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Chow Yun-fat

The latest news on Chow Yun-fat, Hong Kong actor and filmmaker, including celebrity news and updates.

Born

18 May 1955

Industry

Entertainment, Film

Job Title

Actor, Filmmaker

Film still of A Better Tomorrow (1986) starring (from left) Ti Lung, Ming Leung, and Chow Yun-fat. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong cinema

On This Day | John Woo’s A Better Tomorrow turns 40 – SCMP archive

As A Better Tomorrow celebrates its 40th anniversary, we look back at how the film redefined the Hong Kong action genre.

3 Aug 2026 - 3:15PM

Hong Kong property

30% of Hong Kong luxury homeowners willing to lower asking prices: agents

31 Jul 2026 - 7:00PM

Asian cinema: Hong Kong film

Beyond The Killer: why Law with Two Phases is Danny Lee’s best police film

5 Jul 2026 - 4:15PMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong’s box office takings for first half of 2026 up 25% year on year

Comedy film Night King, starring Dayo Wong and Sammi Cheng, emerges as highest-grossing movie over six-month period.

2 Jul 2026 - 8:15PM

Night King, starring Sammi Cheng (left) and Dayo Wong, was the biggest local box office earner for the first half of the year. Photo: Handout

China consumption

China’s Labour Day box office disappoints despite strong line-up – what happened?

Cold War 1994 and The Devil Wears Prada 2 were tipped to shine in a crowded release window – but many consumers chose to stay away.

6 May 2026 - 9:30AM

What to do in Hong Kong

5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong on Labour Day weekend, May 1-3

Hunt for rare Pokemon cards, savour French wine and cheese, shop for antiques, enjoy a Cantopop Pilates party or watch Aaron Kwok’s new film.

5 May 2026 - 2:59PMvideocam

Asian cinema: Hong Kong film

Review | Cold War 1994: Hong Kong crime thriller prequel is a star-studded blast

Terrance Lau leads this unrealistic but fun 1990s-set actioner that’s stuffed with stars including Aaron Kwok, Chow Yun-fat and Louis Koo.

29 Apr 2026 - 6:00PMvideocam

Louise Wong and Terrance Lau in a still from Cold War 1994 (category: IIB, Cantonese, English), directed by Longman Leung and co-starring Daniel Wu and Tse Kwan-ho.

Hong Kong property

Chow Yun-fat nets 91% gain on Hong Kong flat after 31 years as prices rebound

Veteran actor’s deal highlights recovery on the secondary market, even as new launches curb momentum.

20 Apr 2026 - 7:00PM

Asian cinema: Hong Kong film

What happened when Ann Hui adapted Eileen Chang’s classic stories?

Director Ann Hui has adapted three of Eileen Chang’s stories for the big screen. We look at two: Love in a Fallen City and Eighteen Springs.

5 Apr 2026 - 7:15PMvideocam

On Our Radar

Greg Girard’s photo exhibition shows five decades of Hong Kong and Tokyo

Photographer Greg Girard’s new exhibition puts two Asian metropolises – Hong Kong and Tokyo – in the frame over five decades.

3 Apr 2026 - 8:00AM

Cathay Pacific 747 with Lion Rock and Kowloon Walled City (1989), by Greg Girard. Photo: courtesy Greg Girard and WKM Gallery

Asian cinema: Hong Kong film

3 Anthony Wong films from the early 90s that show his wide acting range

Before becoming stereotyped for extreme roles, Wong gave nuanced turns as a whiny gangster opposite Chow Yun-fat and as Veronica Yip’s tormentor.

29 Mar 2026 - 11:15AMvideocam

Anthony Wong in a still from Full Contact. The Hong Kong actor’s restrained turn as a cowardly gangster brought realism to the otherwise comic book-style 1992 action film.

Hong Kong cinema

‘A fantastic roller coaster’: Hugh Bonneville, Aidan Gillen on Cold War 1994

Actors Hugh Bonneville and Aidan Gillen discuss starring in Cold War 1994, as well as what they got up to in Hong Kong while filming.

21 Mar 2026 - 12:15PM

Hong Kong celebrities and icons

Profile | From TVB queen to YouTube star, how Carol ‘Dodo’ Cheng does it all

Hong Kong icon Carol ‘Dodo’ Cheng has worn many hats – actor, television host, content creator – continually reinventing herself across five decades.

6 Apr 2026 - 5:03PMvideocam

Icons and Influencers

In their words: Kevin Poon’s favourite trends in Hong Kong and beyond

The cultural entrepreneur is one of the city’s most connected creatives, with Pharrell Williams, David Beckham – and, of course, Clot co-founder Edison Chen – on his speed dial.

17 Mar 2026 - 3:46PM

Cultural entrepreneur Kevin Poon is a man of all trades – a key player in the Hong Kong art scene, a mover and shaker in celebrity circles worldwide, and a successful entrepreneur. Photo: @kpee/Instagram

Hong Kong society

On This Day | Legendary Hong Kong actor Ng Man-tat dies at 70 in 2021 – SCMP archive

On this day 5 years ago, the iconic comedy star died of liver cancer aged 70.

