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Mabel Lui

This is the 47th instalment in a biweekly series profiling major Hong Kong pop culture figures of recent decades.
When recalling Hong Kong’s “golden age” of entertainment, one name that should not be forgotten is that of Roman Tam Pak-sin.
Better known by his Cantonese stage name Law Man – a transliteration of his English name – and his nickname Law Kee, the singer is regarded as the “godfather of Cantopop” and is one of Hong Kong’s cultural icons.
Although he died more than two decades ago, Tam’s songs continue to resonate with Hong Kong people.

Among his most famous songs is “Below the Lion Rock”, the theme song for a TV series of the same name. It encapsulated the can-do attitude of Hong Kong people, and has since become one of the city’s unofficial anthems and a symbol of solidarity among Hong Kong people.
The prolific singer released 56 albums over the course of his career, but that was not all he accomplished.
With his avant-garde outfits and flamboyant stage presence, he also established a reputation as Hong Kong’s first LGBTQ icon.
Born in 1945 in Guangxi, southern China, Tam moved to Hong Kong in 1962 at the age of 17. He had wanted to be an artist from a young age, having been introduced to music through Cantonese opera, but he ended up working odd jobs to make ends meet, as both of his parents died early.

“I didn’t want to be dependent on anyone so I took whatever work I could,” he told the Post in 1983.
Tam worked at a tailor’s, an amusement park and a bank, but in the evenings he would perform at bars with a band called TNT.
In 1968 Tam formed his own band, called Roman and the Four Steps, with four of his friends from the bank; inspired by The Beatles, the group performed American and British songs until they disbanded in 1971, with Tam going on to pursue a solo career.
Tam had begun to gain attention in the entertainment industry, having recorded some songs for Shaw Brothers films and appeared in a variety show with Sam Hui Koon-kit.

Hong Kong broadcaster TVB decided to pair Tam with comedian Lydia Sum Tin-ha – affectionately known as “Fei Fei” – and together they formed a short-lived comedy double act.
In 1974, Tam decided to move to Japan after being offered a two-year contract by a top Japanese recording manager. During his time there, he was able to hone his music production skills and showmanship, but decided to return to Hong Kong after his contract was over.
“I don’t mind hard work as long as I am happy, but I wasn’t happy in Japan,” Tam told the Post in 1981. “Artists there are strictly controlled; you have no freedom.”
Upon his return to Hong Kong, the singer shot to fame as the voice of Hong Kong broadcaster TVB’s theme songs. Among other soap operas and martial arts dramas, Tam recorded for The Romantic Swordsman (1978) and The Legend of the Condor Heroes (1983), and those songs became some of his most popular releases.


In the late 1970s and early 80s, Tam collaborated with other broadcasters, including Asia Television and RTHK. For the latter, he sang the 1979 ballad “Below the Lion Rock”, which served as the theme song for the long-running television drama of the same name.
Named after Lion Rock, the 495-metre (1,654ft) mountain shaped like a crouching lion, the show chronicled the ups and downs of working-class families, many of whom were living in the shadow of the mountain as post-war Hong Kong was transitioning into an economic powerhouse.
The song, which was written by composer Joseph Koo Ka-fai and lyricist James Wong Jim, reflected the “Lion Rock spirit” – the can-do attitude and resilience of Hong Kong people – that permeated the show.

The song became iconic in Hong Kong, in part because of its lyrics and in part because of Tam’s distinctive voice and clear diction. It was featured on his album Good Songs Dedicated to You, which went platinum.
Among his other notable songs are “In the Lasers” and “Toiling Life in Wind and Rain”, both of which achieved mainstream popularity.
Although Tam mostly sang in Cantonese, his influence extended beyond Hong Kong’s Cantonese-speaking population – he also captivated the city’s expatriate community and the Chinese population around the world. Western expats appreciated his music too.
“At a recent concert at the Lee Theatre, a large group of ‘gweilos’ were heard enthusiastically voicing their support for this popular singer,” wrote a Post reporter in 1983.
Tam toured Asia, the United States and the UK, and became the first Asian artist to perform at the Royal Albert Hall in London and Carnegie Hall in New York. “I would like to use my showmanship and talent to cross cultural barriers all around the world, not just in Hong Kong,” Tam said in 1983.

A huge part of Tam’s appeal was his versatility and ability to appeal to all: he could easily transition from sentimental crooner to exuberant diva.
“Roman blended modern and traditional influences: he brought elements of Chinese opera with pop influence from Japan,” Yuen Chi-chung, a prominent music critic and DJ, said in 2019.
“He had that ‘bling bling’ style and was always changing his look and sound. If you were a fan of his, you weren’t just into one kind of music. There’s no one like him now; he was unique.”

Tam became known for his androgynous and avant-garde style, which made him Hong Kong’s first LGBTQ icon at a time when homosexuality was still illegal in the city.
On stage, he often wore high heels and diamond-studded trousers; he also became the first Hong Kong singer to perform in drag, and played female characters in traditional Cantonese opera.
“Roman taught me you can be anything,” said Brian Leung Siu-fai, previously the host of the groundbreaking LGBTQ radio show We Are Family.
“As a gay kid myself, he helped me to redefine what masculinity was about because he had such a powerful and masculine voice when he sang martial arts drama themes. But, at the same time, on stage he was so flamboyant; he was like Hong Kong’s Liberace.”
That said, Tam never commented publicly on his sexuality and kept his personal life very private.

The singer retired from show business in 1996, although he stayed involved, coaching young performers, collaborating with other artists and performing occasionally.
In October 2002, he died from liver cancer at Queen Mary Hospital. At the time, it felt as if “the whole city stopped”, Leung recalled.
“Roman is not just a singer. He’s part of our Hong Kong history. He’s the soundtrack of Hong Kong. So losing that is like losing a certain identity of Hong Kong. It was like losing someone from your family,” he said.


