Maria Cordero
Maria Cordero, professionally known as "Fat Mama" (肥媽), is a Macanese-born singer, actress, television host, and chef based in Hong Kong, celebrated for her versatile career spanning music, film, and culinary entertainment from the 1980s onward.[1] Born Mariam Maria Cordero Bibi on February 18, 1954, in Macau to a Portuguese father and Chinese mother, she was the eldest of eight children and grew up in a Macanese family of mixed heritage.[1][2] Her father died when she was nine, prompting the family to relocate to Hong Kong's Sai Ying Pun district at age ten.[1] Cordero left school at eleven and held various jobs, including hotel telephone operator, dockworker, salesperson, factory inspector, chef, and nightclub booking agent, before entering the entertainment industry.[1] Her singing career launched in 1986 at the Canton Disco, where she gained popularity with Cantopop hits, including theme songs for director Ringo Lam's 1987 films such as "Pursuit of Happiness" and "Full of Hope," as well as "Light of Friendship" from the prison drama Prison on Fire.[1] She debuted as an actress the same year in The Romancing Star and soon appeared in notable films like City on Fire (1987) and Pedicab Driver (1989), often portraying diverse characters from maids to complex maternal figures.[1] On television, she broke out in 1988 with a role as a Filipino maid in TVB's The Seasons and later hosted her own programs, including the interactive Fat Mama Phone Show in the late 1990s and the cooking series Fat Mama's Private Recipes on Cable TV from 2003 to 2009, which continued in various formats until 2015.[1] Cordero's contributions earned her significant recognition, including the Most Outstanding Asian Artiste award in 1995, presented by then-U.S. President Bill Clinton, the Hong Kong Medal of Honour in 2008, and the Bronze Bauhinia Star in 2014 for her service to the community and arts.[1] In her personal life, she married her first husband at age 18 in an abusive relationship that ended in divorce in 1989, leaving her with six children, four of whom were stepchildren; she later married Rick De Silva in 1999, who passed away from lung cancer in 2020.[1] More recently, Cordero has drawn attention for her pro-government political stance during the 2019 Hong Kong protests, where she hosted a "Safeguard Hong Kong" rally and renounced her Canadian citizenship, contrasting with her earlier support for the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests.[1]Early life
Birth and family background
Maria Cordero, born Mariam Maria Cordero Bibi, entered the world on 18 February 1954 at Hospital Conde S. Januário in Macau, then a Portuguese colony.[3][2] She was born into a Macanese family of mixed Portuguese-Chinese descent, reflecting the multicultural fabric of colonial Macau.[1] Her father was of Portuguese-Macanese heritage, while her mother was Chinese, instilling in the household a blend of European and Asian traditions that influenced Cordero's early cultural environment.[1] As the eldest of eight children, she grew up amid the close-knit dynamics of a large family, where familial responsibilities were shared from a young age. Around age 7, she received support from the Canossian Daughters of Charity.[1] Tragedy struck when her father died, at the time Cordero was 11 years old, profoundly impacting the family's stability and forcing early adaptations in their circumstances.[4] The Macanese-Portuguese roots of her upbringing exposed her to a rich tapestry of linguistic, culinary, and artistic elements, including an early familiarity with music through community and familial settings that blended Cantonese and Portuguese influences.[1] At age 10, her family relocated to Hong Kong, marking a significant shift in their living situation.[5]Childhood and early employment
At the age of ten, Maria Cordero's family relocated from Macau to Hong Kong, settling on Shelley Street amid economic hardships.[6] As the eldest daughter in a household of nine, she was responsible for preparing meals on a daily budget of just 30 cents, underscoring the immediate financial strains following the move.[7] Tragedy struck soon after when her father died at age 11, leaving the family in dire straits and forcing Cordero to drop out of primary school after only two months to contribute to the household.[4] With Hong Kong's legal working age set at 14, she resorted to borrowing identity cards from friends to secure employment under the minimum age requirement, beginning her pattern of self-reliance to support her mother and siblings.[8] Her first job was as a cinema usher, a menial role that highlighted the economic pressures she faced as a child laborer in the bustling city.[6] As a teenager, Cordero continued taking on various low-wage positions to alleviate family burdens, including working as a hotel telephone operator, which demanded long hours and further emphasized her early independence.[9] During this period at the hotel, she developed an initial interest in music by informally learning to play the bass guitar from residents, marking her first personal foray into the instrument amid her demanding work schedule.[8]Career
Musical beginnings and singing career
