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Ashlyn Chak

This is the 25th instalment in a biweekly series profiling major Hong Kong pop culture figures of recent decades.
Jan Lamb Hoi-fung has seemingly done it all in a decades-long entertainment career.
One of the most versatile figures in Hong Kong’s entertainment industry, Lamb is known today as a stand-up comedian and one half of the comedic Cantonese rap duo Softhard.
But he has also been an actor, emcee, radio host and art director – and he was a graphic designer before entering show business.
Born in 1967 in Hong Kong, he had a fairly typical Hong Kong childhood. He attended St Joseph’s College – the city’s oldest Catholic boys’ secondary school – and after graduating, enrolled in a design diploma course at the Caritas Bianchi College of Careers.

There he met Eric Kot Man-fai and Wing Shya. Kot would go on to become a singer and actor, while the latter would become a graphic designer and a photographer, known for his shots on the sets of Hong Kong auteur filmmaker Wong Kar-wai.
In 1988, Lamb was recommended by his sister Sandy Lamb San-san, a radio DJ at the time, for a job as a graphic designer at Commercial Radio Hong Kong.
Within months, his quick wit and comedic talent had been discovered by Winnie Yu Tsang, then general manager and now deputy chairwoman of the broadcaster. Tsang got Lamb and Kot, by then also a designer for Commercial Radio, to host a show together – easily done, as they were already good friends and had great chemistry.
The name Softhard is a play on a Cantonese expression that loosely translates as “an iron hand in a velvet glove”.
She wanted the two to complement each other, with Kot representing the “soft”, good cop in audience participation games and Lamb the opposite.

As Softhard, they started out as guest hosts and steadily gained popularity among Hong Kong radio listeners. They fronted 12 different programmes for Commercial Radio between the late 1980s and the mid 90s.
In 1989, the duo performed their first stand-up comedy show and recorded their first Cantonese comedic rap single. In 1991, Softhard released a self-titled debut album and have since been credited with launching the city’s hip-hop scene.
In 1993, Softhard hosted a television game show, appeared as singers in filmmaker Wong Jing’s action comedy City Hunter – which starred Jackie Chan – and dropped their second rap album, whose Cantonese name translates as “The Softhard Killing Incident of Broadcast Drive”.
One of the tracks, “Everyone Needs to Lup”, promoted universal love and safe sex through cheeky Cantonese wordplay and slang-filled lyrics – lup being a way to reference putting on a condom.
“Nobody else will sing this kind of song with this kind of attitude,” Lamb said at the time.

In 1995, the duo shifted their focus to their individual careers. Although rumours of strains in their relationship arose, Lamb and Kot directed and starred in 1996 indie film 4 Faces of Eve alongside Sandra Ng Kwan-yue.
In the latter half of the 90s, Lamb wrote several radio dramas and directed short films, including Out of the Blur (1996), a 30-minute, dialogue-free film filled with surrealistic urban fantasies starring himself and actor-singers Leon Lai Ming, Jacky Cheung Hok-yau and Vivian Chow Wai-man.
In 1997 he released his first solo album, Hard Beat, for which he wrote the lyrics and designed the artwork. Lamb also designed the album artwork for, among others, Softhard’s albums in 1991 and 1993, Faye Wong’s Random Thoughts (1994), Karen Mok Man-wai’s Karen Mok In Totality (1996), Leo Ku Kui-kei’s Be My Valentine (1998) and Eason Chan Yik-shun’s Some Like It Hot (2000).
He met Japanese designer Nigo – best known for creating streetwear brand A Bathing Ape, or Bape – in 1998. Soon afterwards, Lamb began incorporating branded streetwear in his stage performances.
He appeared in promotional images for Bape’s first Hong Kong store in 1999 and has since modelled for Japanese magazines.

