Louis Yuen
Louis Yuen Siu-cheung (Chinese: 阮兆祥; born 23 May 1967) is a Hong Kong actor, singer, and television host renowned for his extensive career in entertainment, particularly his over three-decade association with Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB).[1][2] Yuen entered the industry in 1984 after participating as a finalist in the TVB New Talent Singing Awards, debuting as a recording artist before transitioning to television as a host on TVB programs.[2] He briefly left the station in 1997 but returned to build a prominent profile as both an on-screen performer and comedian, co-hosting the popular variety series Super Trio alongside Eric Tsang and others, which ran for multiple seasons and showcased his comedic talents.[2] His acting credits include memorable supporting roles in acclaimed TVB dramas such as Heart of Greed (2007), Virtues of Harmony (2001–2003), and Brother's Keeper (2013), where he often portrayed humorous or relatable characters that contributed to the shows' success.[2] In film, he appeared in over 20 productions, including early roles in The Heroic Trio (1993) and later comedies like 12 Golden Ducks (2015).[1] Yuen received recognition for his hosting prowess, winning the "Best Presenter" award at the 2009 TVB Anniversary Awards.[2] He departed TVB in 2019 upon the expiration of his contract, citing a desire to pursue music and new opportunities, including signing with comedian Wong Cho-lam's production company and releasing the album Da Meng Xiang Jia that year.[2][3][4] Following his departure, he focused on the mainland China market with stage performances, concerts, and commercial appearances, while continuing select Hong Kong projects such as hosting Super Trio specials in 2024 and 2025, and a 30th anniversary concert scheduled for July 2025.[5][6][7]Early life
Birth and upbringing
Louis Yuen was born on May 23, 1967, in British Hong Kong, during a period when the territory was a bustling British colony experiencing rapid industrialization and population growth.[6] As one of six children, he grew up in a modest working-class household, where his parents held ordinary office jobs to support the family amid Hong Kong's economic boom in the late 1960s and 1970s, a time marked by the shift from labor-intensive manufacturing to emerging service sectors under colonial governance.[8] This era of transformation brought prosperity to many, but Yuen's family faced financial strains, with his childhood marked by simple living conditions that led to him being teased by classmates for wearing shabby clothes.[8] Yuen's early family dynamics were shaped by his parents' contrasting personalities and sacrifices. His father was a traditional and reticent man who never verbally expressing praise or affection toward his son. In contrast, his mother instilled values of humility and perseverance, teaching him from a young age to stay grounded, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and focus on personal peace of mind.[8] This maternal guidance became especially pivotal after his father's sudden death from illness in 1984, when Yuen was just 17, leaving him as the sole male figure responsible for supporting his mother in their close-knit, interdependent relationship.[9] During his upbringing, Yuen developed an early interest in entertainment, influenced by the vibrant local media landscape of Hong Kong, including popular Cantonese films and the emerging television scene from broadcasters like TVB, which captivated young audiences in the 1970s. These exposures, combined with the colony's dynamic cultural environment, laid the groundwork for his later pursuits, though his immediate focus remained on family responsibilities before transitioning to formal education.Education