Maria Cordero's early musical training occurred while she worked as a telephone operator at a hotel in Macau, where she learned to play the bass guitar and was subsequently hired by the hotel's resident band to perform as a bassist.[8] Her transition to a singing career began in 1985, when she performed at a newly opened disco and her vocal abilities drew widespread attention, resulting in offers for recording contracts and stage appearances.[10] Her debut single, "Sai Hei" (嘥氣), produced by Teddy Robin, marked her breakthrough in the Cantopop genre and became one of her early signature hits.[10] In the late 1980s, Cordero released her self-titled debut album Maria Cordero in 1988, which included the track "Mama I Love You" (媽媽 I Love You), the theme song for the film The Truth: Final Episode.[11] Other notable hits from this period featured her powerful, emotive voice, such as "The Light of Friendship" (友誼之光) from the Prison on Fire soundtrack, "Pursuit of Happiness," and "Full of Hope," both theme songs for films directed by Ringo Lam.[1] She also recorded popular songs like "Save My Life" (救命), "You Can't Stop Me Loving You," and "Old People," which highlighted her versatility and stage charisma in Cantopop performances.[10] Cordero's singing career flourished through the 1990s and into the 2000s, with continued album releases and live shows that solidified her reputation as a beloved vocalist known for her robust delivery and engaging presence. She performed internationally, including a 1989 concert supporting pro-democracy protests in China and receiving the Most Outstanding Asian Artiste award in the United States in 1995, presented by President Bill Clinton. In 2018, she held charity concerts in British Columbia, Canada, for the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation, singing in Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien, and English to enthusiastic audiences.[1][12]Acting and film career
Maria Cordero's film debut occurred in 1986 with a cameo role as a woman in the toilet in Inspector Chocolate, followed by an early notable appearance as a lounge singer in Ringo Lam's action thriller City on Fire (1987).[13][2] In 1987, she contributed the theme songs to Ringo Lam's Prison on Fire, earning a nomination for Best Original Film Song at the 7th Hong Kong Film Awards, marking her entry into acclaimed supporting contributions within Hong Kong cinema.[14][15] Throughout her career, Cordero amassed over 50 film credits, appearing in diverse genres including action, comedy, and drama, often in supporting roles that highlighted her versatility.[13] Key examples include her portrayal of Tung's Aunt in the 1989 action-comedy Pedicab Driver, directed by Sammo Hung, and Jo Jo in the 2003 ensemble comedy Men Suddenly in Black.[13] Cordero garnered acclaim for her supporting performances, particularly in the 1980s, where her roles added depth to ensemble casts in high-profile productions.[16] Renowned for her sharp comedic timing and ability to embody eccentric or maternal figures, Cordero's acting style drew on her booming voice and hearty persona to deliver memorable, larger-than-life characterizations.[1] Her early filmography featured appearances in Category III productions, such as Ms. Choy in Women's Prison (1988) and a role in Jail House Eros (1989), before she evolved toward mainstream comedies and dramas in the 1990s and beyond, including '97 Aces Go Places (1997) as Godmother and Invisible Waves (2006).[13][17]Television hosting and other media work
Maria Cordero debuted in television hosting with the interactive program Fat Mama Phone Show on Hong Kong Cable Television in the late 1990s, where she engaged audiences through phone-ins and showcased her charismatic personality.[1] She gained prominence as a TV chef with Fat Mama’s Private Recipes (肥媽私房菜), a cooking show on Cable TV that aired from 2003 to 2009, featuring her Macanese-Portuguese influenced recipes and lively on-screen presence.[1] The series evolved into various iterations, including special episodes and extensions, running until around 2015 and emphasizing accessible home cooking blended with entertainment.[1] Beyond dedicated hosting, Cordero made frequent guest appearances on Hong Kong variety shows, leveraging her "Fat Mama" persona for comedic segments and lifestyle discussions.[12] In recent years, she has served as a judge on TVB's Midlife Sing & Shine! series, mentoring middle-aged contestants in singing competitions and highlighting her enduring appeal in broadcast media through its fourth season as of 2025.[18] She also performed at a live concert in Malaysia on January 21, 2025.[15] As a DJ, Cordero contributed to Hong Kong's radio scene, appearing as a guest on programs like RTHK's Music for Middle Age and incorporating music commentary into her multifaceted media roles.[19] Her diversification extended to reality TV formats, such as the 2023 variety-cooking hybrid When Grandpa Meets Maria on TVB, where she collaborated on food-related challenges.[20] In commercials and live events, Cordero endorsed lifestyle brands, often tying into her culinary expertise, while her recent online content includes casual cooking videos on social media platforms, maintaining audience engagement post-traditional TV.[1] This blend of hosting, variety work, and digital media solidified her as a versatile entertainer, bridging entertainment with everyday lifestyle segments in Hong Kong's evolving broadcast landscape.[12]Personal life
