Maggie Cheung turns 60: from beauty queen, Hong Kong film icon and global stardom to DJing with Aaron Kwok and Nicholas Tse at a recent Gucci party

Sep 19 , 2024

Hong Kong actress Maggie Cheung won international acclaim in the 1990s and 2000s. Photo: @zhangmanyuofficial/Instagram

Her last major roles were 20 years ago – since then, she’s been busy with her music and philanthropic work, and was named Unicef ambassador to China

One of the most renowned names in Hong Kong cinema, Maggie Cheung dominated the screen during the 1990s and early 2000s, drawing acclaim for her tremendous range that saw her excel in both comedic and dramatic roles.

She’s perhaps best remembered for her work with actor Tony Leung, and with Wong Kar-wai, who directed the actress in her most memorable and celebrated roles.

Maggie Cheung starred with Tony Leung in Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love. Photo: @wongkarwaimonamour/Instagram

Instead of leveraging her fame on social media or taking on more roles, Cheung has opted to stay under the radar over the past decade, occasionally making appearances at fashion events or ad campaigns.

As the actress approaches her 60th birthday on September 20, she seems content to stay out of the limelight, choosing to spend time between Hong Kong and her adopted home, Paris.

Actress Maggie Cheung splits her time between Hong Kong and Paris these days. Photo: TVB Weekly

Like many famous faces that emerged from Hong Kong in the 1980s and 1990s, Cheung got her start as a contestant in the Miss Hong Kong pageant. Cheung entered the pageant in 1983, taking home the first runner-up title.

Maggie Cheung’s acting career started on television. Photo: @hkgirlgod_filmphotos/Instagram

The accolade naturally lent itself to opportunities at TVB, the city’s foremost television station. There, she got her start in acting, starring in hit television series like Police Cadet ‘84 alongside Tony Leung and Carina Lau.

Maggie Cheung was first runner up in the 1983 Miss Hong Kong pageant. Photo: hk.aboluowang.com

From television, the self-taught actress had the opportunity to segue into film, marking her silver screen debut with the film Prince Charming. Her beauty and natural talent quickly landed her more lead roles, and she starred in a broad range of genres, from crime action to dramedies.