Louis Yuen attended High Bishop's College, completing his primary education through the kindergarten department and secondary studies up to Form 5 in the late 1970s and early 1980s.[10] The institution, known for its Anglican foundation and emphasis on English-medium instruction, provided a structured academic environment amid Hong Kong's expanding compulsory nine-year education system introduced in 1978. Following this, Yuen enrolled at New Law College for Form 7 pre-university studies, where the curriculum centered on general subjects to prepare students for university entrance exams under the British-influenced Hong Kong Certificate of Education Advanced Level system.[10] Established as an English tutorial college in the mid-20th century, the school catered to secondary students seeking intensive preparation in core disciplines like English, mathematics, and sciences, reflecting the era's focus on competitive academic streaming. Throughout his schooling, Yuen engaged in extracurricular performing arts, particularly singing, participating in multiple inter-school competitions and earning the moniker "school Danny Chan" for his vocal style reminiscent of the popular Cantopop singer.[11] These activities, pursued alongside rigorous academics in Hong Kong's exam-driven system, fostered his early passion for entertainment and built foundational performance skills before his professional debut. The educational landscape of 1970s–1980s Hong Kong presented challenges such as intense competition for limited secondary places and the pressure of public exams, which Yuen navigated while balancing his studies. This period honed his resilience, as only about 20–30% of students advanced to matriculation, shaping his determination in the arts.Career
Early career (1980s–1990s)
Louis Yuen entered the Hong Kong entertainment industry in 1984 as a finalist in the 3rd TVB New Talent Singing Contest, a competition that served as a key launchpad for aspiring Cantopop artists during the genre's explosive growth in the 1980s.[12][2] This exposure led to his official debut as a singer, with his first album, 阮兆祥, released in 1988 by Rock-In Records, featuring tracks such as "In Your Eyes" and "另一半" that reflected the melodic pop style prevalent in Hong Kong at the time.[13] He followed this with a second album, 我心深處, in 1989, which included the title track that gained moderate attention through collaborations and covers by other artists.[14] These early releases marked his initial foray into music, though commercial success as a solo singer proved elusive amid fierce competition from established Cantopop stars. Following his singing debut, Yuen joined TVB shortly thereafter as a host, leveraging his contest visibility to secure roles on variety and singing programs in the late 1980s and early 1990s.[2] These appearances allowed him to build on-stage presence and audience familiarity within TVB's dominant broadcasting ecosystem, which controlled much of Hong Kong's entertainment output during this era. His hosting duties often involved light-hearted segments that honed his comedic timing, setting the stage for broader media involvement. Yuen's transition to acting began in the early 1990s with minor film roles, including a cameo as a realtor in The Heroic Trio (1993), a critically acclaimed action film directed by Johnnie To that showcased Hong Kong's innovative superhero genre.[15] He also took on early TV cameos in TVB productions around this period, gradually shifting from music and hosting. This move was not straightforward; in the cutthroat 1980s Hong Kong scene, where Cantopop dominated and TVB prioritized versatile talents, singers like Yuen faced challenges in breaking typecasting and adapting to acting's demands, often resulting in an "accidental" pivot to comedy as a survival strategy.[16] Despite these hurdles, his multifaceted approach laid the groundwork for a sustained career in entertainment.Rise to prominence (2000s–2010s)