27 Feb 2026 - 11:15AM

Hong Kong actor Ng Man-tat. Photo: Weibo

Lunar New Year

Being Chinese | The great Chinese New Year divide and how I bridged it

After sitting through the Spring Festival Gala with mainland Chinese friends, I had to introduce them to a delightful ritual from Singapore.

4 Mar 2026 - 10:10AM

SCMP Highlights

Why your brain needs fat, advice for Year of the Horse: 7 Lifestyle highlights

From navigating romantic hurdles in Hong Kong to feng shui advice for the Lunar New Year, here are five stories from SCMP’s recent reporting.

12 Feb 2026 - 4:29PM

SCMP Highlights

China accused of secret nuclear tests, Eileen Gu’s wake up call: 5 weekend reads

From China’s companies keeping Ukraine’s lights on to pushing endurance limits, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

9 Feb 2026 - 12:15PM

Eileen Gu was all smiles after eventually qualifying for the final in second place. Photo: AP

Wellness

How people like 70-year-old Chow Yun-fat keep pushing their endurance limits

Chow ran a half-marathon last year, while silver stars like Natalie Grabow, Jeannie Rice and Hiromu Inada are breaking records. Here’s how.

10 Feb 2026 - 10:54AM

Asian cinema: Hong Kong film

Why Ronny Yu’s The Postman Fights Back is an unusual wuxia gem

Starring Leung Kar-yan and with a young Chow Yun-fat on the cast, 1982’s The Postman Fights Back is an intriguing mix of Western and wuxia.

18 Jan 2026 - 5:15PMvideocam

Hong Kong Marathon

Wong Tsz-to, Tsang Hiu-tung not getting carried away with 10km wins

In race that also featured movie star Chow Yun-fat, Hong Kong triathlete Wong repeats 2023 victory, while Tsang wins for third straight year.

18 Jan 2026 - 3:35PM

Hong Kong triathlete Wong Tsz-to reaches the 10km finish line first at Victoria Harbour Park. Photo: Dickson Lee

World of performing arts

Hong Kong magician wants to change public perception, one trick at a time

Magic is more a performing art than entertainment, says Zenneth Kok, whose Hong Kong show, The Memory Wall, is coming to the Fringe Club.

3 Jan 2026 - 5:15PMvideocam

Zenneth Kok says magic, especially mentalism and mind-reading, is more of a performing art than pure entertainment. Photo: Zenneth Kok

Asian cinema: Chinese films

7 film stories from 2025 that readers loved, including a Chow Yun-fat profile

Profiles of Chow Yun-fat, Faye Wong and Deanie Ip and a look at Donnie Yen’s early films were among stories popular with readers this year.

25 Dec 2025 - 4:15PM

Asian cinema: Hong Kong film

Was Chow Yun-fat’s mainland Chinese film career a success or a flop?

We look at five films that Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat made in mainland China, with roles including a sleazy con man and Confucius.

7 Dec 2025 - 5:15PMvideocam

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

MAMA Awards in Hong Kong to be downsized, Mirror withdraws, in wake of fire

12-member boy band announces it will not appear at Asia’s largest K-pop award show, set to take place at Kai Tak Stadium on Friday, Saturday.

29 Nov 2025 - 5:01PM

Local boy band Mirror has withdrawn from Friday’s MAMA Awards show. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong veteran actor ‘Benz Hung’ Hui Shiu-hung dies at age 76

Friend of actor says Hui had died at Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital due to ‘multiple organ failure caused by cancer’.

28 Oct 2025 - 5:12PMvideocam

Hui Shiu-hung had appeared in numerous TV dramas and films in Hong Kong since the 1970s. Photo: Instagram/benz_hui

First Mention

When rumours swirled around the cause of Cantopop star Danny Chan’s death

Chow Yun-fat, Sally Yeh, Anita Mui and Pansy Ho attended his funeral. It was speculated that attempted suicide, Aids or a drug overdose caused his death.

16 Oct 2025 - 6:15PM

SCMP Highlights

Hong Kong stars’ surprise wedding, royal Thai cuisine: 7 Lifestyle highlights

From a Hong Kong teen feeding the city’s ‘cardboard grannies’ to royal Thai food, here are seven stories from SCMP’s recent reporting.

16 Oct 2025 - 3:34PM

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Chow Yun-fat

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}On This Day | John Woo’s A Better Tomorrow turns 40 – SCMP archive

As A Better Tomorrow celebrates its 40th anniversary, we look back at how the film redefined the Hong Kong action genre.

30% of Hong Kong luxury homeowners willing to lower asking prices: agents

Beyond The Killer: why Law with Two Phases is Danny Lee’s best police film

Hong Kong’s box office takings for first half of 2026 up 25% year on year

Comedy film Night King, starring Dayo Wong and Sammi Cheng, emerges as highest-grossing movie over six-month period.

China’s Labour Day box office disappoints despite strong line-up – what happened?

Cold War 1994 and The Devil Wears Prada 2 were tipped to shine in a crowded release window – but many consumers chose to stay away.