Despite all this, Lamb has not forgotten his roots – he continues to host radio shows.
In 2004 he began hosting On a Clear Day, a morning show on Commercial Radio, alongside actresses Ng and Michelle Loo Mik-suet and actor Chapman To Man-chat. Now in its 20th year, it remains one of the station’s most popular shows.
Lamb is also a stand-up comedian – he performed a series of shows at Queen Elizabeth Stadium in 2005, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in 2006 and the Hong Kong Coliseum in 2008; he continued to perform almost annually at the latter venue until 2019.
In 2006, Softhard reunited for a Lunar New Year McDonald’s advertising campaign and a concert titled “Long Time No See”.

Much of the rap duo’s charm lies in their relatability.
“The material comes from the street, actually,” Lamb said in a 1993 interview. “All the stuff happens around us; it’s stuff we feel deeply about. And of course it’s our attitude. All these people are doing karaoke – no one is releasing songs about things that are happening around us.”
In 2012, in a rare move for the Hong Kong entertainment industry, Softhard joined another Cantopop group, Grasshopper, for 12 concerts at the Hong Kong Coliseum.
In 2014, Lamb acted alongside Kot in Academy of Laughter, a play originally written by Japanese dramatist Koki Mitani, in a run of 17 performances at the Hong Kong Arts Centre. Esteemed theatre director Rensen Chan Man-kong directed the Cantonese adaptation.
In 2017, he headlined Olivia Yan Wing-pui’s take on US playwright David Mamet’s play Speed the Plow alongside Anthony Wong Chau-sang and Rosa Maria Velasco.

When it comes to his personal life, Lamb has kept it mostly private. In 1998, he married then-singer Cass Phang Ling, who gave birth to their first daughter in 2000 and withdrew from the limelight after the birth of their second child in 2004.
Recent years have seen Lamb add “amateur marathon runner” to his list of talents, with much of his Instagram feed now featuring running-related photos.
In September 2023 he ran the Berlin Marathon in Germany, about which he wrote: “It can’t all go according to plan. All I can hope for is painless cramps. Life is like a box of German chocolates, you never know what you will get.”
For three evenings in December 2023, Lamb sang in his “Uncle Auntie Farewell Party” concerts at AsiaWorld-Expo in Lantau. Kot was the encore guest for the final show, during which it was announced that Softhard would reunite for a one-off Hong Kong concert this year.
Before that, Lamb will give a concert at The Londoner Arena in Macau on June 8.


From Cheng Pei-pei to Michelle Yeoh, Hong Kong cinema’s history of action heroines

‘Rest in eternal peace’: veteran horror actor, filmmaker Simon Loui dies at age 62

How Cantopop lyricist Wyman Wong pushed Hong Kong’s LGBTQ, style and emotional boundaries

Museum brings back Leslie Cheung exhibition to mark late star’s 70th birthday

Hong Kong celebrities and icons

Actor, designer, rapper, comedian, radio host – Jan Lamb of Cantopop duo Softhard has done it all, and more

Jan Lamb pictured in 2014. Photo: SCMP

Jan Lamb Hoi-fung at an interview with the Post in 2005. Lamb, one half of Cantopop duo Softhard, may be Hong Kong show business’ only true multihyphenate. Photo: SCMP

Lamb at a promotional event for his morning radio programme Softhard Kids This Morning in 1994. Photo: SCMP

Lamb at an interview with the Post in 1998. Photo: SCMP

Lamb performs in the annual Ultimate Song Chart Awards organised by Commercial Radio at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in 1999. Photo: SCMP

Eric Kot (left) and Lamb at a news conference promoting their concert Long Time No See in 2006. Photo: Reuters

Kot (left) and Lamb at an interview with the Post in 2014. Photo: SCMP

Lamb at a promotional event for his stand-up comedy shows in 2016.

The life of Hong Kong’s ‘happy fruit’ Lydia Sum: comedian, actress and emcee, ‘Fei Fei’ did everything from the heart

Lydia Sum Tin-ha at an interview with the Post in 1994. When it came to the Hong Kong television and comedy icon, known as Fei Fei, everything came from the heart, said the TV producer who turbocharged her career. Photo: SCMP

Lydia Sum in a still from The Invincible Eight (1971).

