Julian Cheung
Julian Cheung Chi-lam (born 27 August 1971) is a Hong Kong singer and actor renowned for his contributions to Cantopop music and television dramas, as well as his extensive film career spanning over 50 productions.[1][2] Emerging in the early 1990s, Cheung first gained prominence as a singer with his debut duet "Modern Love Story" in 1991 and solo album Make Me Happy in 1992, earning accolades such as the TVB Jade Solid Gold Best New Singer (Bronze) award.[2] He transitioned seamlessly into acting, debuting on television with TVB's The Peak of Passion in 1992 and in film with Legend of the Liquid Sword in 1993, later becoming known for versatile roles in popular series like Return of the Cuckoo (2000) and Triumph in the Skies II (2013), as well as films including Best of the Best (1996), The Grandmaster (2013), and his Hollywood debut Final Score (2018).[1][2] Born in Hong Kong to a mother who was the 1962 Miss Exhibition Pageant winner, Cheung grew up in a family connected to the entertainment industry, with actor uncle Charlie Cho and cousin Anna Ueyama.[2] His parents separated during his childhood, and at age 16, he moved to Sydney, Australia, before returning to pursue his career.[2] Over the decades, he has received multiple TVB audience-voted awards, including for his portrayal in Triumph in the Skies II, and has been typecast in recent action films as a policeman, such as in L Storm (2018).[2] In his personal life, Cheung married actress Anita Yuen in 2001, and they have a son, Morton, born in 2006; the couple converted to Buddhism, with Cheung often emphasizing themes of gratitude and kindness.[2] As of 2025, he continues to appear in projects like the variety show Hahahahaha Season 5, following a health scare involving a swollen gallbladder earlier that year.[2]Life and career
Early life
Julian Cheung was born on 27 August 1971 in Hong Kong to an ordinary family.[2][3] His mother was a beauty queen who won the 1962 Miss Exhibition Pageant, while his maternal uncle, Charlie Cho Cha-lee, is an actor known for his roles in Hong Kong cinema, and his cousin Anna Ueyama was also an actress before entering the insurance industry.[2] Cheung's parents separated during his childhood, after which he and his father relocated to Sydney, Australia, when he was 16 years old.[2] He later described himself as a "pretty rough guy from an ordinary family" during his formative years in Hong Kong amid the 1970s and 1980s.[2] As a child, Cheung enjoyed impersonating actor Chow Yun-fat, reflecting an early interest in entertainment influenced by his family's connections to the industry.[2] He completed his secondary schooling in Hong Kong before moving to Australia for further studies, though he did not immediately pursue higher education upon returning to Hong Kong in 1991.[3] Cheung's early exposure to Western and Cantopop music came through his family environment and school surroundings in Hong Kong, shaping his interests before a singing competition in the early 1990s marked his transition to the entertainment industry.[2]Music career
Julian Cheung entered the music industry in 1991 with the duet album Modern Love Story, recorded alongside singer Maple Hui, which became a massive commercial success and swept multiple major awards, including several at the RTHK Top 10 Gold Songs Awards, propelling him to instant fame in Hong Kong.[4][3] The title track, a romantic ballad, topped charts and resonated widely with audiences for its heartfelt lyrics and melody, establishing Cheung as a promising talent in the Cantopop scene.[2] Following the duet's breakthrough, Cheung released his solo debut album Make Me Happy in October 1992 under PolyGram Records, marking his full entry into the competitive Cantopop landscape with a collection of upbeat pop tracks that showcased his versatile vocals.[2] His popularity peaked throughout the 1990s, highlighted by the 1993 album Miss You Much, which featured the hit single of the same name that reached number one on the TVB Jade Solid Gold chart and garnered strong fan acclaim for its emotional depth.[5] Similarly, the 1994 self-titled album CHILAM produced chart-topping ballads like "It's a Fact," solidifying his status as a leading male vocalist during Cantopop's golden era, earning him multiple JSG Top 10 awards.