Leslie Cheung
Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing (Chinese: 張國榮; September 12, 1956 – April 1, 2003) was a Hong Kong singer, songwriter, and actor. He was one of the most popular and influential entertainers in Hong Kong, and was also known as Brother Leslie (哥哥).
Cheung was born in Hong Kong to a wealthy family. He began his career in the entertainment industry in 1977, when he joined the TVB talent show "The Voice of Tomorrow". He won the competition and was signed to a recording contract with EMI. Cheung's debut album, "Day Dreaming" (1977), was a commercial success and launched his career as a singer.
In the early 1980s, Cheung began to act in films. He starred in several popular films, including "Farewell My Concubine" (1993), "Happy Together" (1997), and "In the Mood for Love" (2000). Cheung's acting skills and charisma made him a popular leading man, and he was often referred to as the "King of Pop" in Hong Kong.
Cheung was also a successful singer. He released over 20 albums, many of which went platinum. His songs were often about love, loss, and heartbreak, and he was known for his emotional and powerful performances. Cheung was also a fashion icon, and his style was often imitated by fans.
In 2003, Cheung died by suicide at the age of 46. His death shocked and saddened fans around the world. Cheung was posthumously awarded the Golden Needle Award, the highest honor given to a Hong Kong singer, in 2004.
Cheung's legacy continues to live on. He is still considered one of the most popular and influential entertainers in Hong Kong, and his music and films are still enjoyed by fans around the world.