During the early 2000s, Louis Yuen rose to prominence at TVB through his comedic portrayals in the long-running sitcom Virtues of Harmony (2001–2002), where he played Yau Nim-fu, the opportunistic younger brother of the lead character who often schemed to boost the family noodle business. This role showcased his timing and humor in a historical setting, helping the series become one of TVB's most enduring family-oriented comedies with over 300 episodes. He reprised a similar comedic archetype in the sequel Virtues of Harmony II (2003), portraying Lau Kam, a bumbling yet endearing figure that further established him as a staple in TVB's sitcom landscape.[6] Yuen's breakthrough in dramatic roles came in 2007 with his supporting performance as Ling Po in the family saga Heart of Greed, a villainous yet complex character entangled in themes of greed and redemption that drove the series' high ratings. His nuanced depiction earned him the TVB Anniversary Award for Best Supporting Actor, marking a pivotal recognition of his versatility beyond comedy.[17] Building on this success, Yuen took on prominent family drama roles, including Yuen Yan Chi in Moonlight Resonance (2008), a lazy but affable relative in a multi-generational household navigating inheritance disputes, which contributed to the show's status as one of TVB's top-rated productions. In 2010, he led as Kam Doh Fook in Can't Buy Me Love, embodying a loyal family patriarch in a modern princess-incognito storyline that highlighted his ability to anchor ensemble casts. Parallel to his acting, Yuen expanded into variety hosting during this period, co-hosting season 8 of Super Trio Supreme (2008–2009) alongside Eric Tsang, Chin Ka-lok, and Wong Cho-lam, where his quick wit and improvisational skills amplified the game'show's chaotic appeal. He also hosted Brain Wall (2009), a puzzle-based variety program that tested contestants' intellects, and later Fun with Liza and Gods (2010), blending comedy sketches with Liza Wang. For his work on Super Trio Supreme, Yuen won the TVB Anniversary Award for Best Presenter in 2009, underscoring his growing influence in non-scripted formats.[18] These endeavors, combined with his dramatic contributions, cemented Yuen's impact on TVB's diverse programming in the 2000s, bridging sitcoms, high-stakes dramas, and entertainment shows to broaden the network's audience appeal.[2]Later career (2010s–present)
In the 2010s, Louis Yuen continued his longstanding association with TVB, taking on supporting roles in popular dramas and variety programming. He portrayed Lung Fei in the sequel series Brother's Keeper II, which aired in 2016 and explored themes of family and redemption following the events of the original 2013 production. Additionally, Yuen served as a guest host for episodes 16 and 17 of The Voice Season 2 in 2010, contributing to the show's makeover format that emphasized vocal talent competitions. These engagements highlighted his versatility in both acting and hosting amid TVB's evolving slate of content. Yuen's tenure with TVB concluded in March 2019 after 35 years, when he chose not to renew his contract to pursue new professional opportunities and challenges beyond the network's structure. This departure marked a pivotal shift, allowing him to transition into freelance work in Hong Kong's dynamic entertainment landscape, where independent productions and live events have gained prominence due to streaming platforms and regional tourism recovery. During this period, he made cameo appearances in films, including the role of Miu Ding-ding in the 2015 comedy 12 Golden Ducks, directed by Matt Chow, and a guest role as Actor Charlie in the 2016 ensemble film House of Wolves. Post-TVB, Yuen embraced stand-up comedy and live performances, debuting his solo show INSIDE OLD at Galaxy Macau's G Box on October 11 and 12, 2024, where he delivered humorous reflections on aging and career longevity to sold-out audiences.[19] In 2025, he reunited with former collaborators Wong Cho-lam and Johnson Lee for the Fuk Luk Sau concert tour, a comedic variety spectacle that toured venues including Genting Highlands in Malaysia and U.S. cities like Reno and Las Vegas, blending sketches, music, and improvisation to celebrate their longstanding trio dynamic.[20] Yuen also co-hosted the Super Trio: New Year Special 2025 on myTV SUPER, reviving the iconic variety format with games and celebrity guests to ring in the Lunar New Year.[21] This freelance pivot has enabled Yuen to thrive in Hong Kong's post-pandemic industry, leveraging his comedic timing for diverse platforms while navigating reduced broadcast commitments.Personal life
