Candice Yu
Candice Yu (Chinese: 余安安; born Yu De-ying on October 22, 1959) is a Hong Kong actress and occasional singer renowned for her extensive work in film and television, particularly her starring roles in Shaw Brothers Studio productions during the 1970s and 1980s.[1][2] Yu began her career at the age of 16 with her debut in the 1975 film Let's Rock, marking the start of a prolific output that spans over 60 films from 1975 to as recently as 2025.[1] After joining Shaw Brothers in 1976, she quickly rose to prominence in martial arts and period dramas, including notable performances in Death Duel (1977) and Journey of the Doomed (1985), where she showcased her versatility in action-oriented roles alongside leading actors of the era.[1] Her television work further diversified her portfolio, with appearances in series such as Reincarnated and Dragon Strikes for Rediffusion TV, and a memorable portrayal of Princess Xiang-Xiang in TVB's Book and Sword.[1] In addition to acting, Yu ventured into singing, contributing to soundtracks and performing in films, though her primary legacy remains in cinema.[2] Her personal life intersected with Hong Kong's entertainment industry when she briefly married actor Chow Yun-fat in 1983, ending in divorce shortly thereafter; she remarried in 1987, after which her film appearances became less frequent, including a cameo in the acclaimed Swordsman 2 (1992).[1] Later career highlights include roles in Rob-B-Hood (2006) directed by Benny Chan, All U Need is Love (2021), and The Dumpling Queen (2025), demonstrating her enduring presence in the industry.[2][1]Early life and career beginnings
Birth and upbringing
Candice Yu was born Yu De Ying on October 22, 1959, in Hong Kong, where she adopted the stage name Yu An-An (also romanized as Yu On-On or Candice Yu On-On) early in her career.[1][3] Details on her family background remain limited, with known information indicating her parents divorced, after which she lived with her mother in a single-parent household; she is of Hong Kong Chinese heritage.[4] Yu's upbringing took place in the urban environment of 1950s and 1960s Hong Kong, a period of rapid post-war economic recovery and industrialization that transformed the British colony into a bustling international hub, fostering opportunities in emerging industries like entertainment for her generation.[5] During this era, Hong Kong's film industry experienced significant growth, becoming East Asia's leading exporter by the 1960s and providing widespread cultural exposure to cinema among youth, which aligned with the vibrant media landscape of her formative years.[6]Film debut and Shaw Brothers entry
Candice Yu entered the Hong Kong film industry at the age of 16, making her debut in the 1975 youth-oriented drama Let's Rock (大家樂), directed by James Wong and Woo Shu Yue.[7] The film captures the vibrant pop culture scene of 1970s Hong Kong, centering on a group of young aspiring musicians inspired by the real-life band The Wynners, with Yu appearing in a minor supporting role alongside stars like Chelsia Chan and Alan Tam.[8][7] Following her early exposure, Yu's performance in the 1976 independent production Massage Girls (按摩女郎), where she starred alongside a young Chow Yun-fat, caught the attention of industry scouts and led to her signing a contract with Shaw Brothers Studio that same year.[1] Shaw Brothers, founded by Runme Shaw and Run Run Shaw, had become the preeminent film production company in Hong Kong by the mid-1970s, operating from its expansive Movietown facility in Clearwater Bay and dominating the market with over a thousand films across genres like martial arts, dramas, and musicals since establishing its Hong Kong operations in the 1950s.[9][10] Upon joining Shaw Brothers, Yu underwent initial grooming as part of the studio's structured artist development program, which prepared new talents for roles in its high-output film slate through acting workshops and on-set mentorship.[11] This entry into one of Hong Kong's most influential studios marked the launch of her professional career, building on her nascent experience from independent films.Professional career
Shaw Brothers era
