well, and songs such as "Chase" and "Blame You for Being Too Beautiful" becoming classics. 1996-1997's "Crossing 97 World Tour" demonstrated his infinite charisma on stage, and his style of styling and performing led the trend, becoming a role model for countless artists of the next generation.
Overseas Influence and International Recognition
Cheung's artistic achievements are not only limited to the Chinese-speaking region, but are also widely recognized internationally.
1. Korea Market
- 1987The album "Adore" sold 200,000 copies in Korea.
- 1995Her album "Pet Love" has sold over 500,000 copies in Korea, which is a record for a Chinese album in Korea.
- 2014: The song "When I was in love" was selected as one of the six most memorable movie and TV songs in Korea.
2. Japanese market
- 1993: Won the Best Actor Award from the Japan Film Critics Association.
- 1994: "Farewell My Concubine" ran for 43 weeks in Tokyo.
- 2000Mr. Kono was selected as one of Japan's "Top Ten International Actors".
3. International honors
- 1998He is the first Asian actor to serve on the jury of the Berlin International Film Festival.
- 2010Mr. Kenneth T. Kennedy was selected as one of CNN's "25 Greatest Asian Actors of All Time".
Later Life and Regrets (2000-2003)
In 2000, Leslie Cheung announced his retirement from the music industry to focus on his movie and television career. He starred in The King of Guns and Otherworldly Space, showing a different style of acting, but by this time he was already suffering from depression, and on April 1, 2003, he fell to his death at the Mandarin Hotel in Hong Kong at the age of 46 due to depression. His death shocked the whole world and was mourned by countless fans and peers.
Key Milestones Chart
| years | event | Influence |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Participated in the Asian Singing Contest and won the first runner-up prize | Formally entered the performing arts industry and started his music dream. |
| 1977 | Joins Polaroid and releases her debut album | The market response was lukewarm, and it was difficult to start the business. |
| 1978 | Shooting "Spring on the Red Mansion | Being cheated on and having a career downturn |
| 1983 | Launch of The Wind Continues to Blow | A breakthrough in the music business, establishing his position in the music industry |
| 1986 | Starring in Heroes of Might and Magic | Successfully transformed into a powerhouse actor |
| 1987 | Starring in "Sinister | Become an Asian movie star |
| 1990 | Starring in "The Legend of Ah Fei | Best Actor, Hong Kong Film Awards |
| 1993 | Starring in "Farewell My Concubine | Winner of Cannes Gold Palm Award and international recognition |
| 1997 | Trans 97 World Tour | The charisma of the stage is at its peak |
| 2000 | Announcing his retirement from the music industry | Specialized in film and television, but suffered from depression. |
| 2003 | pass away | It's a legend that will last forever. |
Analysis of reasons for success
- Talent and Effort: Leslie Cheung has demonstrated a remarkable talent in music and film, with a voice, acting skills and stage presence that are beyond reproach. Even at the lowest ebb of his career, he never stopped learning and improving, for example, he insisted on honing his singing skills when he sang in a bar.
- Avant-garde and SincerityHis avant-garde image and outspoken personality were not well received by the audience in the early days, but as time progressed, his unique style became a trend-setter. His openness to controversy in his personal life earned him respect and love.
- Toughness and PerseveranceFrom being ridiculed and dismissed to becoming an international superstar, Leslie Cheung has demonstrated perseverance in the face of adversity. He chose to keep going when his career was in the doldrums, and this spirit is the key to his success.
- Human Touch and GratitudeThe charismatic personality of Cheung has won him widespread love both inside and outside the circle, which has also supported the success of his career: his gratitude to his sixth sister and his loyalty to his friends.
Conclusion
Leslie Cheung's struggle is a legend from adversity to glory. His talent, perseverance and sincerity have conquered countless audiences and made him an everlasting symbol in the Chinese entertainment industry. His story tells us that even in the face of setbacks and criticisms, if you hold on to your dreams, you can create your own glory. His passing is a great loss to the Chinese world, but his work and spirit will live on forever.
Appendix: Timeline of important milestones in Leslie Cheung's artistic career
| years | event |
|---|---|
| 1977 | She was awarded the first runner-up in the Asian Singing Championships and made her debut. |
| 1984 | With "Monica", she established herself as one of the most popular musicians in the world. |
| 1987 | The album "Summer Romance" became the top selling album. |
| 1991 | Won the Best Actor in the Academy Award for "The Legend of Alfie". |
| 1993 | With "Farewell My Concubine", he became famous in the international movie industry. |
| 1999 | Won the Golden Needle Award and became the first artist to win both the Golden Needle Award and the Academy Award. |
| 2003 | Passed away, his last book, "Everything Follows the Wind," was a record seller. |
| 2010 | Named one of CNN's "25 Greatest Asian Actors of All Time". |
Further reading:
![[有片]人生究竟追求什麼](https://findgirl.org/storage/2025/09/有片人生究竟追求什麼.webp)