Marriages and relationships
Maria Cordero married her first husband, a Filipino pianist and bandmate who was 22 years her senior, at age 18 in 1972.[21][9] The marriage lasted until their divorce in 1989 and was marked by domestic violence, with Cordero enduring physical abuse from her husband, who lost his job a year into the union, forcing her to become the sole breadwinner through odd jobs while supporting the household.[21][9] This period significantly intersected with her early career, as she prioritized family support over professional pursuits, later reflecting that she felt like the "worst wife" for contributing to his inferiority complex after he stopped working altogether a few years into the marriage.[4] Following the divorce, Cordero's personal life saw renewed interest, with seven suitors from diverse backgrounds—ranging from a doctor to a triad member—courting her almost immediately, boosting her sense of "market value" after the abusive relationship.[22] She found lasting partnership a decade later, marrying Portuguese engineer Rick da Silva in 1999 at the age of 45, a union that provided emotional stability and support amid her ongoing entertainment career.[21][23] The couple, who resided in Hong Kong, renewed their vows with a make-up wedding banquet in 2013, and da Silva demonstrated unwavering love by including protective clauses in their prenuptial agreement to secure her financial future even in case of divorce.[24][23] Their 21-year marriage ended tragically on November 5, 2020, when da Silva succumbed to lung cancer after a three-year battle, a loss Cordero publicly mourned on social media, expressing profound grief over the end of their supportive companionship that had sustained her through professional highs and lows.[25][26]Family and children
Maria Cordero has six children from her first marriage: two biological sons and four stepchildren—two boys and two girls—from her ex-husband's previous marriage. She has often spoken about assuming the role of primary provider for this blended family of eight during challenging times, including periods of financial hardship and domestic difficulties, while raising them in Hong Kong.[27][23] Her eldest son, Alfonso Bibi Cordero, achieved notable success in sports as a member of the Hong Kong men's hockey team, which secured a bronze medal at the 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong. Cordero has publicly highlighted her pride in Alfonso's accomplishments and the close-knit support from all her children, crediting them for helping her navigate personal and professional obstacles, such as her 1989 divorce. Throughout her career in entertainment, she balanced demanding schedules by prioritizing family responsibilities, including cooking and providing emotional support, as evidenced by her ongoing mentions of family meals and shared milestones in interviews.[8][9] As of 2024, Cordero lives with her family in a three-storey mansion in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong's New Territories. She also owns properties in China and Malaysia. She maintains strong ties with her children, 17 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Following the death of her second husband, Rick da Silva, in November 2020, the family has remained united in their grief and daily life.[28][29][26][30]Public image and controversies
Political stances and involvement
Maria Cordero, previously known for maintaining an apolitical stance throughout much of her entertainment career, emerged as an outspoken supporter of the Hong Kong government and establishment during the 2019 anti-extradition protests.[1] This shift was evident in her participation in pro-government events, marking a departure from her earlier neutrality in political matters.[31] On July 20, 2019, Cordero spoke at the "Safeguard Hong Kong" rally in Tamar Park, Admiralty, addressing thousands of police supporters. She praised the Hong Kong police for protecting the city and criticized young protesters, claiming they had been misled by "irresponsible" pro-democratic lawmakers into disrupting order and vandalizing facilities.[32] She urged the youth to return home and called on the pro-establishment camp to vote out such lawmakers.[32] The following day, after the Yuen Long MTR station attack, Cordero declared neutrality amid escalating violence.[1] Cordero's rally speech gained unintended notoriety when protesters remixed it into a satirical anti-police anthem titled "Fat Mama Has Something to Say." Released on September 2, 2019, the track auto-tuned and edited her words to Sia's "Chandelier," flipping the lyrics to criticize police inaction during incidents like the Yuen Long attack and beatings at Prince Edward station, with lines such as "Bloody corrupt cops/Not responsible at all."[33] The video amassed over one million YouTube views within weeks and became a chant at protest rallies, highlighting the creative resistance of the democracy movement.[32] Pro-Beijing media, including the newspaper Wen Wei Po, condemned the remix for inciting hatred against the police.