(From left) Chow Yun-fat, Carol “Do Do” Cheng Yu-ling, Sum and Ivan Ho Sau-shun on stage as the masters of ceremonies of the Miss Aerobic beauty pageant in 1985. Photo: SCMP

Sum (centre) and Bill Tung Biu (right) in a still from It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World (1987).

(From left) Spencer Leung Sze-ho, Sara Lee Lai-yui, Bill Tung Biu, Yvonne Yung Hung and Sum made up the cast of long-running comedy series Auntie Lydia and Uncle Bill. Photo: SCMP

Sum and her daughter, Joyce Cheng, in 2004. Photo: Martin Chan

(From left) Sum, Joyce Cheng and Adam Cheng appear on a TVB programme in 2004.

Sum at an interview with the Post in 2002. Photo: SCMP

Cantopop star, actor, adoring husband – Ekin Cheng’s rise to fame

Ekin Cheng at an interview with the Post in 2010. We take a look at his journey from heartthrob idol to Cantopop star and popular actor. Photo: SCMP

Cheng in 1995. He broke into the entertainment industry through TVB’s acting training programme. Photo: SCMP

Cheng performing at the Hong Kong Coliseum in 1996. His songs have become anthems for a generation that has followed his career since his debut. Photo: SCMP

(From left) Jordan Chan, Michael Tse, Cheng, Jason Chu and Jerry Lamb in a still from Young and Dangerous (1996). Photo: Golden Harvest

Aaron Kwok (left) and Cheng in a still from The Storm Warriors (2009), a sequel to 1998’s The Storm Riders.

Cheng at an interview with the Post in 2015. Despite his professional success, Cheng’s personal life has not been without its challenges. Photo: SCMP

Gigi Leung Wing-kei and Cheng at a music event in December 1996. Photo: SCMP

Cheng in a still from the film Life Must Go On (2022). The Cantopop star has revealed that he was diagnosed with a learning disability later in life. Photo: Emperor Motion Pictures

‘Every day I’m striving’: Hong Kong filmmaker Sandra Ng’s evolution from playing the ‘funny hag’ to lauded producer

Sandra Ng at an interview with the Post in 2014. The respected Hong Kong actress and producer started out playing minor, unattractive roles in the 1980s, but carved a path to success through hard work and humility. Photo: SCMP

(From left) Philip Chan, Ng and Eric Tsang host the Miss Hong Kong beauty pageant in 1993. Photo: SCMP

Ng and Wyman Wong hosting the late night talk show The Show Must Go on Harassing at a Commercial Radio studio in 1994. Photo: SCMP

Ng in a still from All’s Well, Ends Well (1992).

Ng (left) with Anthony Wong after she won the best actress prize at the 1999 Hong Kong Film Awards for her part in Portland Street Blues. Photo: SCMP

Ng and Peter Chan attend the Hong Kong Film Awards in 2006. Photo: SCMP

Ng and fellow cast member Buzz Chung with the Crystal Bear, the youth audience award, given to Echoes of the Rainbow at the Berlin International Film Festival. Photo: SCMP

Ng and Leung Chung-hang in a still from Zero to Hero (2021). Photo: Edko Films

Ng at the world premiere of Love Lies at the Hong Kong International Film Festival on March 29, 2024. Photo: HKIFF

All about nepo baby Nicholas Tse, the son of movie stars, Cecilia Cheung’s ex-husband and Faye Wong’s boyfriend

Nicholas Tse in Macau in 2017. Photo: Aleksander Solum

Nicholas Tse in an interview with the Post in 2008. The son of actor Patrick Tse Yin and actress Deborah Lee has been the focus of media attention since he was a child, and has had a successful singing and acting career. Photo: SCMP

Tse at a performance in January 1997. Photo: SCMP

Tse and Carina Lau with their best actor and best actress awards at the 30th Hong Kong Film Awards in April 2011. Photo: SCMP

(From left) Deborah Lee, Jennifer Tse, Tse and Patrick Tse in an undated family photo.

Faye Wong and Tse surrounded by paparazzi in 2000.

