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Benjamin Yuen

Benjamin Yuen Wai-ho (Chinese: 袁偉豪; born 11 May 1981) is a actor and singer primarily known for his television and film work with and Shaw Brothers Pictures. His career began in the late 1990s as a model and minor film actor, but he gained widespread recognition after winning the Mr. in 2007, securing a TVB contract and establishing himself as a leading man in entertainment. Yuen's acting portfolio spans over two decades, with early film appearances in notable productions such as Young and Dangerous: The Prequel (1998) as Chou-Pan and Infernal Affairs (2002) in a supporting role as a CIB team member. Transitioning to television, he has starred in popular TVB dramas, including the lead role in Stealing Seconds (2018), which earned him Favourite TVB Actor awards in both Malaysia and Singapore, and as police inspector Tseng Ho Yin in Forensic Heroes VI (2024). His film credits also include Line Walker 2: Invisible Spy (2019) as Chong, a security team member. Over his career, Yuen has received multiple accolades, including three TVB Anniversary Awards—such as Most Popular TVB Male Character—and two TVB Star Awards Malaysia. In recent years, he has expressed concerns about fewer leading roles amid changes in TVB's management, though he continues to take on diverse characters, often in action and dramatic genres. In his personal life, Yuen married fellow TVB actress Bowie Cheung in 2020 after dating since 2017. The couple has two sons: their first, Hayven Yuen Yau-hei, born on 17 November 2023, and their second, a boy born on 6 November 2025. Yuen has been open about family priorities, especially following the death of his father from cancer in 2018, which deepened his appreciation for his mother and his role as a parent.

Early life

Birth and family

Benjamin Yuen, born Yuen Wai-ho (Chinese: 袁偉豪), entered the world on May 11, 1981, in . Details about his immediate family remain largely private, with limited public information available regarding his parents and any siblings. Yuen has described his upbringing as modest, noting that his family provided crucial financial support during his early struggles in the entertainment industry, when his earnings were insufficient to sustain himself. From a young age, Yuen showed an interest in the , signing with a record company at 17 and participating in advertisements, which sparked his passion for entertainment. He began modeling in the and took on various odd jobs, including as a delivery person and to singer , to support himself while pursuing opportunities in film and music prior to 2007.

Education

Benjamin Yuen attended York English Primary School and Kindergarten in for his . He later attended New Method College (Prince Edward branch) in for his secondary education during the late 1990s. He was still a Form 4 student at the college when he began early modeling and work in 1998, completing his secondary studies shortly thereafter around 1999. During his school years, Yuen engaged in extracurricular activities that highlighted his performance interests, including participating in the inaugural Yes! Magazine School Hunk and Beauty contest in 1997 at age 15, where he performed a segment by playing and "Yesterday" on guitar.

Career

Entry into entertainment and debut

Benjamin Yuen began his entertainment career in the late as a model with sporadic advertising work and minor film roles. He entered the competitive side of the industry through his participation in the Mr. 2007 contest organized by , where he competed against 19 other contestants. Despite appearing to have slim chances midway through the competition, Yuen, as contestant number 7, turned the tables in the final rounds with a standout performance in the segment, ultimately winning the title on August 18, 2007. This victory provided him with immediate opportunities in the industry, including a platform to showcase his potential as an and model. Following his win, Yuen signed a management with , transitioning from prior sporadic modeling and advertising work to a full-time career under the broadcaster. He officially inked a five-year artist shortly thereafter, which included a salary increase of HKD 2,000, marking a significant step in his professional development. This solidified his position within 's artist stable and opened doors to on-screen roles. Yuen made his TVB acting debut in 2008 with a minor role as Cheuk Kwan-Wing (Eric) in the forensic drama , portraying a in the ensemble cast. Throughout the following years up to 2015, he continued in supporting capacities in various TVB series, such as Lin Cheung-shing in Your Class or Mine (2008), Jimmy in The King of Snooker (2009), and Benjamin Lau in The Hippocratic Crush (2012), where he provided comic relief as a young doctor. These early appearances often featured him in brief or secondary parts as professionals or lighthearted figures, gradually building his visibility within the network. As a newcomer, Yuen encountered initial challenges, including in stereotypical handsome or comedic roles and criticism for his perceived "wooden" delivery, which resulted in limited and slower progression to more prominent parts. Despite these hurdles, his persistence and the opportunities from the Mr. Hong Kong win allowed him to hone his skills through consistent minor roles, laying the foundation for future growth.