Candice Yu's association with Shaw Brothers Studio began in 1976, following her initial film roles, and lasted through the late 1970s and early 1980s, during which she became a key figure in the studio's wuxia productions.[1] Her work during this era emphasized elegant swordplay, intricate plots drawn from Gu Long's martial arts novels, and her evolving screen presence in period dramas.[1] The peak of Yu's Shaw Brothers career occurred between 1977 and 1979, when she appeared in six films directed by Chu Yuan, renowned for his stylized adaptations of wuxia literature. These included Death Duel (1977), The Sentimental Swordsman (1977), Murder Plot (1979), Legend of the Bat (1978), Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre (1978), and its sequel Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre Part II (1978).[1] In these productions, Yu often portrayed resilient female characters entangled in webs of intrigue, betrayal, and martial conflict, contributing to Shaw Brothers' signature blend of visual artistry and action choreography.[1] Early in her Shaw tenure, Yu transitioned from supporting roles to more prominent leads, as seen in Death Duel, where she played Hsiao Li, a loyal companion aiding the protagonist in a tale of revenge and forbidden techniques.[12] She collaborated extensively with Ti Lung, Shaw's leading martial arts star, in multiple Chu Yuan films, including The Sentimental Swordsman, where her role as Shi Yin added emotional depth to the story of a wandering swordsman's moral dilemmas.[13] Another notable partnership was with Derek Yee in The Sentimental Swordsman, marking her integration into the studio's ensemble of rising talents.[13] In Legend of the Bat, Yu embodied Kam Ling Chi, a figure caught in a conspiracy-laden sequel to the Clans of Intrigue storyline, showcasing her adeptness at conveying mystery and poise amid elaborate fight sequences.[14] Her portrayal of Chou Chi Yeuk in the Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre duology further solidified her as a lead actress, navigating the epic's themes of loyalty and forbidden love within a sprawling martial world.[15] By Murder Plot (1979), Yu's role as Bai Fei Fei highlighted her command of complex, scheming characters in a narrative of assassination plots and hidden alliances.[16] These collaborations with Chu Yuan and co-stars like Ti Lung helped establish Yu as an essential part of Shaw Brothers' golden age of swordplay cinema.[1]Mid-career transitions and genre roles
Following her extensive work in Shaw Brothers' wuxia productions during the late 1970s, Yu transitioned into a broader range of genres in the 1980s, incorporating more dramatic and sensual elements that diverged from her earlier swordplay-focused roles. In 1984, she starred as Lady Chun in Lust for Love of a Chinese Courtesan, a Category III film directed by Chor Yuen that blended martial arts with erotic themes, where her portrayal of a complex lesbian character marked a notable shift toward mature, provocative narratives.[17] This role exemplified her exploration of Category III cinema, which emphasized adult-oriented content and allowed for deeper dramatic expression compared to the stylized action of her wuxia origins. Other 1980s projects, such as Fascinating Affairs (1985) and The Strange Bedfellow (1986), further showcased her versatility in romance and science fiction comedy, respectively, as she took on supporting roles like Mrs. Lung in the latter, a satirical tale of marital and technological mishaps.[18] Yu also expanded into television during this period, appearing in several series on major Hong Kong broadcasters. In the early 1980s, she played the main role of Hip Siu Lin in TVB's 30-episode drama Bandits from Canton (1981), a period piece involving intrigue and adventure, and provided support in the 20-episode historical series The General (1982).[19] These TV engagements, building on her late-1970s appearances like Princess Xiang Xiang in TVB's Book and Sword (1976-1978), highlighted her adaptability to episodic storytelling and helped sustain her visibility amid the evolving film industry.[1] By the early 1990s, Yu's film work included a memorable cameo in the action-packed wuxia sequel Swordsman II (1992), directed by Tony Ching Siu-tung, where she portrayed Cici, the devoted lover of the antagonist Dongfang Bubai (played by Brigitte Lin), alongside Jet Li. This high-profile role in a production outside the Shaw system contributed to the film's status as a major box office success, grossing over HK$34 million and ranking among the top-grossing Hong Kong films of the year.[20][21] The performance underscored her enduring appeal in genre-blending action-romance hybrids, cementing a mid-career peak before her eventual hiatus.Hiatus and industry hiatus