Tse and Cecilia Cheung arrive for the 30th Hong Kong Film Awards presentation ceremony in April 2011. Photo: SCMP

Tse speaks at InnoTech Expo at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, in 2017. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Tse at a performance at the Cotai Arena, Venetian Macao, in 2018. Photo: Edward Wong

Who is Sandy Lam? Cantopop diva of nearly 40 years has gone from strength to strength since idol days but has never cared to ‘live in the public eye’

Sandy Lam at an interview with the Post in 2004. Photo: SCMP

Sandy Lam at an interview with the Post in 2004. The Cantopop singer often steps away from the spotlight to focus on herself and her family – and each time there is no telling when she will be back. Photo: SCMP

Lam at the age of 19 in 1985. She began her career as a teen idol. Photo: SCMP

Lam pictured in 1987. She grew up with two musical parents. Photo: SCMP

Lam performs at the Hong Kong Coliseum in 1992. Photo: SCMP

Lam performs with her long-time music partner and good friend Anthony Lun at a concert in 1994. Photo: SCMP

Lam (left) and Kit Chan in a performance of the musical Snow Wolf Lake in 1997.

 Lam at an interview with the Post in 2004. Photo: SCMP

Singers Jacky Cheung Hok-yau and Lam perform at the Hong Kong Film Awards presentation ceremony in April 2009. Photo: SCMP

Lifestyle

Entertainment

Culture

Film & TV

Music

Hong Kong’s pop culture icons

How Kelly Chen, Cantopop star and beloved Hong Kong actress, has captured the hearts of music and movie fans for three decades

Kelly Chen pictured in 1997. The secret to the Cantopop star and actress’s success? “I’ve just tried my best to grab any opportunity.” Photo: Dickson Lee

Chen (right) is presented with a prize at the Ultimate Song Chart Awards ceremony in January 1996 by Taiwanese singer Wu Chien-lien. Photo: SCMP

Chen (left) and Yutaka Takenouchi in a still from “Calmi Cuori Appassionati” (2001).

Chen (right) and Donnie Yen in a still from “An Empress and the Warriors” (2008).

Chen and her husband, Alex Lau Kin-ho, pose during their wedding ceremony at the InterContinental Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui in October, 2008. Photo: SCMP

Chen performs in the Grand Variety Show in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on June 30, 2007. Photo: SCMP

(From left) Ekin Cheng, Chen and Tony Leung Ka-fai in a still from “Horseplay” (2014).

Chen (left) and Tony Leung Chiu-wai in a still from “Infernal Affairs III” (2003).

A charity sale of Chen’s clothes, shoes and handbags took place in April 2023. Photo: Facebook/@kellychenwailam

How Hong Kong boy band Grasshopper, protégés of Cantopop legend Anita Mui, blazed a trail with their intoxicating dance pop music

(From left) Edmond So Chi-wai, Remus Choy Yat-kit and Calvin Choy Yat-chi of the Cantopop group Grasshopper at an interview with the Post in 2006. The boy band, formed in 1985, are still performing today. Photo: SCMP

(From left) Calvin Choy Yat-chi, Edmond So Chi-wai and Remus Choy Yat-kit, pictured in 1988. Photo: SCMP

Cantopop diva Anita Mui with Grasshopper at the Chinese Gold Songs award presentation ceremony at the Hong Kong Coliseum in January 1989. Photo: SCMP

(From left) Edmond So, Calvin Choy and Remus Choy at the opening of the Aiwa Music Expo at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in August 1991. Photo: SCMP

(From left) Calvin Choy, Roman Tam, Edmond So and Remus Choy backstage at a concert in Shanghai in July 1993. Photo: SCMP

(From second left) Edmond So, Remus Choy and Calvin Choy at the Ultimate Song Chart Awards presentation ceremony at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, in January 1996. Photo: SCMP

(From left) Remus Choy, Calvin Choy and Edmond So at an interview with the Post in 2010. Photo: SCMP

(From left) Calvin Choy, Remus Choy and Edmond So on stage during TVB 55th Anniversary Gala on November 19, 2021. Photo: Getty Images

Takeshi Kaneshiro, one of the ‘most good-looking’ actors in Hong Kong cinema and star of some of Wong Kar-wai and Peter Chan’s best movies, is a man of mystery

Takeshi Kaneshiro at an interview with the Post in July 2004. Kaneshiro, who debuted as a singer in Taiwan in 1992, has not been seen on the big screen since 2017 – but remains as popular as ever. Photo: SCMP

Takeshi Kaneshiro and Zhou Dongyu in a still from “This Is Not What I Expected” (2017).