Breakthrough and major roles

Yuen's came in the 2016 TVB martial arts action drama , where he portrayed Duen Ying-fung, a hot-blooded kung fu practitioner and loyal ally to the protagonist Chor Au-kuen, navigating rivalries and moral dilemmas in a triad-ridden neighborhood. The series was a major success, averaging high ratings and earning acclaim for its intense action sequences and character depth, establishing it as TVB's hottest drama of the year. Yuen's performance garnered significant attention for his transformation and emotional range, culminating in the Most Popular Male Character award at the 2016 , which marked a turning point in his career by elevating him from supporting roles to leading contender status. Building on this momentum, Yuen secured lead roles in subsequent TVB series. In 2018's Stealing Seconds, he played Tsang Tung-yan, a stressed executive who discovers the ability to "steal" time from others through a twist, exploring themes of work-life balance and redemption. The drama's innovative premise and Yuen's relatable portrayal of a modern earned him the Most Favourite Lead Actor awards at the 2018 for both and regions, further boosting his regional popularity. The following year, in 2019's , Yuen took on the first male lead as Inspector Sheung Sing, a dedicated officer grappling with after a near-fatal shooting, delving into and personal resilience. To authentically depict his character's trauma, Yuen lost over 20 pounds, enhancing the role's impact and positioning him as a versatile lead capable of handling complex, veteran-co-starring projects. This performance solidified his reputation, with industry observers noting it as a potential stepping stone to TV King status. During this period, Yuen expanded into cinema with a supporting role in the 2019 action thriller Line Walker 2: Invisible Spy, portraying Chong, a member of a security team amid espionage and undercover operations. This film appearance capitalized on his rising TV fame, allowing him to collaborate with established stars like and while broadening his exposure beyond television. Collectively, these roles from 2016 to 2019 transformed Yuen into a recognized leading actor at , evidenced by his string of popularity awards and increased lead opportunities, which significantly expanded his fan base across and .

Recent career developments

In 2020, Benjamin Yuen expanded his career into by releasing his debut "你與你的另一半" (You and Your Other Half), which he composed with lyrics penned by his wife, Bowie Cheung. The track, produced in collaboration with Terry Chan, marked his entry as a and was featured in the 2020 JSG Music Awards selections. Yuen's television opportunities diminished amid TVB's executive reshuffle between 2023 and 2025, resulting in fewer lead roles. In April 2025 interviews, he attributed this slowdown to the departure of key managers who had previously cast him in prominent parts, noting that he had appeared in just two dramas in 2024. In 2024, Yuen took on the main role of Tseng Ho-yin, a senior inspector in the Narcotics Bureau, in the forensic drama Forensic Heroes VI. He also portrayed the supporting character Chen Zu Yao, a former PTU officer turned gangster, in the action series No Room for Crime. For 2025, as of November 2025, Yuen appeared as a guest in the variety-crime program D.I.D. 12 as Chan Cho Yiu. This follows his efforts to branch out through music and occasional hosting, such as co-hosting the filmed in in August 2025.

Personal life

Relationship with Bowie Cheung

Benjamin Yuen met actress Bowie Cheung in 2017 while filming the TVB travel variety show All Work No Pay Holidays in , where they bonded during the production and began communicating frequently after returning to . Rumors of their romance surfaced in August 2017 following reports of their close interactions, though Cheung initially denied the speculation while Yuen neither confirmed nor denied it at the time. The couple publicly confirmed their relationship in 2018, with Yuen sharing details of how had initiated contact by asking him out first, describing her as a "happy treasure" who brought positivity to his life. By then, they had been dating privately for about a year, navigating media scrutiny while supporting each other's acting careers within the circle. In 2019, specifically on 17 , Yuen proposed to at during a vacation, keeping the engagement private for nearly a year amid their busy schedules. Yuen and Cheung registered their in 2020 but delayed a formal ceremony due to the and work commitments. They ultimately held a modest on November 24, 2020, at the clubhouse of their Clear Water Bay in , inviting around 100 close friends and family members for an intimate gathering that included a simple and photo session. The event drew media attention for its subdued nature amid rising cases, with police briefly checking compliance with health protocols, but proceeded without incident as a reflection of the couple's preference for privacy. Since their marriage, Yuen and Cheung have made several joint public appearances, including returning to host a show together in , where they showcased their supportive partnership both on and off screen. Yuen has often credited Cheung for providing emotional stability during demanding acting projects, while she has praised his dedication to family life alongside their shared professional endeavors in entertainment.