Family
Louis Yuen's family life has been marked by a close bond with his mother following the early death of his father. His father passed away from an illness when Louis was 17 years old, leaving a significant impact on the family structure as Louis and his mother became the primary household after that point.[22] This event deepened their reliance on each other, with Louis later expressing regret over discouraging his mother from pursuing a new romantic relationship in his youth, acknowledging it as a selfish response that prioritized his own comfort.[22] His mother has been a profound influence on Louis's life and career, instilling optimism that shaped his resilient personality amid the entertainment industry's challenges. She serves as his most devoted supporter, regularly watching his TVB dramas, laughing at his comedic performances, and even pinning clippings of his interviews above her bed as a sign of pride.[22] This unwavering encouragement has sustained him over decades in the industry, providing emotional stability during his professional ups and downs. Louis has an elder sister, who in public interviews he has noted is married and has children, a fact that has eased any familial pressure on him regarding starting his own family.[23] While details on their adult sibling dynamics are limited, his mother's lack of urgency about his personal life stems partly from the sister's established family, allowing Louis to focus on his career without additional expectations. No other siblings or extended family members have been prominently discussed in his interviews.Relationships and views
In a 2022 appearance on the Hong Kong talk show Mama's Day, Louis Yuen expressed deep regret for discouraging his mother from pursuing a new romantic relationship after his father's death when Yuen was 17 years old. He revealed that his mother had sacrificed the opportunity to avoid causing him distress, later reflecting on his youthful selfishness by stating, “My mum did not want to see me unhappy, so she chose to give up on a new relationship. After growing up, I realised just how selfish I was back then! I should have encouraged her [to pursue the new relationship] instead.”[9] Yuen has consistently emphasized family priorities in his views on relationships, underscoring the profound bond with his mother—who remains his biggest supporter and fan—and his active role in organizing a social group for widowed mothers to foster companionship and emotional support. This outlook illustrates his belief that supporting loved ones' happiness and well-being supersedes personal romantic pursuits.[9] In media interviews, Yuen has articulated philosophies on love and commitment centered on sincerity and optimism, qualities he attributes to his mother's influence and applies to nurturing familial ties over individual romance. As of 2023, he has been in a stable long-term relationship with his girlfriend for over 20 years but has agreed not to marry or have children, prioritizing other aspects of life; as of 2025, he remains unmarried and has no children.[23][24][25]Filmography
Television
Louis Yuen began his television career in the early 1990s with supporting roles in TVB dramas, gradually transitioning to main roles and hosting duties in variety programs. His extensive work spans over three decades, featuring prominent appearances in sitcoms, family dramas, and variety shows.[6]Television Series
| Year | Title | Role | Episodes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | The Peak of Passion | Koo Siu Cheung / "John" | 20 | Support Role |
| 1993 | The Chord of Victory | Chan Siu Cheung | 20 | Support Role |
| 1995 | The Trail of Love | Chai Mong Yeung | 20 | Support Role |
| 1995 | A Good Match from Heaven | - | 20 | Main Role |
| 1997 | Show Time Blues | - | 20 | Support Role |