Following her active period with Shaw Brothers Studio in the mid-1980s, including roles in films such as The Strange Bedfellow (1986), Candice Yu entered a prolonged hiatus from acting that spanned approximately two decades, with only sporadic appearances in 1991 (The Banquet) and 1992 (Swordsman II) before a full gap until her return in 2005 with 2 Young.[1] This career pause effectively began post-1986, during which she prioritized family life following her 1987 marriage and the birth of two daughters in 1988 and 1991; the marriage ended in divorce in 2003.[19] Yu's hiatus also aligned with broader transformations in the Hong Kong film industry, where the closure of Shaw Brothers Studio's production arm in 1986 marked the end of an era for traditional martial arts and genre filmmaking that had defined her early career.[22] The 1990s saw a sharp decline in the sector due to the Asian financial crisis, which reduced regional audiences and financing, alongside the growing dominance of television production by TVB, shifting talent and viewer attention away from cinema and complicating prospects for a sustained return for established film actors like Yu.[23]Comeback and later works
2000s film revival
After a hiatus of nearly two decades from the screen, Candice Yu marked her return to Hong Kong cinema with a supporting role as Nam's mother in the romantic drama 2 Young (2005), directed by Derek Yee.[24][25] The film, which explored themes of teenage pregnancy and forbidden love starring Jaycee Chan and Fiona Sit, achieved commercial success at the box office, grossing approximately HK$10 million.[26] Yu followed this debut comeback with two notable films in 2006. In My Name Is Fame, directed by Lawrence Lau, she portrayed the character Qiqi in a satirical dramedy examining the struggles of aspiring actors, co-starring Lau Ching-wan as a down-on-his-luck performer; the film received praise for its insider perspective on the industry and Yu's nuanced supporting performance.[27] Later that year, she appeared as Mrs. Li in Benny Chan's action-comedy Rob-B-Hood, collaborating with action star Jackie Chan in a story about thieves kidnapping a baby; the blockbuster earned approximately HK$23 million at the box office, highlighting Yu's seamless integration into high-profile ensemble casts.[28][29][30] In 2007, Yu expanded her revival with multiple projects, including the role of Jenny, a mama-san in the struggling nightlife scene, in Herman Yau's drama Whispers and Moans, which depicted the lives of sex workers and garnered positive critical reception for its empathetic portrayal of marginalized women, with co-stars Athena Chu and Mandy Chiang.[31][32] She also took on supporting parts in Exodus as Ann's mother, directed by Yee Chih-yen, and Beauty and the 7 Beasts as Jade, alongside roles in House of Mahjong as a noisy mahjong player, reflecting a shift toward mature character roles in dramas and comedies that suited her seasoned presence.[33][34][35] These collaborations with directors like Yau and Yee, and actors such as Simon Yam in Exodus, underscored her renewed versatility and contributions to contemporary Hong Kong filmmaking.[1]Television appearances and recent projects
Following her film comeback in the 2000s, Candice Yu expanded into television, appearing in supporting and guest roles on TVB productions that showcased her versatility in modern dramas. Her television work gained momentum in the 2010s, with a notable lead role as Pui Yee Yee, also known as "Shell Yee," in the 2018 TVB drama Lost in Shell, where she played a complex character navigating family secrets and personal redemption over 20 episodes.[19] Yu's television presence continued to grow in the 2020s, aligning with her semi-retired yet selective approach to projects amid ongoing involvement in Hong Kong's performing arts scene. This was followed by a supporting role as Gong Suk Yin in the 2022 family drama Modern Dynasty, a 30-episode series delving into generational wealth and conflicts, which bridged her film resurgence—such as her 2010 role in Once a Gangster—to sustained TV visibility.[36] In 2023, Yu took on the role of Shi Qi in Legal Affair, a 20-episode legal drama examining marital strife and custody battles, earning praise for her nuanced portrayal of a family matriarch.[37] Her recent projects as of 2025 reflect continued activity in ensemble casts. Yu reprised a similar authoritative presence as Dai Yi-ting in Modern Dynasty 2: War of Others (2024), a sequel intensifying themes of corporate intrigue and inheritance across 30 episodes.[38] That same year, she appeared in The Heir to the Throne, another 30-episode TVB drama, playing a pivotal family elder in a story of legacy and betrayal, underscoring her enduring appeal in roles that emphasize emotional depth and longevity in Hong Kong television.[39] Additionally, Yu took on supporting roles in films including Inexternal (2024) as Chey's mother, Wish Comes True (2024), and The Dumpling Queen (2025). Despite a period of reduced output post-2010s films like Bruce Lee, My Brother, Yu remains active, occasionally reflecting on her career's evolution in interviews, noting the shift to television as a fulfilling extension of her Shaw Brothers legacy.[1][40]Personal life