Family and children

Yuen and his wife, Bowie Cheung, welcomed their first child, a son named Hayven, on November 17, 2023. The couple announced Cheung's second pregnancy on June 1, 2025, sharing an ultrasound image on . Their second son was born on November 6, 2025, with the couple revealing the news via an post that evening, expressing joy and gratitude for the smooth delivery. As parents in the entertainment industry, Yuen and have discussed the challenges of balancing hectic filming schedules with family responsibilities; shortly after Hayven's birth, Yuen returned to work in and relied on video calls to stay connected, while more recently, he has intentionally reduced his workload to prioritize time with his children.

Television work

TVB dramas

Benjamin Yuen debuted in TVB dramas in 2008 with minor supporting roles, gradually transitioning to more prominent parts before achieving lead status in several acclaimed series. His roles often portray complex characters in genres such as , , and dramas, showcasing his versatility as an . The following is a chronological overview of his TVB drama appearances from 2008 onward, highlighting key characters and contributions in major productions:
YearTitleCharacterRole TypeEpisodesNotes
2008Your Class or Mine (尖子攻略)Lin Cheung ShingSupporting20Early supporting role in a school-themed drama.
2009The King of Snooker (桌球天王)JimmySupporting20Portrayed a key ally in this sports drama centered on billiards.
2010Suspects in Love (搜下留情)Jau Wai TongSupporting20Supporting detective role in a suspenseful investigation series.
2010Every Move You Make (讀心神探)Lo Man KinGuest20Brief appearance as a suspect in a mind-reading thriller.
2011Relic of an Emissary (洪武三十二)Lee King LungSupporting30Historical figure in a Ming Dynasty intrigue plot.
2011The Rippling Blossom (魚躍龍門)Nin Kei SaiSupporting20Assisted in a story of ambition and family dynamics.
2011My Sister of Eternal Flower (花花世界花家姐)Chan Po LaiSupporting20Family-oriented supporting character in a modern drama.
2011The Other Truth (真相)DavidGuest25Guest role in a legal thriller exploring justice themes.
2011Til Love Do Us Lie (結·分@謊情式)Gou Qing Wun (Alvin)Supporting139Long-running romance series with a focus on deception and relationships.
2012Gloves Come Off (拳王)Lai YingSupporting25Boxing drama where he played a trainer figure.
2012The Hippocratic Crush (On Call 36小時)Lau Ping Chan (Ben)Supporting25Introduced his recurring doctor character in this medical ensemble.
2012Tiger Cubs (飛虎)Tse Kar SingSupporting13Anti-terrorism unit member in an action-packed series.
2012The Last Steep Ascent (天梯)Ho Sai LeungSupporting25Rural development story with emotional depth.
2013A Change of Heart (好心作怪)Yuen Jun Peng (Martin)Supporting30Comedy-drama involving supernatural elements and personal growth.
2013Karma Rider (風車)UnspecifiedGuest20Brief role in a fantasy adventure.
2013Always and Ever (情逆三世緣)Zin CiuSupporting31Time-travel romance with dual historical/modern personas.
2013The Hippocratic Crush Season 2 (On Call 36小時II)Lau Ping Chan (Ben)Lead30Elevated to lead as the compassionate doctor navigating hospital challenges and romance.
2014Rear Mirror (載得有情人)Yiu Ngai Chung (Jason)Supporting20Taxi driver in a heartfelt family reconciliation tale.
2014Tiger Cubs Season 2 (飛虎II)Tse Kar SingSupporting10Continued action role in elite police operations.
2014Noblesse Oblige (宦海奇官)Fong Gwai CheungMain21Civil servant in a political satire on bureaucracy.
2015The Fixer (拆局專家)Mak Hang ZikSupporting21Mediator in high-stakes divorce and conflict resolutions.
2016Speed of Life (鐵馬戰車)Sze MaMain20Traffic cop in a high-octane police procedural.
2016Over Run Over (EU超時任務)SGT Kwok Sheung ChingSupporting22Emergency unit officer handling crises.
2016A Fist Within Four Walls (城寨英雄)Duen Ying Fung (Sheung Sing)Lead28Breakthrough lead as a triad leader's son turned cop, earning praise for intense action sequences and emotional depth in this martial arts crime drama.
2016Rogue Emperor (流氓大皇帝)Chu Cheung FunMain17Ambitious youth rising in Republican-era Shanghai underworld.
2017Line Walker: The Prelude (使徒行者2)Chui Tin TongLead30Undercover cop in a gripping espionage thriller, marking his rise to prominence in the franchise.
2018Threesome (三個女人一個「因」)UnspecifiedMain18Explored complex relationships among women and their shared past.
2018Stealing Seconds (棟仁的時光)Tsang Dung YanMain20Time-manipulating protagonist in a sci-fi romance, winning him Best Actor awards for nuanced performance.
2018Another Era (再創世紀)Fong Yak Yu (Walter)Supporting36Business tycoon in a financial empire saga.
2019The Defected (鐵探)Seung Sing (Sing Sir)Lead30Idealistic inspector fighting corruption, solidifying his status as a TVB leading man.
2020Line Walker: Bull Fight (使徒行者3)Chui Tin Tong (Chui Sir / Paradise)Lead37Returned as the resilient undercover agent in the franchise's explosive continuation.
2021Murder Diary (刑偵日記)Wai Yui KitLead25Forensic investigator solving intricate murder cases.
2021The Line Watchers (把關者們)Hoi Fung (Fung Sir)Main26Immigration officer tackling border security and human smuggling.
2022ICAC Investigators 2022 (廉政行動2022)Tong Wai KungMain5Anti-corruption officer in episodic integrity probes.
2022Forensic Heroes V (法證先鋒V)Zeng Ho Yin (Tseng Ho-yin)Lead30Senior forensic expert in cutting-edge crime-solving team.
2022Heart of Yan Chai (仁濟之光與內通行)UnspecifiedMain5Charity worker in inspirational short-form drama.
2023The Spectator (旁觀者)UnspecifiedSupporting20Observer in a voyeuristic thriller on urban isolation.
2024No Room for Crime (反黑英雄)Chen Zu YaoSupporting25Anti-triad operative in organized crime battles.
2024Forensic Heroes VI (法證先鋒VI)Tseng Ho YinLead24Continued as the forensic lead, delving into survivor redemption themes.
2025D.I.D. 12 (疑情12)Chen Zu YaoGuest25Reprises role of Chen Zu Yao from No Room for Crime as a victim in a seven deadly sins storyline.