[6][5] In the 2000s, Cheung took a significant hiatus from music production to prioritize his burgeoning acting career, releasing only sporadic singles amid the decline of Cantopop's dominance in Hong Kong.[6] He staged comebacks with the 2010 album I Am Chilam, which blended contemporary pop with nostalgic elements and targeted a renewed fanbase, followed by Crazy Hours in 2014, accompanied by a successful live concert tour that drew thousands.[7][8] Post-2010, Cheung pivoted toward occasional music releases and performances, increasingly in mainland China, where he participated in high-profile Cantopop revival events that fostered cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and the mainland market.[9] This shift reflected broader industry trends, allowing him to maintain relevance through targeted tours and collaborations. Overall, Cheung's contributions to the Hong Kong music scene, particularly as a typecast romantic ballad singer, helped define the 1990s Cantopop sound, with his emotive style influencing subsequent generations of performers and enduring through compilations and fan revivals.[5][2]Television career
Julian Cheung began his television career in 1992, debuting with a supporting role in the TVB series The Peak of Passion, following his initial fame as a singer which helped ease his transition into acting.[2][6] His breakthrough arrived in 1994, when he starred as the heroic Guo Jing in TVB's adaptation of the wuxia novel The Legend of the Condor Heroes, a role that brought him widespread recognition and established him as a leading actor in Hong Kong television.[10] Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Cheung solidified his prominence in TVB productions, frequently portraying upright or romantic leads in popular series such as Man Chor in the family drama Return of the Cuckoo (2000) and the charismatic pilot Captain Jayden Koo in Triumph in the Skies II (2013).[2][10] Over his TVB tenure, he earned five nominations for Best Actor at the TVB Anniversary Awards without securing a win, though he did receive several audience-voted popularity awards for his memorable characters.[2] In the 2010s, Cheung shifted toward mainland China collaborations alongside his TVB commitments, taking on roles in co-productions and adapting to diverse genres like modern family dramas and action series.[2] His recent television work includes the anti-corruption thriller Shadow of Justice (2018), where he played Police Inspector Ling Fung; the action miniseries The Impossible 3 (2020) as Su Rui; and the family saga Modern Dynasty (2022) as Ma Jin Hung, highlighting his ongoing appeal in law enforcement and familial conflict narratives.[11][12][12] Cheung has become somewhat typecast in law enforcement roles across these later projects, often depicting principled officers combating crime, while continuing partnerships with TVB and streaming platforms like iQiyi for broader distribution. As of 2025, he appeared in the variety show Call Me By Fire and began filming the TVB drama The Radiant City, slated for December release.[2][13][14]Film career
Julian Cheung began his film career in the early 1990s with minor supporting roles, debuting in the wuxia film Legend of the Liquid Sword (1993) as Prince Yun.[15] His early work included action-oriented parts such as Liu Siu Kai in A Warrior's Tragedy (1993) and Alex Wong in the romantic drama Tragic Commitment (1995), often portraying characters in high-stakes conflicts or emotional entanglements.[16][17] These initial appearances established him in Hong Kong cinema, though his visibility grew more from television success, which later opened doors to larger film opportunities. His first notable lead role came in 2000 with And I Hate You So, where he played Yuen Cheng-hau in a quirky romantic comedy about lost love and second chances, earning praise for his charismatic portrayal of a gentle ex-boyfriend.[18][19] Cheung's international breakthrough arrived in 2013 with Wong Kar-wai's martial arts epic The Grandmaster, a mainland-Hong Kong co-production where he portrayed the singer Yi Ge, a Foshan performer who engages in a memorable fight sequence against Ip Man (Tony Leung), showcasing his agile martial arts skills amid the film's stylized action choreography.