Ada Choi
Ada Choi (Chinese: 蔡少芬; born September 17, 1973) is a Hong Kong actress best known for her prominent roles in television dramas produced by TVB and her transition to mainland Chinese series, where she has portrayed complex characters such as empresses and leads in historical epics.[1][2] Born in Hong Kong to a family disrupted by her parents' divorce when she was five, Choi endured a challenging childhood marked by her mother's severe gambling addiction, which led to frequent relocations to avoid creditors and accumulated debts exceeding HK$80 million.[2] At age 17, she entered the entertainment industry as the second runner-up in the 1991 Miss Hong Kong beauty pageant, which paved the way for her signing with TVB as an actress and model.[2] Choi's career breakthrough came in the late 1990s with acclaimed performances in TVB series such as The File of Justice V (1997) and Healing Hands (1998), culminating in her winning the Best Actress award at the 1998 TVB Anniversary Awards for her role in Secret of the Heart.[2] She further solidified her status as one of TVB's top leading actresses, often referred to among the "Five Beauties" alongside peers like Maggie Cheung Ho-yee, through roles in popular dramas like Where the Legend Begins (2002) and The Drive of Life (2007).[2] Transitioning to mainland China in the 2010s, she gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of the cunning Empress Xiaojingxian (Ula-Nara Yixiu) in the 2011 historical series Empresses in the Palace, earning praise for her mesmerizing and versatile acting.[2] In recent years, she appeared in the 2025 series Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants and paused projects in 2025 to support her husband after his heart attack. Her film credits include notable appearances in Hong Kong cinema, such as Fist of Legend (1994) and A Chinese Odyssey Part Two: Cinderella (1995).[1][3] In her personal life, Choi severed ties with her mother in 2000 after repaying a HK$5 million debt but later reconciled as her mother recovered from addiction.[2] She married Chinese actor Max Zhang on January 12, 2008, and the couple has two daughters, Zoe (born 2011) and Chloe (born 2013), and one son, Joey (born 2019).[1][2] As of 2025, Choi and her family reside in Hong Kong, where she prioritizes family while occasionally taking on acting projects.[4]Early life
Family background
Ada Choi was born on September 17, 1973, in Hong Kong.[5][6] Her early childhood was marked by her parents' divorce when she was five years old, after which she was raised primarily by her mother, Wong Su-mui, in a challenging environment.[2][5] Choi's mother struggled with a severe gambling addiction that resulted in massive debts, including an estimated HK$80 million at one point, forcing the family into frequent relocations to avoid creditors and periods of extreme hardship, such as sleeping under bridges or in abandoned houses.[2] She shares a brother, and together they navigated this unstable upbringing with limited details available on extended family; these experiences instilled in Choi a profound sense of resilience and a determined work ethic that influenced her future endeavors.[2]Entry into entertainment
Ada Choi entered the entertainment industry in her mid-teens amid family financial difficulties that motivated her pursuit of opportunities beyond her everyday responsibilities. At age 15, she participated in a modeling contest organized by Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), Hong Kong's leading broadcaster, which provided an avenue to gain visibility in the public eye.[7][8] Her performance in the modeling contest caught the attention of TVB scouts, leading to her selection as a contestant in the 1991 Miss Hong Kong beauty pageant. The event, a prestigious annual competition that served as a gateway for aspiring talents into Hong Kong's entertainment scene, showcased Choi's poise and appeal among a field of competitors.[8][9] Choi achieved second runner-up in the 1991 Miss Hong Kong pageant at age 17, a notable accomplishment that highlighted her potential in the industry. This placement earned her immediate recognition and paved the way for professional opportunities. Following the pageant, she signed her first management contract with TVB, which facilitated her debut through minor on-screen appearances and promotional activities tied to her pageant title.[2][10][8]Career