Other television roles and hosting

In addition to his dramatic roles, Benjamin Yuen has ventured into hosting and variety programming on television, showcasing his versatility beyond scripted narratives. One of his notable hosting endeavors was The PakhoBen Outdoor Show (2020), a variety series where he co-hosted with singer , focusing on outdoor camping adventures with celebrity guests over 10 episodes. The program highlighted Yuen's affable on-screen presence and contributed to his recognition in non-acting formats, earning him and Chau the Best Host award at the 2020 . More recently, Yuen served as a co-host for the fashion design competition reality show Amazing Cut (2024), appearing in all five episodes alongside to guide contestants through creative challenges and judge their designs. This role underscored his continued involvement in light-hearted, competitive television content. Yuen has also made guest and participant appearances in other formats. In 2020, he appeared as a guest on Tiger's Talk, a talk show hosted by , discussing personal and professional topics in a single episode. Furthermore, in 2022, he competed as one of 12 celebrity contestants in the second season of 's dubbing competition Dub of War, a 13-episode program that tested participants' voice-acting skills on classic scenes, allowing Yuen to explore talents.

Filmography

Feature films

Benjamin Yuen's film career began in the late with minor roles in films, predating his 2007 TVB contract. He continued with supporting parts in the 2000s before gaining more prominent roles in the and . His cinematic work often features him in intense, character-driven parts that complement his on-screen intensity honed from TV dramas. Over the years, Yuen has contributed to both and international co-productions, showcasing versatility in thrillers, comedies, and dramas. Early appearances include Young and Dangerous: The Prequel (1998) as Chou-Pan and (2002) as a CIB team member. In 2009, he appeared in , where he portrayed a police officer in the action crime thriller directed by , supporting leads and in a story of undercover operations and betrayal. In 2010, he appeared in the romantic comedy as Scholar Ho, a scholarly suitor in a tale blending and romance opposite and . That same year, he had a minor role in the ensemble comedy 72 Tenants of Prosperity, a modern remake of a classic story featuring a star-studded cast including and . In 2011, Yuen appeared in I Love , playing Ben, a young man navigating family and romantic entanglements in a lighthearted directed by Yonfan, which celebrated local culture and grossed modestly at the . His role in the 2019 action thriller Line Walker 2: Invisible Spy as Chong, a operative, marked a return to high-stakes alongside and , contributing to the film's intense undercover narrative. The movie was a commercial success, earning over HK$770 million worldwide. Yuen took a supporting role in 2020's One Second Champion, directed by Derek Chiu, as Master Cheung, a mentor figure in this sports drama about a down-on-his-luck boxer who gains supernatural speed; the film resonated with audiences during the , grossing HK$16.98 million in and praised for its uplifting message and innovative storytelling. In 2021's blockbuster Raging Fire, he played Sze-to Kit, a former entangled in a revenge plot, supporting and in Benny Chan's final directorial effort, which became one of 's highest-grossing films with HK$61 million in and over HK$1.75 billion worldwide.) Expanding internationally, Yuen portrayed Hsu Wei-chiang (Hongkie), a ruthless gangster known as "the Snake," in the 2023 Taiwanese black comedy thriller The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon, directed by Wong Ching-po; his performance as one of three "scourges" in this Tarantino-esque tale of hitmen and redemption earned critical acclaim, with the film holding an IMDb rating of 7.3/10. In 2024's psychological horror Peg O' My Heart, directed by Nick Cheung, Yuen played the abusive father of the protagonist, adding depth to the film's exploration of trauma and subconscious fears. His most recent role is in 2025's heist thriller Smashing Frank, directed by Trevor Choi, where he supports the young ensemble in a story of generational conflict and money laundering schemes targeting corrupt elites as Ho Ka Wang.