[20] The film's global acclaim, including multiple awards at the Hong Kong Film Awards, highlighted Cheung's contribution to its blend of drama and combat, marking a shift toward higher-profile mainland collaborations post-2010 that balanced commercial appeal with critical recognition for dynamic fight scenes.[21] Following this, he expanded into romantic and dramatic genres, notably as the terminally ill taxi driver David in the supernatural thriller Always Be With You (2017), a role that delved into themes of guilt and redemption, demonstrating his range beyond action.[22][2] In the mid-2010s, Cheung rose prominently in the action-thriller genre through the ICAC Investigators film series, portraying Chief Inspector Lau Po-keung across S Storm (2016), L Storm (2018), P Storm (2019), and G Storm (2021), where he investigated corruption and money laundering cases alongside Louis Koo's character.[23][24] These films, inspired by real anti-corruption efforts, solidified his image as a stern, principled law enforcer, leading to typecasting as a policeman but also delivering taut action sequences that contributed to the series' commercial success in Hong Kong and mainland markets.[2] His recent high-profile roles include the haunted detective Luo Fei in the crime thriller Death Notice (2023), a mainland co-production adapting a popular novel, where he navigated psychological tension and rooftop chases.[25][26] In 2024, he took on Lee King-wai, an ex-partner in the legal thriller The Prosecutor, a film inspired by a true Hong Kong drug trafficking miscarriage of justice, blending courtroom drama with intense fight choreography.[27] This evolution reflects Cheung's transition to leading parts in cross-border productions, emphasizing action prowess while occasionally venturing into dramatic depths for broader acclaim.Personal life
Julian Cheung met Anita Yuen in 1991 while filming the movie A Warrior's Tragedy, where Yuen, who had recently won Miss Hong Kong in 1990, was immediately attracted to him and took the initiative to pursue the relationship.[28] The couple publicly announced their dating relationship in 1994 after working together on Cheung's music video.[29] They kept their romance relatively private initially but married secretly on February 8, 2001, in San Francisco, California, without a formal ceremony at the time.[30] The couple welcomed their only child, son Morton Cheung, on November 12, 2006.[31] Due to their demanding careers spanning Hong Kong and mainland China, Cheung and Yuen frequently travel between the two regions and purchased a second home in China to accommodate their work schedules while maintaining their primary residence in Hong Kong.[32] In recent years, Cheung and Yuen have shared insights into their family dynamics, highlighting Yuen's stricter parenting approach compared to Cheung's more lenient style. During a 2025 interview, Cheung humorously noted that he feels personally "scolded too" when Yuen disciplines their now 18-year-old son Morton, often aligning with Morton as allies during such moments.[33] Yuen has acknowledged past challenges in her relationship with Morton, including a period of rocky interactions, but emphasized their improved bond, with Cheung serving as a bridge amid generational differences.[34] Cheung manages all family finances, a role Yuen has publicly endorsed in 2024 interviews, stating she prefers to "sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labour" while retaining some financial independence; she views Cheung as the "head of the family" in this regard, despite his occasional complaints about the responsibility.[35] The family maintains a low-key lifestyle, prioritizing stability amid their celebrity status. In March 2025, Cheung underwent treatment in Shanghai for a swollen gallbladder. Their enduring partnership reached its 24th anniversary in February 2025, celebrated quietly at home, where Yuen posted a casual photo of the couple, praising the warmth of family over extravagant outings.[36] This long-lasting marriage has been held up as a model within Hong Kong's entertainment industry.[37]Discography
Studio albums