Takeshi Kaneshiro and Brigitte Lin in a still from “Chungking Express” (1994). 

Takeshi Kaneshiro and Kyoko Fukada in a still from the drama series “God, Please Give Me More Time” (1998).

(From left) Xu Jinglei, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Andy Lau, Jet Li, Jacky Heung and director Peter Chan promote “The Warlords” at an event in December 2007. Photo: SCMP

Takeshi Kaneshiro in a still from “Perhaps Love” (2005).

Takeshi Kaneshiro and Michele Reis in “Fallen Angels” (1995). Photo: Block 2 Pictures and Jet Tone Contents

Takeshi Kaneshiro in an interview with the Post in December 2006. Photo: SCMP

Acting with Michelle Yeoh, modelling at 12: the Cinderella story of Isabella Leong, who passed up Hollywood to have children with Richard Li, younger son of Li Ka-shing

Isabella Leong Lok-sze promotes her 2014 appearance in a stage play. Photo: Felix Wong 

Isabella Leong in an interview with the Post in 2005. The Macanese actress put a halt to her acting career when she began dating Richard Li, the younger son of Li Ka-shing. Photo: SCMP

Leong (left) and Chapman To in a still from “Isabella” (2006).

Leong (left), Jaycee Chan and Charlene Choi at the 26th Hong Kong Film Awards in April 2007. Photo: SCMP

Luke Ford (left) and Leong in a still from “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor” (2008).

Leong, Richard Li and their son, Ethan Li, in April 2009. 

Leong and Jim Chim at an event to promote “Sign of Happiness” in February 2014. Photo: SCMP

Leong in a still from “Murmur of the Hearts” (2015).

(From left) Leong, Paul Chun and Faye Yu in a still from “Love After Love” (2020).

Aaron Kwok, dancer, singer, actor, husband to Moka Fang, and father – how he went from being one of the ‘Four Heavenly Kings of Cantopop’ to all-round star

Aaron Kwok with the prize for best actor he received at the 35th Hong Kong Film Awards in 2016. Photo: Edward Wong

Aaron Kwok at an interview with the Post in 2009. Kwok started his career as a background dancer nearly four decades ago. Now he is a beloved Cantopop singer and actor – and a smitten husband and proud father of two. Photo: SCMP

Kwok (right) alongside fellow Cantopop singers Andy Lau (left) and Jacky Cheung at an RTHK event in 1996. Photo: SCMP

Aaron Kwok, pictured in 1993. Photo: SCMP

Kwok won the Best Actor prize at the 35th Hong Kong Film Awards in 2016. Photo: Edward Wong

Kwok (right) and Charlie Young play a troubled couple in “After This Our Exile” (2006).

Kwok performs at an event organised by RTHK at Queen Elizabeth Stadium in 2001. Photo: SCMP.

Kwok (left) and Chow Yun-fat in a still from “Project Gutenberg” (2018).

Kwok with his wife, Moka Fang Yuan, in Happy Valley, Hong Kong. Photo: Kenneth Chan

How Hong Kong actress Carina Lau rose to stardom from her ‘mainland girl’ roots, overcame topless photos scandal and wed Tony Leung Chiu-wai

Carina Lau Ka-ling. Photo: Instagram/@carinalau1208

Hong Kong actress Carina Lau Ka-ling, pictured in 1993 soon after her career breakthrough in a Wong Kar-wai film. Married since 2008 to fellow actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai, she is known for her style and class, and some iconic roles. Photo: SCMP

Cheung Siu-fai and Lau promoting TVB series “The Turbulent Decade” in 1986. Photo: SCMP

(Clockwise from top right) Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing, Lau, Maggie Cheung Man-yuk and Tony Leung Chiu-wai on the set of Wong Kar-wai’s movie “Days of Being Wild” in 1990. Photo: SCMP

Carina Lau in a still from “Ashes of Time” (1994).