5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong on Labour Day weekend, May 1-3

Hunt for rare Pokemon cards, savour French wine and cheese, shop for antiques, enjoy a Cantopop Pilates party or watch Aaron Kwok’s new film.

Review | Cold War 1994: Hong Kong crime thriller prequel is a star-studded blast

Terrance Lau leads this unrealistic but fun 1990s-set actioner that’s stuffed with stars including Aaron Kwok, Chow Yun-fat and Louis Koo.

Chow Yun-fat nets 91% gain on Hong Kong flat after 31 years as prices rebound

Veteran actor’s deal highlights recovery on the secondary market, even as new launches curb momentum.

What happened when Ann Hui adapted Eileen Chang’s classic stories?

Director Ann Hui has adapted three of Eileen Chang’s stories for the big screen. We look at two: Love in a Fallen City and Eighteen Springs.

Greg Girard’s photo exhibition shows five decades of Hong Kong and Tokyo

Photographer Greg Girard’s new exhibition puts two Asian metropolises – Hong Kong and Tokyo – in the frame over five decades.

3 Anthony Wong films from the early 90s that show his wide acting range

Before becoming stereotyped for extreme roles, Wong gave nuanced turns as a whiny gangster opposite Chow Yun-fat and as Veronica Yip’s tormentor.

‘A fantastic roller coaster’: Hugh Bonneville, Aidan Gillen on Cold War 1994

Actors Hugh Bonneville and Aidan Gillen discuss starring in Cold War 1994, as well as what they got up to in Hong Kong while filming.

Profile | From TVB queen to YouTube star, how Carol ‘Dodo’ Cheng does it all

Hong Kong icon Carol ‘Dodo’ Cheng has worn many hats – actor, television host, content creator – continually reinventing herself across five decades.

In their words: Kevin Poon’s favourite trends in Hong Kong and beyond

The cultural entrepreneur is one of the city’s most connected creatives, with Pharrell Williams, David Beckham – and, of course, Clot co-founder Edison Chen – on his speed dial.

On This Day | Legendary Hong Kong actor Ng Man-tat dies at 70 in 2021 – SCMP archive

On this day 5 years ago, the iconic comedy star died of liver cancer aged 70.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Being Chinese | The great Chinese New Year divide and how I bridged it

After sitting through the Spring Festival Gala with mainland Chinese friends, I had to introduce them to a delightful ritual from Singapore.

Why your brain needs fat, advice for Year of the Horse: 7 Lifestyle highlights

From navigating romantic hurdles in Hong Kong to feng shui advice for the Lunar New Year, here are five stories from SCMP’s recent reporting.

China accused of secret nuclear tests, Eileen Gu’s wake up call: 5 weekend reads

From China’s companies keeping Ukraine’s lights on to pushing endurance limits, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

How people like 70-year-old Chow Yun-fat keep pushing their endurance limits

Chow ran a half-marathon last year, while silver stars like Natalie Grabow, Jeannie Rice and Hiromu Inada are breaking records. Here’s how.

Why Ronny Yu’s The Postman Fights Back is an unusual wuxia gem

Starring Leung Kar-yan and with a young Chow Yun-fat on the cast, 1982’s The Postman Fights Back is an intriguing mix of Western and wuxia.

Wong Tsz-to, Tsang Hiu-tung not getting carried away with 10km wins

In race that also featured movie star Chow Yun-fat, Hong Kong triathlete Wong repeats 2023 victory, while Tsang wins for third straight year.

Hong Kong magician wants to change public perception, one trick at a time

Magic is more a performing art than entertainment, says Zenneth Kok, whose Hong Kong show, The Memory Wall, is coming to the Fringe Club.

7 film stories from 2025 that readers loved, including a Chow Yun-fat profile

Profiles of Chow Yun-fat, Faye Wong and Deanie Ip and a look at Donnie Yen’s early films were among stories popular with readers this year.

Was Chow Yun-fat’s mainland Chinese film career a success or a flop?

We look at five films that Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat made in mainland China, with roles including a sleazy con man and Confucius.

MAMA Awards in Hong Kong to be downsized, Mirror withdraws, in wake of fire

12-member boy band announces it will not appear at Asia’s largest K-pop award show, set to take place at Kai Tak Stadium on Friday, Saturday.

Hong Kong veteran actor ‘Benz Hung’ Hui Shiu-hung dies at age 76

Friend of actor says Hui had died at Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital due to ‘multiple organ failure caused by cancer’.

When rumours swirled around the cause of Cantopop star Danny Chan’s death

Chow Yun-fat, Sally Yeh, Anita Mui and Pansy Ho attended his funeral. It was speculated that attempted suicide, Aids or a drug overdose caused his death.

Hong Kong stars’ surprise wedding, royal Thai cuisine: 7 Lifestyle highlights

From a Hong Kong teen feeding the city’s ‘cardboard grannies’ to royal Thai food, here are seven stories from SCMP’s recent reporting.

On This Day | John Woo’s A Better Tomorrow turns 40 – SCMP archive

Being Chinese | The great Chinese New Year divide and how I bridged it