Marriages and relationships
Candice Yu's first marriage was to fellow Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat in 1983, a union that captured significant media attention due to their rising stardom in the entertainment industry.[41] The couple, who had co-starred in several films, wed impulsively when Yu was 23 years old, but the relationship lasted only nine months before ending in divorce in early 1984.[41] Yu later reflected that both were not ready for marriage, describing the decision as a mutual mistake that concluded peacefully without lasting animosity.[41] Public perception at the time was skeptical, with contemporaries predicting the partnership's failure— a sentiment Yu acknowledged in retrospect, noting that around 90% of observers doubted its longevity amid the pressures of their demanding careers.[42] In 1987, Yu remarried businessman and former racing driver Henry Lee Junior, marking a shift toward a more private life that influenced her professional hiatus from acting.[42] The marriage lasted 16 years, during which Yu largely stepped away from the spotlight to focus on family, appearing rarely in films or television.[1] The couple divorced in 2003, with Yu later discussing the challenges of single parenthood in interviews, though specific reasons for the split were not publicly detailed beyond general personal differences.[43] Media coverage of the divorce was relatively subdued compared to her first, reflecting Yu's established status as a socialite and her emphasis on maintaining family privacy post-separation.[41] Following her 2003 divorce, Yu was reportedly dating a man 22 years her junior in 2012.[44] She expressed in 2018 that she has no intention of remarrying even if she meets an ideal partner.[41] This period has seen her prioritize personal independence and occasional professional comebacks, with her past marriages often cited in profiles as pivotal in shaping her transition from actress to family-oriented figure.[43]Family and children
Yu has two daughters from her second marriage to businessman Henry Lee Junior, born in the late 1980s and early 1990s.[45] The elder daughter, known publicly as Marcia Lee, and the younger, Sasha Lee, have largely stayed out of the public eye, though Marcia married Jeremy, an investment company employee, in 2016.[46][47] Yu has occasionally shared that her daughters accepted her later relationships and that family gatherings, such as holiday dinners, remain important traditions.[44][47] After her second marriage, Yu prioritized raising her young daughters over her acting career, leading to reduced appearances in the 1990s and early 2000s.[1] This period allowed her to focus on parenting amid the demands of family life, shaping her decision to step away from Hong Kong's entertainment scene until her gradual return in the 2000s. During this time, she emphasized creating a stable environment for her children, advising her daughter on marriage to value patience and communication while supporting their choice to delay starting a family.[46] Little is publicly known about Yu's extended family, including siblings or her parents' later years, as she has maintained privacy around these aspects of her personal life. Following her divorces, Yu has adopted a deliberate stance on shielding her family from media attention, living near her daughters in Hong Kong but respecting their independence by not intruding on their private lives.[46] This approach reflects her commitment to protecting her children's normalcy away from the spotlight of her earlier fame.Recognition and legacy
Awards and nominations