Carina Lau and Nicholas Tse celebrate with their trophies after winning the best actor and best actress awards at the 30th Hong Kong Film Awards in 2011. Photo: SCMP

Carina Lau and Tony Leung at the opening night of hit musical “Les Miserables” at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, in 1996. Photo: SCMP

Carina Lau in a still from “In Your Dreams” (2018).

Lau and Leung at the 16th Asian Film Awards in March 2023. Photo: Dickson Lee

1980s Hong Kong pop idol Danny Chan’s bittersweet success story: his talent, fame, the tabloid rumours, his retirement and early death

Singer Danny Chan Pak-keung puts one of his albums in a time capsule in 1991. Photo: SCMP

Danny Chan was one of Hong Hong’s “Three Kings and A Queen of Cantopop” in the 1980s, with fellow idols Leslie Cheung, Anita Mui and Alan Tam. Photo: SCMP

Yvonne Siu, project manager of TVB, presents a souvenir to Danny Chan in 1984. Photo: SCMP

Chan singing at his own birthday party in 1988. Photo: SCMP

Chan (left) and Jacky Cheung Hok-yau at the Top Ten Pop Stars Election in 1987. Photo: SCMP

There were numerous rumours about a relationship between Pansy Ho and Chan. Photo: Weibo

Chan performing at a concert to promote Aids awareness in 1990. Photo: SCMP

Chan was taken to Queen Mary Hospital after collapsing at home on May 19, 1992. Photo: SCMP

Flanked by singer Anita Mui Yim-fong and actor Chow Yun-fat, Danny Chan’s older brother Chan Pak-ling carries his younger brother’s picture at the singer’s funeral in 1993. Photo: SCMP

The rise of Hong Kong actress Sharla Cheung, star of Stephen Chow and Wong Jing films, and the surprise movie she made after retiring

Sharla Cheung, Stephen Chow SIng-chi (centre) and Ng Man-tat in “All for the Winner”. Photo: Handout

Actress Sharla Cheung Man at the Hong Kong Film Awards ceremony in 2005. Discovered in the 1980s by Wong Jing, she starred opposite Stephen Chow, Andy Lau and Chow Yun-fat in a string of 1980s and 1990s box office hits. Photo: SCMP

(From left) Sharla Cheung, Stephen Chow and Ng Man-tat in a still from “All for the Winner” (1990). Photo: Win’s Movie Production

Stephen Chow (left) and Sharla Cheung in a still from “Fight Back to School” (1991). Photo: Win’s Movie Production

Sharla Cheung in a still from “Fist of Fury 1991” (1991).

(From left) Ng Man-tat, Stephen Chow and Sharla Cheung in a still from “Fight Back to School”. Photo: Win’s Movie Production and I/E Co. Ltd

Hong Kong actress Sharla Cheung attends the opening ceremony of the Entertainment Expo in Hong Kong in 2005. Photo: Reuters

How American-born Chinese actor Daniel Wu juggled Hong Kong and Hollywood to become a star in both films and TV on two continents

US-born actor Daniel Wu, star of Westworld, Tomb Raider and Shinjuku Incident, fell into acting while on holiday in Hong Kong, getting cast in an ad. This led to role after role, and 25 years later, Wu has nearly 70 films under his belt. Photo: Harry C

Wu and Alicia Vikander in a still from “Tomb Raider” (2018). Photo: Warner Bros Entertainment

Wu next to Jackie Chan at a promotional event for “Shinjuku Incident” in Malaysia in 2009. Photo: Handout

Wu (left) and Stephen Fung play gay lovers in the film “Bishonen” (1998). Photo: Far-Sun Film