Hong Kong beginnings
Ada Choi began her acting career in Hong Kong shortly after placing as second runner-up in the 1991 Miss Hong Kong Pageant, which secured her a contract with Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB). Her television debut came in 1992 with the lead role of Ling Seung in the wuxia drama The Revelation of the Last Hero, co-starring Aaron Kwok, marking her entry into the industry with a prominent part in a high-profile series.[11][12] She followed this with supporting television roles in the mid-1990s, including appearances in The File of Justice V (1997) as Lee Tung, a determined police officer, which showcased her ability to portray strong, multifaceted characters in legal dramas.[1] Choi's early film appearances further highlighted her rising presence in Hong Kong cinema. In 1994, she played Yu Yin in the comedy Hail the Judge, directed by Wong Jing and starring Stephen Chow, contributing to the film's ensemble of eccentric characters in a satirical take on corruption. That same year, she appeared as Jet Li's girlfriend in the martial arts action film Fist of Legend, a remake of Bruce Lee's Fist of Fury, where her role added emotional depth to the protagonist's storyline amid intense fight sequences. These roles established her as a versatile newcomer capable of transitioning between comedic and dramatic genres in the competitive Hong Kong film scene.[1][1] Choi achieved breakthrough recognition in 1998 through her performances in two landmark TVB dramas. In Healing Hands, a medical series spanning 1998–2000, she portrayed Jackie Tong Chi Lai, a dedicated nurse navigating professional challenges and personal relationships, which resonated with audiences and contributed to the show's enduring popularity as one of TVB's top-rated productions. Simultaneously, her role as the complex and tragic Diana Suen Wah in Secret of the Heart earned her the TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress, praised for her nuanced depiction of a woman entangled in family secrets and emotional turmoil, solidifying her status as a leading talent.[2][2][13] By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Choi had firmly established herself as a leading actress in Hong Kong entertainment, often embodying versatile roles that blended romance and drama. Her work during this period, including sequels like Healing Hands II (2000), demonstrated her range in portraying resilient women in both heartfelt romantic narratives and intense dramatic scenarios, earning her a place among TVB's elite performers and contributing to the golden era of Hong Kong television.[11][2]Mainland China transition
Around 2010, Ada Choi began transitioning her career to mainland China, capitalizing on the rapid expansion of the Chinese entertainment industry that offered new opportunities for Hong Kong actors seeking broader audiences and higher-profile roles.[14] Her earlier fame in Hong Kong dramas provided a strong foundation for these invitations from mainland producers.[15] A pivotal moment came with her portrayal of the scheming Empress Ula-Nara Yixiu in the historical palace drama Empresses in the Palace (2011), a role that showcased her ability to embody complex, villainous characters and significantly elevated her visibility and acclaim on the mainland.[15] The series' massive success, with its intricate depiction of imperial intrigue, drew widespread praise for Choi's performance, solidifying her as a sought-after actress in the genre.[16] Following this breakthrough, Choi starred in subsequent mainland TV dramas such as In Love with Power (2012), where she played the character Zhe Zhe in another Qing dynasty historical series, further highlighting her versatility in mature, authoritative empress-like roles amid political and familial conflicts.[17] These projects allowed her to explore deeper, more nuanced portrayals of powerful women, aligning with the rising demand for elaborate costume dramas in China.[18] The shift to mainland productions presented challenges, including linguistic adjustments, as Choi's thick Cantonese accent required extensive dubbing, which the Empresses in the Palace director later cited as a production hurdle despite her strong acting.[16] Cultural differences in filming styles and industry expectations also demanded adaptation, contributing to her decision for a temporary semi-retirement around 2018 to prioritize family life after the birth of her third child in 2019.[2]Later ventures and comeback