Throughout her career, Candice Yu has received several nominations for her supporting roles in Hong Kong cinema, highlighting her resurgence in the industry after a long hiatus. Although she has not secured any wins, these recognitions underscore her impactful contributions to both comedic and dramatic genres in the mid-2000s and early 2010s. Yu's first Hong Kong Film Award nomination came at the 26th ceremony in 2007, where she was recognized for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the comedy-drama My Name Is Fame, directed by Nelson Yu Lik-wai.[48][49] She earned another nomination in the same category at the 30th Hong Kong Film Awards in 2011 for her performance in the action-comedy Once a Gangster, directed by Felix Chong.[50]| Year | Award | Category | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Hong Kong Film Awards (26th) | Best Supporting Actress | My Name Is Fame | Nominated |
| 2011 | Hong Kong Film Awards (30th) | Best Supporting Actress | Once a Gangster | Nominated |
Impact on Hong Kong cinema
Candice Yu played a significant role in the popularization of wuxia films during the late 1970s and 1980s through her extensive work with Shaw Brothers Studio, starring in over a dozen productions that adapted popular martial arts novels. Her debut in Death Duel (1977), directed by Chor Yuen, introduced her as a leading female character in the genre, and she continued in key roles in films such as The Sentimental Swordsman (1977) and Legend of the Bat (1978), which emphasized intricate plots, romantic elements, and stylized swordplay based on Gu Long's stories.[1] These films contributed to the Shaw Brothers' dominance in Hong Kong's golden age of cinema, helping transition wuxia from earlier King Hu-era realism to more operatic, studio-bound spectacles that influenced subsequent generations of martial arts filmmaking.[52] In the realm of Category III films, Yu demonstrated versatility by appearing in Whispers and Moans (2007), a social drama exploring the lives of sex workers that received an adults-only rating for its candid themes. Her performance as one of the ensemble leads added depth to the film's portrayal of marginalized women, aligning with Hong Kong cinema's tradition of using restricted-rated works to address taboo subjects during the industry's post-handover diversification.[53] As a prominent female presence in male-centric wuxia narratives, Yu's characters often embodied cunning, seductive, and resilient women, challenging stereotypes and enhancing the genre's appeal to diverse audiences during Hong Kong's economic boom. This representation underscored the cultural significance of actresses like Yu in bridging traditional Chinese literary tropes with modern cinematic empowerment, particularly as Hong Kong cinema asserted its global identity.[52] Yu's post-2000 comeback, beginning with her role as a veteran actress in the meta-comedy My Name Is Fame (2006), symbolized the reintegration of Shaw-era talents into contemporary productions and sparked retrospectives on the industry's evolution from studio monopolies to freelance dynamics. Her subsequent appearances in high-profile films like Rob-B-Hood (2006) alongside Jackie Chan illustrated how legacy performers could revitalize interest in classic Hong Kong action tropes amid the rise of digital effects and international co-productions.[51] In scholarly and critical assessments of martial arts cinema, Yu's filmography is viewed as emblematic of the 1980s wuxia renaissance, with her elegant portrayals contributing to the enduring stylistic legacy of Chor Yuen's adaptations in studies of Hong Kong's genre evolution.[54]Filmography
Feature films
Candice Yu debuted in feature films in 1975 and has accumulated over 60 acting credits through 2025, transitioning from supporting roles in Shaw Brothers martial arts and drama productions to character parts in contemporary Hong Kong cinema.[1] Her filmography includes notable collaborations with directors like Chu Yuan in the late 1970s and Tsui Hark in the 1990s. Gaps appear in her credits from 1987 to 1990 and 1993 to 2002, attributed to personal commitments including her second marriage.[1] She also contributed vocals to the theme song of Lonely Fifteen (1982), though she did not act in that film.[55]1970s
Yu's early career featured supporting roles in action, wuxia, and exploitation genres, often as romantic interests or adversaries.- 1975: Let's Rock – debut role (supporting).[1]
- 1976: Massage Girls – Miu Chun (supporting).[1]
- 1977: Impetuous Fire – Ailisu (supporting); Deadly Snail vs. Kung Fu Killers – Sea Snail Fairy (supporting); Death Duel – Hsiao Li (supporting, directed by Chu Yuan); The Sentimental Swordsman – Shi Yin (supporting, directed by Chu Yuan).[1]