YearTitleRoleNotes
1998Young and Dangerous: The PrequelChou-PanAction drama
1998JackComedy
2002CIB team memberCrime thriller
2003CIB team memberCrime thriller
2004Heat TeamSeun ChaiAction
2009Police officerSupporting role in action thriller
2010The Jade and the PearlScholar Ho lead support
201072 Tenants of ProsperityChiuComedy remake
2011I Love BenFamily comedy
2019Line Walker 2: Invisible SpyChongAction thriller, over HK$770M worldwide gross
2020One Second ChampionMaster CheungSports drama, HK$16.98M gross
2021Raging FireSze-to KitAction blockbuster, HK$61M gross
2023The Pig, the Snake and the PigeonHsu Wei-chiang (Hongkie) thriller, critically acclaimed
2024Man's father
2025Smashing FrankHo Ka WangHeist thriller, supporting

Other media appearances

In 2022, Yuen expanded his media presence by participating in the second season of TVB's variety program Dub of War, a competition featuring 12 celebrity contestants who performed challenges for excerpts from films and television series to showcase skills. Yuen made his musical debut in 2020 with the Cantopop single "你與你的另一半" (You and Your Other Half), a romantic he composed, with penned by his wife, Bowie Cheung; the track was released on October 20 and explores themes of partnership and companionship. Following this, he issued further singles such as "馬路英雄" (Road Hero) in 2022 and "平常心" (Ordinary Heart) in 2023, continuing to blend his with musical endeavors.

Awards and nominations

TVB Anniversary Awards

Benjamin Yuen has earned recognition at the TVB Anniversary Awards for his compelling performances in various dramas, securing three wins that underscore his appeal to both Hong Kong and international audiences. In 2016, Yuen won the Most Popular Male Character award for portraying Duen Ying-fung, a principled young constable navigating gang conflicts, in the martial arts drama A Fist Within Four Walls. This victory marked a breakthrough, highlighting his ability to embody relatable and charismatic supporting roles. Yuen achieved further success in 2018 at the Anniversary Gala, winning the Favourite Actor award in both the and regions for his lead role as Tong Tin-chi, a time-traveling confronting personal regrets, in Stealing Seconds. These regional honors reflected his growing fanbase and the drama's resonance with overseas viewers. In 2018, Yuen was also nominated in the top five for Best Actor for his role as Yip Yiu-wai in Another Era. Among his nominations, Yuen was shortlisted in the top five for in 2019 for his portrayal of Sheung Sing, a principled facing ethical dilemmas, in the crime thriller . Although he did not win, the recognition affirmed his rising status in lead dramatic roles.
YearAwardDramaRoleRegion (if applicable)
2016Most Popular Male Character (Win)Duen Ying-fung
2018Best Actor (Nomination, Top 5)Yip Yiu-wai
2018Favourite TVB Actor (Win)Stealing SecondsTong Tin-chi
2018Favourite TVB Actor (Win)Stealing SecondsTong Tin-chi
2019Best Actor (Nomination, Top 5)Sheung Sing

Other awards and recognitions

Yuen's career began with his win at the Mr. 2007 beauty contest, which served as his entry point into the entertainment industry and led to a with . At the Star Awards Malaysia, Yuen won Most Promising TVB Male Artiste in 2013 for his role in and Favourite TVB Supporting Actor in 2015 for The Fixer.