Julian Cheung's debut solo studio album, Make Me Happy (逗我開心吧), was released in October 1992 by Creative Family Records. This upbeat collection marked his transition from duo performances to solo work, featuring lively tracks that showcased his youthful energy and vocal versatility. His second studio album, Miss You Much (如此這般想你), arrived in September 1993, also under Creative Family Records. Centered on romantic ballads, it highlighted Cheung's emotive delivery and contributed to his rising popularity in the Cantopop scene during the early 1990s. The self-titled CHILAM, released in October 1994 by Sony Music, represented a maturation in Cheung's sound with a mix of introspective and hit-driven songs, including the notable track "Love at Creation Times" (愛在創意的日子), which blended new material with reflective themes. Joking Love (愛情開了我們一個玩笑), issued in 1995 by Sony Music Entertainment, sustained Cheung's momentum from the mid-1990s with a focus on melodic, flowing compositions that emphasized emotional depth and melodic hooks.[38] Later studio releases included Ten Fingers Interlocked (十指緊扣) in November 2000 by EEG Records, a poignant return to form with themes of commitment and nostalgia; I Am Chilam in February 2010, self-released as an independent effort reflecting personal growth;[39] and Crazy Hours in July 2014, independently produced to coincide with his live performances, capturing a more experimental and energetic vibe. In August 2025, he released the single Wild Grass (Theme Song of Survive & Shine 2025). These sporadic comebacks underscored Cheung's enduring presence in music despite his primary focus on acting.[40]| Album Title | Chinese Title | Release Date | Label | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Make Me Happy | 逗我開心吧 | October 1992 | Creative Family | Debut solo; upbeat tracks establishing solo career. |
| Miss You Much | 如此這般想你 | September 1993 | Creative Family | Romantic ballads; early commercial breakthrough. |
| CHILAM | CHILAM | October 1994 | Sony Music | Self-titled; includes hit "Love at Creation Times." |
| Joking Love | 愛情開了我們一個玩笑 | 1995 | Sony Music Entertainment | Mid-1990s continuation; emotional, melodic focus. |
| Ten Fingers Interlocked | 十指緊扣 | November 2000 | EEG Records | Themes of love and reflection; post-hiatus release. |
| I Am Chilam | I Am Chilam | February 2010 | Self-released | Independent; personal and introspective songs. |
| Crazy Hours | Crazy Hours | July 2014 | Independent | Energetic tracks tied to live shows; modern comeback. |
| Wild Grass | Wild Grass (Theme Song of Survive & Shine 2025) | August 2025 | Independent | Recent single release. |
Compilation albums
Julian Cheung's compilation albums primarily aggregate his earlier hits, duets, and thematic selections, often released by labels like Capital Artists and Sony Music to capitalize on his rising popularity in the 1990s and later retrospectives. These releases include collaborative works and best-of collections that highlight key tracks from his career without introducing new original material.[41] His debut release, Modern Love Story (現代愛情故事), was a duet album with singer Maple Hui issued in 1991 by Capital Artists, featuring award-winning tracks such as the title song that swept multiple music awards and marked Cheung's breakthrough in Cantopop.[41] In 1996, Sony Music released Men At Their Best Super Selection (天地男兒超級精選), a best-of compilation tied to the popular TV series Men At Their Best (天地男兒), including standout tracks like "How Can It Be Like This" (怎會如此) and "Fate Symphony" (命運交響曲) from his mid-1990s output.[42] Later compilations shifted toward thematic and reflective collections; Chilam What Is Love 2011, released in 2010 by Neway Star, compiles eight love-themed songs spanning his discography, emphasizing romantic hits like "How Can It Be So" (怎會如此). In 2013, Cheung issued the single Ages Like Song (歲月如歌) as a cover release, reinterpreting Eason Chan's theme from Triumph in the Skies II to evoke career-spanning nostalgia.[43] Finally, Déjà Vu (2014) by Star Entertainment is a retrospective cover album featuring nine tracks, including reinterpretations of classics like "How Are You" (你好嗎) and "Years Like a Song" (歲月如歌), drawing from his hits across decades.[44]Filmography
Television series