Following her successful transition to mainland Chinese productions in the 2010s, Ada Choi adopted a more selective approach to her career starting around 2018, prioritizing family life while making occasional appearances in television and variety formats. In 2018, she hosted the second season of the parenting reality show Amazing Mums on Hunan TV, sharing insights into motherhood alongside other celebrities. She also made guest appearances on popular variety programs such as Ace vs Ace Season 3, engaging audiences with her humorous and relatable persona. These selective engagements allowed her to maintain visibility without committing to full-time acting roles. A notable highlight in this period was her participation in the 2020 reality-variety show Viva La Romance Season 4 on Hunan TV, where she appeared alongside her husband, actor Max Zhang. The program featured celebrity couples navigating romantic and domestic challenges, providing Choi an opportunity to reveal her personal side— including family dynamics and lighthearted marital interactions—to a broader mainland audience. This appearance not only showcased her enduring charm but also humanized her image, drawing in younger viewers unfamiliar with her earlier TVB work.[19] Choi's post-2018 activities extended to occasional endorsements and guest spots, reflecting a deliberate balance between professional pursuits and family responsibilities. For instance, she collaborated on promotional campaigns for lifestyle and beauty brands, leveraging her poised public persona. This phase underscored her emphasis on work-life harmony, as she has expressed in interviews that quality time with her children takes precedence, influencing her choice of projects that align with her schedule and values.[20] Marking a significant return to major acting, Choi was cast in the 2025 wuxia film Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants, directed by Tsui Hark, where she portrays Li Ping, the mother of protagonist Guo Jing. Released during the Chinese New Year season on January 29, 2025, the production reunites her with a high-profile ensemble and represents her re-entry into substantial cinematic roles after years of lighter commitments. This comeback has reinforced her reputation as a versatile actress capable of bridging generational appeal, while highlighting her commitment to selective, impactful opportunities in later career stages.[21] In April 2025, she participated in the reality competition show Sisters Who Make Waves 6, competing alongside other established female entertainers.[22] Later that year, in November 2025, Choi returned to TVB after an eight-year absence to film the drama Behind the Glamour, co-starring Athena Chu and Liza Wang, further expanding her selective acting engagements.[23]Personal life
Marriage and family
Ada Choi began her romantic relationship with Chinese actor Zhang Jin (also known as Max Zhang or Zhen Zidan) in 2003, after meeting on the set of a television drama. Following a courtship of more than four years, the couple married on January 12, 2008, in a private ceremony in Hong Kong.[24][25] The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Zoe, in May 2011, followed by their second daughter, Chloe, in 2013. Their third child, son Joey (also referred to as Le'er in Chinese), was born in November 2019, completing their family of five.[26][27] In 2021, Choi and her family relocated from Hong Kong to Shanghai to support Zhang Jin's acting career opportunities and provide an international educational environment for their children. However, amid the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on mainland China, they returned to Hong Kong in 2022, where they continue to reside. In October 2025, they moved into a luxury villa in Hong Kong's Yuen Long District.[28][29][4] Choi frequently shares glimpses of their family life on social media platforms like Weibo and Instagram, posting photos of family outings and celebrations that highlight harmonious dynamics. In interviews, she has described Zhang Jin as a devoted and supportive partner who shares parenting responsibilities, portraying their household as stable and affectionate.[30][31]Challenges and resilience