| 1998 | As Sure As Fate | Moyung Tak | 20 | Support Role |
| 1998 | A Place of One's Own | - | 20 | Support Role |
| 1998 | Web of Love | Leung Wai Bo | 20 | Support Role |
| 1998 | Till When Do Us Part | - | 20 | Support Role |
| 1999 | Life For Life | Cheung Wai Bong | 20 | Support Role |
| 2000 | Street Fighters | Oh Naam ["Five Little Blessings"] | 22 | Support Role |
| 2001 | Colourful Life | Ching Chi Bok | 20 | Support Role |
| 2001 | Screen Play | Wong King | 25 | Support Role |
| 2001 | Virtues of Harmony | Yau Nim-fu | 327 | Main Role |
| 2003 | Virtues of Harmony Season 2 | Lau Kam | 443 | Main Role |
| 2005 | Women on the Run | Dong Fai | 25 | Main Role |
| 2007 | Heart of Greed | Ling Po | 40 | Support Role |
| 2007 | ICAC Investigators 2007 | - | 1 | Support Role |
| 2008 | Moonlight Resonance | Yuen Yan Chi | 40 | Support Role |
| 2009 | A Chip Off the Old Block | Ngau Ching Wing | 21 | Support Role |
| 2010 | Suspects in Love | Leung Ging Ho | 20 | Support Role |
| 2010 | Can't Buy Me Love | Kam Doh Fook | 32 | Main Role |
| 2011 | The Other Truth | - | 25 | Main Role |
| 2011 | Super Snoops | Hung Duk Nam / Lam King Fa (Ep. 7-10) | 20 | Main Role |
| 2012 | Queens of Diamonds and Hearts | Ngan Ying | 25 | Support Role |
| 2012 | No Good Either Way | - | 21 | Main Role |
| 2012 | Friendly Fire | Koo Tin Lok | 26 | Support Role |
| 2013 | Brother's Keeper | Lung Fei | 32 | Support Role |
| 2013 | Bounty Lady | Tung Ting Kiu | 20 | Main Role |
| 2016 | Come With Me | Kam Cheung | 20 | Main Role |
| 2016 | Inspector Gourmet | Mak Sai | 20 | Main Role |
| 2016 | Brother's Keeper II | Lung Fei | 39 | Support Role |
| 2017 | Destination Nowhere | Lau Chau | 28 | Support Role |
| 2017 | Heart and Greed | - | 40 | Support Role |
| 2018 | The Forgotten Valley | Ng Seung Sun | 20 | Support Role |
| 2020 | Guitar Brothers | Liang Jia Fu | 43 | Main Role |
Variety Shows and Hosting Credits
Yuen has also been a key host in TVB's long-running variety series, particularly the Super Trio franchise, where he progressed from guest to main host.[6]| Year | Title | Role | Episodes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Super Trio Series 2: Movie Buff Championship 2 | Guest Host (Ep. 6) | 23 | - |
| 1998 | Super Trio Series 3: The Super Trio Show | Guest Host (Ep. 11, 18) | 26 | - |
| 1999 | Super Trio Series 4: The Super Trio Mega Show | Guest Host (Ep. 6) | 26 | - |
| 2000 | Super Trio Series 5: The Super Trio Show 2 | Guest Host (Ep. 9) | 17 | - |
| 2002 | Super Trio Series 6: A Trio Delights | Guest Host (Ep. 3, 7, 16) | 16 | - |
| 2004 | Super Trio Series 7: The Super Trio Continues | Guest Host (Ep. 5) | 38 | - |
| 2006 | Beautiful Cooking | Judge (Ep. 2, Guest) | 19 | - |
| 2008 | Super Trio Series 8: Super Trio Supreme | Main Host | 45 | Co-hosted with Eric Tsang, Chin Ka-lok, Wong Cho-lam |
| 2009 | Beautiful Cooking Season 2 | Judge (Ep. 10, Guest) | 28 | - |
| 2010 | Super Trio Series 9: Super Trio Game Master | Guest Host (Ep. 2) | 28 | - |
| 2010 | The Voice Season 2 | Host (Ep. 16-17, Guest) | 18 | - |
| 2010 | Fun with Liza and Gods | Main Host | - | Anniversary special |
| 2011 | All Star Glam Exam | Guest Host (Ep. 16-17) | 18 | - |
| 2013 | Super Trio Series 10: Super Trio Maximus | Main Host (Ep. 1-2, 5-6, 11-23, 26, 30-31) | 31 | - |
| 2016 | I Heart HK | Main Host (Ep. 1, 8-13, 15, 17-18) | 18 | - |
| 2021 | Top Sales Season 2 | Regular Member | 12 | - |
| 2021 | Dub of War | Main Host | 20 | - |
| 2021 | Have a Big Laugh | Main Host | 10 | - |
| 2022 | Dub of War Season 2 | Main Host | 13 | - |
| 2022 | Super Trio Series 11: Super Trio Returns | Main Host (Ep. 1-10, 12-19) | 19 | - |
| 2023 | Super Trio: Chinese New Year Special | Main Host | 1 | - |
| 2023 | Super Trio: Mother’s Day Special | Main Host | 1 | - |
| 2024 | Super Trio: TVB Anniversary Special | Main Host | 1 | - |
| 2024 | Super Trio: Halloween Special | Main Host | 1 | - |
| 2024 | Super Trio: Christmas Special | Main Host | 1 | - |
| 2024 | Infinity and Beyond Season 4 | Side Host, Regular Member | 14 | - |