Julian Cheung debuted in television with a supporting role in the 1992 TVB series The Peak of Passion. His breakthrough came in 1994 with the lead role of Guo Jing in TVB's The Legend of the Condor Heroes, a highly popular wuxia adaptation that solidified his status as a leading actor.[45] From 1995 to 1997, Cheung portrayed various legal professionals in the File of Justice anthology series on TVB, showcasing his versatility in procedural dramas. In 2001, he played the historical figure Zhao Yun in TVB's mythological drama Gods of Honour. Cheung returned to TVB in 2007 for the family sitcom Life Made Simple, taking on the role of Lo Kam-Wah. The following year, 2008, he appeared as Gary in the award-winning family drama Moonlight Resonance on TVB. During the 2010s, Cheung expanded into mainland Chinese co-productions, including the 2013 series Long Men Yi Zhan.[46] He resumed prominent TVB roles in 2018 with Shadow of Justice, portraying Cheng Jingtang.[11] In 2020, Cheung starred as Su Rui / Mr. Key in TVB's action miniseries The Impossible 3. His role in the 2022 family saga Modern Dynasty on iQiyi was followed by a supporting role as Yan Kuang Tu in the 2025 wuxia series The Journey of Legend on iQIYI.[12][47]| Year | Title | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | The Peak of Passion | Supporting role | TVB |
| 1994 | The Legend of the Condor Heroes | Guo Jing (lead) | TVB |
| 1995–1997 | File of Justice (series) | Various legal roles | TVB |
| 2001 | Gods of Honour | Zhao Yun | TVB |
| 2007 | Life Made Simple | Lo Kam-Wah | TVB |
| 2008 | Moonlight Resonance | Gary | TVB |
| 2013 | Long Men Yi Zhan | Lead role | Mainland co-production |
| 2018 | Shadow of Justice | Cheng Jingtang | TVB |
| 2020 | The Impossible 3 | Su Rui / Mr. Key | TVB |
| 2022 | Modern Dynasty | Lead role | iQiyi |
| 2025 | The Journey of Legend | Yan Kuang Tu (supporting) | iQIYI |
Films
Julian Cheung began his film career in the late 1990s and has since appeared in a range of genres, including romantic comedies, martial arts dramas, and action thrillers, often portraying law enforcement officers or complex antagonists.[3] His notable film roles include:- 2000: And I Hate You So, as Yuen Cheng-Hau, directed by Chung-Man Yee.[48]
- 2008: Miao Miao, theme song performance (as Puffy), directed by Cheng Yu-chieh.[49]
- 2013: The Grandmaster, as Primo (Ip Man's rival in a key sequence), directed by Wong Kar-wai.[50]
- 2015: Triumph in the Skies, as Captain Jayden Koo (also known as Captain Cool or Koo Chai), directed by Wilson Yip and Matt Chow.[51]
- 2016: S Storm, as Chief Inspector Lau Po-keung, directed by David Lam.[52]
- 2018: L Storm, as Chief Inspector Lau Po-keung, directed by David Lam.[53]; Final Score, as Agent Cho (Victor in some credits), directed by Scott Mann.
- 2019: P Storm, as Chief Inspector Lau Po-keung, directed by David Lam.[54]
- 2021: G Storm, as Chief Inspector Lau Po-keung, directed by David Lam.[55]
- 2023: Death Notice, as Luo Fei, directed by Herman Yau.[56]
- 2024: The Prosecutor, as Lee King-wai (Au Pak-man), directed by Donnie Yen.[57]
Variety and reality shows
Julian Cheung has occasionally ventured into variety and reality television, drawing on his established fame as an actor and singer to take part in light-hearted, interactive formats that emphasize celebrity challenges, performances, and personal anecdotes rather than scripted narratives. These roles have allowed him to connect with audiences in mainland China and Hong Kong through promotional and entertainment-focused segments. In the mid-2010s, Cheung participated in couple-based reality programming alongside his wife, Anita Yuen. The pair starred in seasons 1 and 2 of All the Way with You (一路上有你), a Zhejiang Television show that aired in 2015 and 2016, where celebrity couples navigated travel challenges, cultural experiences, and mock weddings to test their relationships.[58][59] During one segment, Cheung proposed to Yuen in a staged ceremony, highlighting their long-term partnership in a playful manner.[60] Cheung also made guest appearances on prominent variety programs, including Hunan Television's long-running Happy Camp (快乐大本营). He featured in a 2016 episode where he participated in games and shared family stories, betting one of Yuen's designer bags as a wager, and returned for the 2017 Hong Kong special edition, engaging in comedic skits and musical performances with other stars.[61][62] That same year, he served as a mentor on Grade One: Graduation (一年級畢業季), a Hunan TV reality-variety series that followed young performers training for a final showcase, providing guidance on stage presence and artistry.