Ada Choi has spoken candidly about the profound and enduring effects of her mother's gambling addiction, which began when Choi was a child and continued to burden the family well into her adulthood. The addiction led to massive debts, including a reported HK$5 million owed in 2000, which Choi personally shouldered by repaying it over nearly a decade using her earnings from the entertainment industry, ultimately leaving her with no assets.[2] This financial strain forced frequent relocations during her youth to evade creditors and shaped her early drive to succeed professionally, as she channeled much of her income into family support rather than personal gain.[32] Despite these challenges, Choi demonstrated remarkable resilience by severing ties with her mother in 2000 through a public press conference, refusing further responsibility for the debts, and later forgiving her after her mother's reported recovery through religion. Her perseverance extended to rebuilding her professional life, including successful comebacks in acting after periods focused on family, where she balanced demanding roles with motherhood to maintain stability. Marriage to actor Max Zhang has served as a key stabilizing factor in her life. In August 2025, her husband Max Zhang experienced a heart attack during a family outing and underwent emergency coronary stent surgery upon returning to Hong Kong.[2][33][34] In recent interviews and profiles as of 2025, Choi has reflected on her journey from poverty and betrayal to finding genuine happiness, emphasizing the role of independence and family love in overcoming hardships. She has highlighted how these experiences built her strength, inspiring others in the entertainment industry facing similar familial pressures by sharing her story of triumph through determination and emotional growth.[32][33]Filmography and awards
Television
Ada Choi's television career spans over three decades, primarily with TVB in Hong Kong during the 1990s and early 2000s, transitioning to mainland Chinese productions later on. She gained prominence through roles in popular dramas such as Secret of the Heart (1998), where she portrayed Diana, earning her the TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress, and Empresses in the Palace (2011), in which she played the complex Empress Ulanara Yi Xiu.[35][36] Her characters often embody strong female leads, navigating themes of resilience, romance, and power struggles in both modern and historical settings, reflecting her status as one of TVB's "Five Beauties" (Fa Dan) in the era.[37] The following table lists her key television series roles chronologically, including series title, year, role, and network where available.[37]| Year | Title | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | The Revelation of the Last Hero | Ling Seung | TVB |
| 1993 | The Buddhism Palm Strikes Back | Tin Heung | TVB |
| 1993 | The Link | Chai Suet Yi | TVB |
| 1993 | Man of Wisdom | Main role | TVB |
| 1993 | Racing Peak | Chung Ngoi Ling | TVB |
| 1993 | All About Tin | Koo Suet | TVB |
| 1994 | The Fist of Law (File of Justice) | Main role | TVB |
| 1994 | Shades of Darkness | Luo Xiao Wei | TVB |
| 1995 | Justice Bao | Mang Yue Yik (Episodes 1-5) | TVB |
| 1995 | The Romance of the White-Hair Maiden | Lin Ngai Seung | TVB |
| 1997 | Self Denial | Si Ching (Story 1) | TVB |
| 1997 | The File of Justice Season 5 | Lee Tung | TVB |
| 1998 | Secret of the Heart | Diana | TVB |
| 1998 | Healing Hands | Tong Chi Lai / Jackie | TVB |
| 1999 | Unnatural Born Killer | Main role | TVB |