| 2024 | Tristar Academy | Main Host | 12 | - |
| 2025 | Super Trio: New Year Special | Main Host | 1 | - |
Films
Louis Yuen has appeared in over 20 feature films since his debut in 1993, primarily in supporting or guest roles within Hong Kong cinema, often collaborating with fellow TVB alumni and directors like Matt Chow.[1]| Year | Title | Role | Status/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | The Heroic Trio | Realtor | Supporting role in action film directed by Johnny To and Ching Siu-tung.[15] |
| 1994 | The Romance of the Vampires | Cheung | Supporting role in Category III horror-comedy.[26] |
| 1994 | Easy Money | N/A | Guest appearance in crime comedy.[1] |
| 1996 | What a Wonderful World | Stupid reporter | Supporting role in romantic comedy.[1] |
| 1997 | Those Were the Days | Director Wong Shing | Supporting role in nostalgic ensemble comedy directed by Eric Tsang.[1] |
| 1997 | Love Cruise | Eken | Supporting role in erotic comedy.[1] |
| 1999 | The Truth About Jane and Sam | N/A | Guest role in romantic drama.[1] |
| 2000 | My Name Is Nobody | Cheung | Supporting role in action-comedy.[1] |
| 2000 | Play with Strangers | Romeo Leung | Supporting role in thriller.[1] |
| 2006 | Men Suddenly in Black 2 | Mr. Chan | Supporting role in sequel comedy, collaborating with Eric Tsang.[1] |
| 2009 | Short of Love | Andy | Supporting role in romantic anthology.[1] |
| 2011 | I Love Hong Kong | Bakery Twin | Supporting role in Lunar New Year comedy directed by Pang Ho-cheung.[1] |
| 2011 | The Fortune Buddies | Fook Yuen | Lead role; also performed as singer in this comedy about lottery winners.[1][27] |
| 2012 | I Love Hong Kong 2012 | Twin | Supporting role in sequel comedy.[1] |
| 2015 | 12 Golden Ducks | Miu Ding-Ding | Supporting role in Lunar New Year comedy directed by Matt Chow, starring Sandra Ng.[1][27] |
| 2015 | Lucky Star 2015 | Uncle Cheung | Supporting role in comedy remake.[1] |
| 2016 | House of Wolves | Actor Charlie | Supporting role in political satire directed by Stephen Fung.[1] |
| 2017 | Meow | Mister Lam | Supporting role in family comedy about a cat.[1] |
| 2018 | A Beautiful Moment | Lo Jok | Supporting role in romantic comedy.[1] |
| 2019 | Sherlock Holmes and the Great Escape | Gordon "Gorilla" Riller (voice) | Supporting voice role in animated adventure. |
| 2019 | I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change! | Game host / Priest | Supporting role in romantic comedy adaptation.[1] |
| 2020 | I Still Remember | Tin Sum's Father | Supporting role in drama about personal growth.[28] |
| 2021 | The Lucky Unfortunate | N/A | Supporting role in fantasy comedy about luck and gods. |
Dubbing
Louis Yuen has contributed to Cantonese dubbing for international animated and live-action films, showcasing his vocal range in comedic and character-driven roles within Hong Kong's localization efforts for global content.[29] His voice work began gaining notice in the 2010s, aligning with his established comedic timing from on-screen performances, and has included key supporting characters in Disney animations and Hollywood blockbusters adapted for local audiences.[30][31] Yuen's dubbing credits span animated features and superhero films, where he voiced distinctive characters that require expressive, humorous delivery. These roles highlight the role of Cantonese dubbing in making foreign media accessible and culturally resonant in Hong Kong, often involving collaboration with studios like TVB for broadcast versions.[32][33] The following table summarizes his known dubbing contributions from the 2010s onward:| Year | Title | Character Voiced | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | The Princess and the Frog (公主與青蛙) | Louis the Alligator (鱷魚阿盧) | Cantonese dub for Disney animated film; co-voiced with actors like Ella Chen and Leo Ku.[29] |
| 2022 | Spider-Man: No Way Home (蜘蛛俠：不戰無歸) | Wong (Sorcerer Supreme) (王／至尊魔法師) | Cantonese dub for TVB's Emerald Channel broadcast; part of a special production tied to the dubbing competition show he hosted.[31][33] |