[63] Expanding into mainland China's competitive reality scene in the 2020s, Cheung joined Call Me by Fire (披荆斩棘的哥哥) in 2021 as a contestant on Mango TV, a singing competition for veteran male celebrities over 30. He performed classic tracks and formed the boy band GBA with Jordan Chan and others, reaching the top 17 and reviving interest in his Cantopop roots through nostalgic group dances and vocals.[64][65] This led to a spinoff, Braving Life (我们的滚烫人生), in 2022, where he was a regular cast member trying blue-collar jobs like legal aid work and raid simulations, often injecting humor by joking about Yuen's spending habits.[66] Cheung has continued with guest spots on game-oriented shows, including multiple appearances on Zhejiang TV's Ace vs Ace (王牌对王牌) from 2018 to 2020, where he competed in themed challenges emphasizing teamwork and quick wit without prioritizing wins.[67] These non-scripted outings underscore his affable persona in promotional contexts, such as tying into his Triumph in the Skies role through aviation-themed segments in 2015 specials.[68] In 2025, he guest-starred in Episode 4 of HaHaHaHaHa Season 5 on Mango TV, a travel and comedy variety show.[69]Awards and nominations
Music awards
Julian Cheung's music accolades primarily stem from his early Cantopop career in the 1990s, where he achieved breakthrough success with debut releases, followed by sporadic recognition in later years tied to television themes and duets. His 1991 duet album Modern Love Story with Maple Hui, particularly the title track, garnered widespread acclaim and swept multiple honors, establishing him as a rising star in Hong Kong's music scene.[3] This track secured a Top 10 Song of the Year win at the 1991 Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards, highlighting its popularity and commercial impact.[46] The song's success also earned it recognition at major awards ceremonies, contributing to Cheung's early reputation for emotive ballads and duets.[70] In 1992, Cheung received the Favorite New Singer award at the Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards for his solo debut Make Me Happy, marking his transition to a leading male vocalist.[71] This accolade, presented by TVB, underscored his rapid ascent as a newcomer. He was also honored with the Best New Male Singer Award from Hit Radio in 1993.[46] As Cheung shifted emphasis to acting post-2000, his music awards became less frequent but notable for crossover appeal from dramas. Tracks from his albums and TV themes earned Top 10 Song placements at the RTHK Top 10 Gold Songs Awards in 2011 and 2013.[71] In 2009, he won Favorite Duet Song at the Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards and Best Duet Song at the Music Pioneer Chart Awards for a collaboration with Myolie Wu.[71] He also received Favorite Adapted Song at the 2000 Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards and Best Song at the 2010 China Original Music Chart Awards.[71] His 2014 album Crazy Hours led to wins at the CMA Chinese Music Awards, including Best Film and TV Singer and Best Love Singer, acknowledging his enduring vocal style despite a primary acting career.[71] Overall, Cheung's honors total over a dozen in music categories, with no major wins after 2014 as he prioritized film and television.| Year | Award/Ceremony | Category | Work/Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards | Top 10 Song of the Year | "Modern Love Story" (duet with Maple Hui)[46] |
| 1992 | Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards | Favorite New Singer | Make Me Happy album[71] |
| 1993 | Hit Radio Awards | Best New Male Singer | General for 1993 releases[46] |
| 2000 | Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards | Favorite Adapted Song | Unspecified[71] |
| 2009 | Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards | Favorite Duet Song | Duet with Myolie Wu[71] |
| 2009 | Music Pioneer Chart Awards | Best Duet Song | Duet with Myolie Wu[71] |
| 2010 | China Original Music Chart | Best Song | Unspecified[71] |
| 2011 | Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards | Top 10 Songs | Unspecified[71] |
| 2011 | RTHK Top 10 Gold Songs Awards | Top 10 Song | Unspecified track[71] |
| 2013 | RTHK Top 10 Gold Songs Awards | Top 10 Song | Unspecified track[71] |
| 2014 | CMA Chinese Music Awards | Best Film and TV Singer | Crazy Hours album[71] |
| 2014 | CMA Chinese Music Awards | Best Love Singer | Crazy Hours album[71] |