Recap | Stephen Hawking, Serena Williams, Queen Elizabeth ... and more Hong Kong star visitors

Discover five tales from our archives recounting Hong Kong’s history when the city has hosted unforgettable moments with global icons.

From Stephen Hawking’s rock star welcome and Rudolf Nureyev’s controversial farewell tour to Clark Gable’s film shoot, Queen Elizabeth’s historic visit, and Serena Williams’ unplanned shopping spree, dive into these captivating stories with the biggest names from the worlds of science, art, cinema, royalty and sport.

1. When Stephen Hawking got a rock star welcome in Hong Kong and police had to fight back ‘rugby scrum’ of fans at airport

In 2006, the world-famous scientist’s arrival in Hong Kong sparked a frenzied reception, with fans and media clamouring for a glimpse of the esteemed physicist. Hawking was in town to deliver a lecture on the origins of the universe at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

2. Ballet legend Rudolf Nureyev provided performance to remember in Hong Kong … for all the wrong reasons

Nureyev’s 1989 Hong Kong performances were a bittersweet affair as the 51-year-old ballet dancer was criticised for being past his prime, with one reviewer writing that ‘the temptation last night was to look away and pretend it wasn’t happening’. The event was also marred by backstage squabbles and delays, with supporting dancers protesting about their pay.

3. When Hollywood superstar Clark Gable came to Hong Kong to film ‘Soldier of Fortune’

Discover how movie legend Clark Gable found Hong Kong “charming” when he was in town to film on location in 1954. Backdrops such as The Peak tram, Stubbs Road, Lamma Island and The Peninsula hotel were all showcased in the $2.5 million movie Soldier of Fortune.

4. Queen Elizabeth’s historic 1975 Hong Kong trip with Prince Philip as first reigning British monarch to visit city

Commemorative coins and stamps, alongside grand pageantry, marked the occasion of the queen’s visit to the colony. Calls for demonstrations came to nothing as the crowds that turned out gave the royal couple an enthusiastic welcome

5. When a Hong Kong shopping spree made Serena Williams an hour late for her press conference

In 2002, tennis legend Williams captivated Hong Kong not just with her grand slam victories but also with her love for the city’s vibrant shopping scene that proved too much of a temptation for the sporting superstar. Arriving on the back of her US Open victory over her sister Venus, an impromptu retail spree in town made her late to a press event.

Part of this article was produced with the assistance of generative AI.