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Hong Kong celebrities and icons

How Cantopop icon Roman Tam united a generation of Hong Kong people with his classic songs

Roman Tam was a prolific Cantopop star with a wide range. His song “Below the Lion Rock”, which encapsulates the can-do spirit of Hong Kong people, became an unofficial anthem of the city. Photo: SCMP

Roman Tam pictured in 1970. Photo: SCMP

Roman Tam at an interview with the Post in 1986. Photo: SCMP

Roman Tam holding a pineapple at a press conference announcing his series of concerts at the Hong Kong Coliseum in 1994. Photo: SCMP

Roman Tam at an interview with the Post in 1994. Photo: SCMP

Roman Tam wears a costume with peacock feathers during his farewell concert, “Roman Tam’s Glorious Stage”, in 1996. Photo: Hong Kong Heritage Museum

Roman Tam, seen here at a performance in 2001, was always changing his look and sound. Photo: SCMP

Relatives and friends pay their respects to Roman Tam at the Hong Kong Funeral Home in North Point. Tam died of liver cancer on October 18, 2002. Photo: SCMP

Fala Chen’s journey from American beauty queen to Hong Kong actress to Hollywood star

Fala Chen on the red carpet for the premiere of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in London in 2021. Photo: AP

From a chance pageant win to starring in international blockbusters, actress Fala Chen’s journey is a testament to her talent and determination. Photo: Handout

Fala Chen in a still from Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024). Photo: Warner Bros. Picture

Chen receives the best supporting actress prize at the 2007 TVB Anniversary Awards ceremony. Photo: SCMP

Chen and Francis Ng in a still from TVB drama series Triumph in the Skies II (2013).

(From left) Zhu Xuan, Chen and Kara Wai at the 29th Hong Kong Film Awards presentation ceremony in April 2010. Photo: SCMP

Simu Liu and Chen at the premiere of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings in London, 2021. Photo: AP

Tony Leung Chiu-wai as Wenwu and Chen as Ying Li in a still from Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021). Photo: Marvel Studios

Lars Eidinger and Chen in a still from Irma Vep. Photo: HBO

Sam Hui, the ‘father of Cantopop’ whose relatable music and film roles struck a chord

Sam Hui performs in Hong Kong in December 2007. Photo: SCMP

Sam Hui Koon-kit performs in Hong Kong in 2004. The prolific singer-songwriter is known as the “father of Cantopop” for good reason. He also had a long career as an actor. Photo: SCMP

Sam Hui in 1969. Photo: SCMP

Hui and his wife, Rebecca “Rebu” Fleming, in 1972. Photo: SCMP

The Hui brothers (from left) Sam, Ricky and Michael at a press conference for their film Front Page in 1990. Photo: SCMP

Hui performs in concert in 1987. Photo: SCMP

(From left) Hui, Sylvia Chang and Karl Maka in a still from Aces Go Places (1982).

Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing (left) and Hui perform at the latter’s farewell show in Hong Kong in 1992. Photo: SCMP

Hui performs at the Hong Kong Coliseum in April 2023.

Faye Wong’s career as Cantopop singer and actress, and her very public romances

Hong Kong singer-actress Faye Wong, wearing a high heel hat, performs in Hong Kong in  2003. Twice married and twice divorced, Wong walked away from her career in 2005, and has appeared only sporadically on stage since then. Photo: Reuters

Faye Wong pictured at Hong Kong Stadium in 1994. Photo: SCMP

Faye Wong at the Channel V Chinese Top 20 Awards in Taipei in January 1998. Photo: SCMP

Faye Wong at a performance in 1999. Photo: SCMP

Faye Wong waves to her fans at the July 1999 launch of a concert tour in Malaysia. Photo: AP

Faye Wong and Jacky Cheung perform at the 19th Hong Kong Film Awards presentation ceremony at the Hong Kong Coliseum in 2000. Photo: SCMP

Faye Wong in a still from Chungking Express (1994).

Director Wong Kar-wai (left), Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Faye Wong at a press conference in Beijing in 2004 to promote Wong’s film 2046. Photo: SCMP

Faye Wong performs on stage in Xiamen, southern China, in 2012. Photo: Visual China Group via Getty Images

Faye Wong and Nicolas Tse held hands in front of photographers on June 14, 2000. Photo: Apple Daily

Li Yapeng and Faye Wong. They were divorced in 2013 after eight years of marriage. Photo: Ming Pao

Who is Gordon Lam Ka-tung, Hong Kong actor and producer who took the long road to success?

Hong Kong film actor and producer Gordon Lam Ka-tung at an interview with the Post in 2021. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Best actress winner Kara Wai Ying-hung (left) and best actor winner Lam Ka-tung at the 36th Hong Kong Film Awards presentation ceremony in 2017. Photo: Edward Wong

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

Lam and Kathy Chow in a still from the TV drama series Time Before Time (1997).

Lam (right) and Teddy Robin react after winning the best film award and best supporting actor award respectively for the movie Gallants at the 30th Hong Kong Film Awards in 2011. Gallants was the first film on which Lam served as a producer. Photo: SCMP

Lam (left) and Andy Lau at an interview with the Post in 2013. Photo: SCMP

Lam (front) in a still from Hand Rolled Cigarette (2020).

Lam on the red carpet at the 40th Hong Kong Film Awards in 2022. Photo: Dickson Lee

Lifestyle

Entertainment

Culture

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).

Profile | How Cantopop icon Roman Tam united a generation of Hong Kong people with his classic songs

Roman Tam was a prolific recording and performing artist whose songs and extravagant stage shows made him a Hong Kong hero and LGBTQ icon