Wu with his award for best supporting actor for the film “New Police Story” at the 41st Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan in 2004. Photo: Reuters

Wu (centre) on the set of “One Nite In Mongkok” in 2004, with director Derek Yee (left) and actress Cecilia Cheung. Photo: Handout

Wu (right) in a still from “The Heavenly Kings”, the 2006 mockumentary film he directed, alongside “bandmates” Conroy Chan (left), Andrew Lin (second from left) and Terence Yin (second from right). Photo: Handout

Wu in a still from “Into the Badlands” season 1. Photo: James Dimmock/AMC

Wu and Michelle Yeoh in a still from “American Born Chinese”. Photo: Disney+

Wu and Lisa Selesner celebrate their marriage in 2010. Photo: Berton Cheng

How Sammi Cheng became a Cantopop superstar, celebrated actress and style icon, but has endured a rocky relationship with husband Andy Hui

Cantopop singer, actress and style icon Sammi Cheng in 2004 ahead of the release of the film “Yesterday Once More”. Her entertainment career spans five decades, and in 2023 she finally won best actress in the Hong Kong Film Awards. Photo: SCMP

Cheng pictured in 1988. Photo: SCMP

Cheng at a performance in 1993. Photo: SCMP

(From left) Cantopop singers Cheng, Priscilla Chan Wai-han and Cass Phang Ling at a press conference in 1996. Photo: SCMP

Cheng (right) in a still from “Lost Love” (2023).

An undated photo of Cheng with Andy Hui. Photo: Weibo

Cheng and Daniel Wu in a still from “Everlasting Regret” (2005). She was nominated for best actress for her part in the following year’s Hong Kong Film Awards.

Cheng alongside Andy Lau in a still from “Blind Detective” (2013), for which she was again nominated for best actress at the Hong Kong Film Awards.

Cheng performs in 1996. Photo: SCMP

Cheng and Hui perform at a concert in 2010.

Cheng with her trophy for best actress for her role in “Lost Love” at the 41st Hong Kong Film Awards presentation ceremony at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui on April 16, 2023. Photo: Dickson Lee

How Cantopop singer Ronald Cheng went from troublemaker to Charlene Choi’s secret husband to one of Hong Kong’s best-loved comic actors

Hong Kong singer and actor Ronald Cheng Chung-kei at an interview with the Post in 2006. The Cantopop star is now one of Hong Kong cinema’s most beloved comedy stars, but his rise to the top has been a bumpy one. Photo: SCMP

Cheng pictured in 1996. Photo: SCMP

Cheng after the incident in 2000 on Eva Air Flight BR005 that led to his arrest for assault. 

(From left) Actors Shawn Yu, Sandra Ng, Cheng and Jacky Cheung attend the premiere of “Golden Chicken 2” at the Windsor Theatre in Hong Kong in December 2003. Photo: SCMP

Cheng (front) in a still from “Dragon Reloaded” (2005).

Cheng and Charlene Choi announcing their divorce, and acknowledging their marriage, at a news conference in 2010. Photo: SCMP

Cheng (left) and Chapman To in a still from “Vulgaria” (2012).

Cheng and his wife, Sammie Yu, at the Hong Kong Film Awards in 2018. Photo: AP

Cherie Chung a screen goddess, the Marilyn Monroe of Hong Kong, fans said – how she retired from acting at the height of her career and hasn’t looked back

Cherie Chung at an interview with the Post in 2006. Photo: SCMP

Cherie Chung at an interview with the Post in 1995. Once called the Marilyn Monroe of Hong Kong, Chung rose to fame during the 1980s and appeared in almost 50 films – before walking away from it all at the age of 31. Photo: SCMP

Chung modelling a qipao during the semi-finals of the Miss Hong Kong 1979 beauty pageant. Photo: SCMP

Richard Ng and Chung in a still from “Winners and Sinners” (1983). Photo: Eureka Entertainment.

Chung and Chow Yun-fat in a still from “An Autumn’s Tale” (1987).

(From left) Maggie Cheung, Chung and Shingo Tsurumi in a still from “Last Romance” (1988).