| 1999 | At the Threshold of an Era | Tin Ning (Episodes 5, 45-46, 48) | TVB |
| 2000 | At the Threshold of an Era Season 2 | Teen Ling | TVB |
| 2000 | Healing Hands Season 2 | Main role | TVB |
| 2001 | On the Track or Off | Luk Wing Yee | TVB |
| 2001 | Armed Reaction Season 3 | Wai Ying Zi | TVB |
| 2002 | Where the Legend Begins | Yan Fuk | TVB |
| 2003 | Fate Twisters | Seung Hei | TVB |
| 2004 | Armed Reaction Season 4 | Wai Ying Zi | TVB |
| 2004 | To Catch the Uncatchable | Main role | TVB |
| 2004 | Shui Yue Dong Tian | Han Dou Dou | Mainland China |
| 2006 | The Tearful Sword | Dip Mou / Fu Paak | TVB |
| 2006 | Seven Swordsmen | Flying Red Sash | Mainland China |
| 2006 | The Dance of Passion | Jiu Yuk | TVB |
| 2006 | The Eight Charts | Qian Xun | Zhouyi Media |
| 2007 | Fairy Couple | Fourth Fairy | Mainland China |
| 2008 | The Gem of Life | Main role | TVB |
| 2010 | Fly With Me | Main role | TVB |
| 2011 | Empresses in the Palace | Ulanara Yi Xiu / Empress Xiao Jing Xian | Hunan TV (Mainland China) |
| 2012 | In Love with Power | Zhe Zhe | Mainland China |
| 2013 | Beauty at War | Sheung Ling | TVB |
| 2017 | Oh My Grad | Main role | TVB (Hong Kong) |
| 2018 | Woman in Love | Hen Lan Qing | Mainland China |
| 2025 | Behind the Queens | Gong Xiu Feng | TVB (Hong Kong) |
Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | TVB Anniversary Awards | Best Actress | Secret of the Heart | Won |
| 2013 | Huading Awards | Best Actress in an Ancient Drama | Empresses in the Palace | Won |
Film
Ada Choi entered the film industry in the early 1990s, building on her television success to appear in over 30 feature films across genres including action, comedy, and drama, often in supporting roles alongside prominent Hong Kong and mainland Chinese stars.[1] Her filmography includes:| Year | Title | Role | Notable Co-stars | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | The Thief of Time | - | - | Drama |
| 1994 | Hail the Judge | Yu Yin | Stephen Chow | Comedy |
| 1994 | Fist of Legend | Xiao Hong | Jet Li | Action |
| 1995 | A Chinese Odyssey Part One: Pandora's Box | Iron Fan Princess | Stephen Chow | Fantasy Comedy |
| 1995 | A Chinese Odyssey Part Two: Cinderella | Iron Fan Princess / Lin Qing Xia | Stephen Chow | Fantasy Comedy |
| 1995 | The Golden Girls | Lulu Shum | Sandra Ng, Anita Yuen | Comedy |
| 1996 | Love and Sex Among the Ruins | Billie | - | Drama |
| 1996 | Once Upon a Time in Triad Society 2 | Deda | Jordan Chan | Action |
| 1996 | Bloody Friday | Ada | Jordan Chan | Action Thriller |
| 1996 | Mystery Files | Foo Man Dik | - | Mystery |
| 1997 | Passionate Nights | Margaret | - | Drama |
| 1997 | Walk In | May | - | Drama |
| 1997 | Troublesome Night | Ken's love interest | - | Horror |
| 1997 | Made in Heaven | Lily Wong | - | Romance |
| 1997 | Ah Fai, the Dumb | Jody | - | Comedy |
| 1998 | T.H.E. Professionals | - | Jordan Chan, Gigi Leung | Action Comedy |
| 1998 | Casino | - | Daniel Wu | Drama |
| 1998 | The Suspect | Annie Chung | Alex Fong | Thriller |
| 1998 | Your Place or Mine! | Vivian Ng | Ekin Cheng | Romance Comedy |
| 1998 | Rape Trap | Li Shan-Shan | - | Thriller |
| 1999 | The Doctor in Spite of Himself | Don | - | Comedy |
| 1999 | My Heart Will Go On | Maggie Choi | Dayo Wong | Romance |
| 2000 | Paramount Motel | Li Yuk-hing | - | Drama |
| 2003 | Twilight Tubes Part III | - | - | Drama |
| 2004 | The Miracle Box | Dr. Joanna Tse | - | Drama |
| 2009 | Rebellion | Cheung Wah | - | Drama |
| 2010 | Love Clinic | - | Chapman To | Comedy |
| 2010 | Just Another Pandora's Box | Princess Iron Fan | Ronald Cheng, Gillian Chung | Comedy |
| 2013 | My Lucky Star | Cici | Zhang Ziyi, Leehom Wang | Romance Comedy |
| 2014 | One Step Away | Mrs. Ji | - | Drama |
| 2014 | Just Another Margin | Widow | Ronald Cheng, Chapman To | Comedy |
| 2015 | Yi Qie Cong 2019 Kai Shi | - | - | Drama |
| 2016 | S Storm | Wong Man-ling | Louis Koo, Jun Kung | Action Thriller |
| 2018 | Agent Mr. Chan | Sofia | Eason Chan, Rain | Action Comedy |
| 2022 | Assassins and the Missing Gold | - | Andy Lau, Philip Keung | Action |
| 2025 | Legends of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants | Li Ping | - | Action Adventure |