- 1978: Legend of the Bat – Kam Ling Chi (supporting, directed by Chu Yuan); The Chase (supporting); Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre – Chou Chi Yeuk (supporting); Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre, Part II – Chou Chi Yeuk (supporting); Chameleon – Tong Mui-Ting (supporting); Kung Fu Master Named Drunk Cat – Miss Chun (supporting).[1]
- 1979: Writing Kung Fu – Girl in pink (supporting); Disco Fever (supporting); Young Lovers – Fang Lan Jin (lead); Murder Plot – Bai Fei Fei (supporting, directed by Chu Yuan); Reincarnated (supporting); Dragon Strikes – Fu Xiang-Jun (supporting).[1]
1980s
Yu continued with wuxia and comedy roles, including dual parts, before a hiatus in the late 1980s.- 1980: The Deadly Sword – Su Min (supporting).[1]
- 1982: Buddha's Palm – Liu Ming Yng / Qiu Yu Hua (lead); My Beloved (supporting); Mercenaries from Hong Kong – He Ying (supporting).[1]
- 1983: Swordsman Adventure (supporting); The Black Magic with Buddha – Annie (supporting).[1]
- 1984: Lust from Love of a Chinese Courtesan – Lady Chun (lead).[1]
- 1985: Journey of the Doomed – Fei Hsia (supporting); Fascinating Affairs – Chan's wife (supporting).[1]
- 1986: The Strange Bedfellow – Mrs. Lung (supporting).[1]
1990s
Returning after a break, Yu took cameo and supporting roles in high-profile wuxia revivals.2000s
Yu shifted to maternal and comedic character roles in mainstream comedies and dramas, with sporadic appearances.- 2003: The Spy Dad – Isabel (supporting).[1]
- 2004: Love Is a Many Stupid Thing – Mandy (supporting).[1]
- 2005: Bar Paradise – Pak Yee (supporting); 2 Young – Nam's mother (supporting); Mandheling – Jojo (supporting).[1]
- 2006: My Name Is Fame – Qiqi (supporting); Rob-B-Hood – Mrs. Li (supporting).[1]
- 2007: Beauty and the 7 Beasts – Jade (supporting); House of Mahjong – Noisy mahjong player (cameo); Whispers and Moans – Jenny (supporting); Exodus – Ann's mother (supporting).[1]
2010s
Yu's later roles emphasized family dynamics in ensemble films, including several maternal parts.- 2010: Once a Gangster – Lady Pearl (supporting); Bruce Lee, My Brother – Tso Tat-wah's wife (supporting).[1]
- 2011: Hi, Fidelity – Madame Manba (supporting); Beach Spike – Mrs. Brewster (supporting).[1]
- 2012: Nightfall – Mrs. Tsui (supporting).[1]
- 2014: Enthralled (supporting).[1]
- 2015: Imprisoned: Survival Guide for Rich and Prodigal – Nelson's mother (supporting).[1]
- 2016: House of Wolves – Bing's mother (supporting); Buddy Cops – Madam Chu (supporting); Nessun Dorma – Jasmine's mother (supporting).[1]
- 2018: Tomorrow Is Another Day – Mrs. Keung (supporting).[1]
- 2019: I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change! – Betty (supporting); Chasing the Dragon II: Wild Wild Bunch – Rebecca He (supporting); Missing – Ying's mother (supporting).[1]
2020s
Yu maintained steady work in dramas and comedies, with roles reflecting mature family figures up to recent releases.- 2020: The Secret Diary of a Mom to Be (supporting).[1]
- 2021: All U Need Is Love – Tin’s wife (supporting).[1]
- 2024: Wish Comes True (supporting); Inexternal (supporting).[1]
- 2025: The Dumpling Queen (supporting).[1]
Television roles
Candice Yu's television career spans from the mid-1970s to the 2020s, primarily featuring in Hong Kong-produced dramas across networks like TVB, Rediffusion TV, i-Cable, and ViuTV, where she portrayed a mix of leading and supporting roles in wuxia, family, and modern genres.[19] Her early work supplemented her film appearances by showcasing her in long-form serials, often as strong female characters in martial arts narratives.[1] Yu's television credits include the following:| Year | Title | Role | Episodes | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | The Legend of the Book and the Sword | Heung Heung (Main Role) | 60 | TVB[56] |
| 1979 | Reincarnated | Fu Heung Gwan (Main Role) | 60 | Rediffusion TV[57] |
| 1979 | Dragon Strikes | Heung Kwan (Main Role) | 60 | Rediffusion TV[58][1] |
| 1980 | Fatherland | Suen Kit Ching (Support Role) | 12 | CTV[59] |
| 1981 | Bandits from Canton | Hip Siu Lin (Main Role) | 30 | TVB[60] |
| 1982 | The General | (Support Role) | 20 | TVB[61] |
| 2007 | Tutor Queen | To Bei On / Pion (Main Role) | 60 | i-Cable[62][63] |
| 2018 | Lost in Shell | Pui Yee Yee / "Shell Yee" (Main Role) | 20 | ViuTV[64][64] |
| 2022 | Modern Dynasty | Gong Suk Yin (Support Role) | 30 | ViuTV[65][66] |
| 2023 | Legal Affair | Shi Qi (Support Role) | 20 | TVB[67][68] |
| 2024 | The Heir to the Throne | Dai Yi-ting (Support Role) | 30 | TVB[69] |