Who Is Leslie Cheung? Age, Biography and Wiki
Leslie Cheung, born on September 12, 1956, was a celebrated Hong Kong singer, actor, and an influential figure in the Cantopop genre. Tragically, he passed away on April 1, 2003, but his legacy continues to resonate in the world of music and film. In 2025, he would have been 69 years old. Cheung's career spanned over two decades, during which he earned numerous accolades and amassed a loyal fanbase, both in Hong Kong and internationally. His contributions transformed the music and film industry, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire new generations.
| Occupation | Pop Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 12, 1956 |
| Age | 46 Years |
| Birth Place | Kowloon, British Hong Kong |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | Hong Kong |
| Date of death | 1 April, 2003 |
| Died Place | Central, Hong Kong |
Popularity
Leslie Cheung's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Leslie Cheung stood at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and had a weight of around 150 lbs (68 kg) during his prime. He was known for his striking good looks and stylish demeanor, frequently captivating audiences not just with his performances but his charismatic presence.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Celebrated for his artistry, Leslie Cheung also had a complex personal life that the public closely followed. Over the years, he was linked romantically to many influential figures in Hong Kong's entertainment scene. However, it is known that he identified as bisexual and had a significant relationship with his long-term partner, Dai Siu-Fai. Their relationship was a pivotal aspect of his life, offering him the support and companionship necessary to navigate the pressures of fame. Leslie's family background included a supportive environment that encouraged his artistic ambitions, although he often kept his family life private.
His father, Cheung Wut-hoi, was a well-known tailor who specialised in suits, whose customers included Western celebrities such as film director Alfred Hitchcock and actors Marlon Brando and Cary Grant. Despite his father's reputation in the fashion industry, Cheung was uninspired by the profession.
Cheung told many interviewers that he had an unhappy childhood, feeling emotionally estranged from his father and siblings, and frequently witnessing arguments and fights in the household. He felt "depressed sometimes" and longed for affection from his parents who were absent for most of his childhood.
His father's abusive treatment of his mother had a lasting effect on Cheung's perspectives on marriage. When Cheung's father married another woman, his emotional life further deteriorated. Cheung was brought up by his grandmother, to whom he was very close.
Cheung summed up his upbringing as a "silent resentment" with "nothing worth remembering," except for the death of his grandmother when he was in primary school, which was the "one thing that I do remember about my childhood."
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2003, Leslie Cheung had an estimated net worth of $10 million. His wealth was primarily accumulated through his successful music career, film roles, and various endorsements. In 2025, his estate and the residual earnings from his works likely continue to generate income, benefiting his family and charitable causes he supported, thereby solidifying his financial legacy.
Career, Business and Investments
Leslie Cheung's career began in the late 1970s, and he rose to fame with his hit songs and iconic performances in films such as Chan's Legend and Happy Together. He was not only a pioneer in the Cantopop music scene but also excelled in dramatic roles, winning numerous awards for his performances. In addition to his primary career in the entertainment industry, Cheung was also involved in various business ventures and invested in real estate, contributing to his wealth. His lasting influence can still be seen in the music and film industries as new artists draw inspiration from his groundbreaking work.
Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing (born Cheung Fat-chung; 12 September 1956 – 1 April 2003) was a Hong Kong singer and actor. One of the most influential cultural icons in the Sinophone world, Cheung was known for his debonair demeanor, flamboyant screen characters, and avant-garde, androgynous stage presence. Throughout his 26-year career, he released over 40 music albums and acted in 56 films.
Social Network
Although Leslie Cheung is no longer with us, his influence is perpetuated through social media and online fan communities. His official fan pages and tributes across platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow fans to connect, share memories, and celebrate his artistic legacy. Additionally, various documentaries and articles keep his story alive, ensuring Leslie Cheung remains a beloved icon of Hong Kong culture.
In addition to music, Cheung achieved pan-Asian fame with such films as A Better Tomorrow (1986) and A Chinese Ghost Story (1987). He won the Best Actor at the 1991 Hong Kong Film Awards for his role in Days of Being Wild (1990), and became world-renowned for his performances in Farewell My Concubine (1993) and Happy Together (1997).
On 1 April 2003, Cheung committed suicide by jumping off the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Hong Kong.
Education
Leslie Cheung attended the Queen's College in Hong Kong, where he excelled academically before pursuing his artistic ambitions. After completing his education, he initially worked in advertising before transitioning into the entertainment industry. This educational background equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate the complex world of performing arts, graciously balancing his career while maintaining a passion for creativity.
Cheung attended Rosaryhill School in Hong Kong for secondary education, and at age 12 enrolled at an independent boys boarding school, Eccles Hall School Quidenham, near Norwich in England. During his time at Rosaryhill, Cheung did poorly academically, except that he excelled in the English language.
He discovered a newfound interest in Western films and immersed himself in music, studying the original soundtrack of Romeo and Juliet. He recalled that there were "racial problems" when he was in England, but he managed to make friends.
During weekends, he worked as a bartender and sometimes did amateur singing at his relatives' restaurant in Southend-on-Sea. He came across the film Gone with the Wind and chose Leslie as his English name, inspired by the actor Leslie Howard, feeling that "the name can be a man's or woman's; it's very unisex."