[32] In 2021, Cordero announced plans to renounce her Portuguese citizenship, which she held through her father, stating her pride in her Chinese roots: "I am half Portuguese, but if I want to choose, I must choose China."[34] This decision followed her earlier renunciation of Canadian citizenship several years prior, aimed at proving her patriotism and facilitating work in mainland China.[35] It came amid rumors of a Chinese government "restriction order" that would bar pro-establishment celebrities with foreign passports from entering or working on the mainland, reflecting broader pressures on Hong Kong entertainers aligned with Beijing.[35] Cordero expressed support for the Hong Kong National Security Law through her advocacy for artists to back the government, particularly to secure opportunities in China. In a 2021 Radio Free Asia interview, she urged fellow Hong Kong entertainers to align with official positions, emphasizing the need for such support in the post-NSL environment.[1] Her political expressions drew significant public backlash, dividing her fanbase. While some praised her as patriotic for defending the establishment and police, others viewed her as polarizing, especially given her earlier participation in a 1989 pro-democracy concert supporting the Tiananmen Square protesters.[1] The viral remix amplified criticism from pro-democracy supporters, who saw her stance as out of touch with youth grievances.[33]Recent activities and legacy
Following the death of her husband, Rick da Silva, from lung cancer in November 2020, Maria Cordero coped with the loss by immersing herself in her professional commitments, including live performances and media appearances. In a 2023 interview, she described finding a renewed sense of purpose after his passing, preferring solitude at home over pursuing new relationships while maintaining her career momentum. By 2025, she reflected on her decades-long Cantopop journey in media interviews, highlighting her evolution from a struggling Macau-born artist to a staple of Hong Kong's entertainment scene.[36][37] In recent years, Cordero has balanced health challenges with ongoing public engagements. She announced in September 2024 that she would undergo heart surgery to address a blockage, leading to a temporary professional hiatus, though she resumed activities by early 2025. In late April 2025, she was hospitalized on April 30 with severe COVID-19, experiencing high fever and frailty, amid online rumors of a critical condition which she denied; she recovered by early May, was discharged around May 6, and resumed activities, including attending the finale of the TVB show Midlife, Sing & Shine! 3 on May 11.[38][39][40][41] That January, amid regional concerns over kidnappings in Thailand, she recounted a frightening past incident from a nightclub performance in Indonesia alongside actor Simon Yam, where an audience member held them at gunpoint during Yam's stage act. Articles in 2025 have examined her polarizing public persona, particularly her political expressions since 2019, which have sparked debate while underscoring her enduring presence in Hong Kong media.[42][43][1] Cordero's legacy as the "Fat Mama" icon has profoundly shaped Hong Kong entertainment, where her booming voice, hearty humor, and unapologetic persona made her a beloved figure from the 1980s through the 2000s, influencing generations of performers in Cantopop, film, and television. The Hong Kong government recognized her community service with the Medal of Honour in 2008 and the Bronze Bauhinia Star in 2014, honoring her contributions to the arts and public welfare. Despite recent controversies, her lasting popularity stems from her resilience and earthy authenticity, positioning her as a symbol of the Macanese diaspora's mixed Portuguese-Chinese heritage in a city that celebrates diverse cultural narratives.[1][37][44][45][46]Works
Filmography
Maria Cordero has appeared in over 50 films as an actress, primarily in Hong Kong cinema, spanning from her debut in 1986 to 2018.[13]1980s
- 1986: Inspector Chocolate – Woman in toilet [cameo][13]
- 1987: City on Fire – Singer [cameo][13]
- 1987: The Romancing Star – Orange dance contestant[13]
- 1987: You OK, I'm OK! – Maria[13]
- 1987: The Good, the Bad & the Beauty – Yellow Rose [cameo][13]
- 1988: Bet on Fire – Mum Cat[13]
- 1988: Walk On Fire – [Role unspecified][13]
- 1988: Woman Prison – Ms Choy[13]
- 1988: King of Stanley Market – Silly Sing's girlfriend[13]
- 1989: Mr. Coconut – Ms. Ma[13]
- 1989: Aces Go Places V – Woman at window[13]
- 1989: Pedicab Driver – Tung's Aunt[13]
- 1989: Carry On Yakuza – Fong Fong[13]
- 1989: Vampire Vs Vampire – Mother Superior[13]
- 1989: Mr. Sunshine – He Xiao-Shan[13]
- 1989: Little Cop – Singer at funeral[13]
- 1989: Crocodile Hunter – Lin Chia Hsin's assistant[13]
- 1989: Big Man Little Affair – Dora's mother[13]
- 1989: Jail House Eros – Big Sister[13]
1990s
- 1990: Tiger on the Beat 2 – Maria[13]
- 1990: To Spy with Love!! – Playgirls drummer[13]
- 1991: The Banquet – [Role unspecified][13]
- 1992: Gangs '92 – Fat Mum[13]
- 1992: Second to None – Ms Chan[13]
- 1992: Hong Kong Adam's Family – [Role unspecified][13]
- 1993: Whores from the North – [Role unspecified][13]
- 1993: Fatal Love – Debbie's mother[13]
- 1993: The Enigma of Love – Kwai Fa-Pon[13]
- 1995: Our Neighbour Detective – Lau's policeman mother[13]
- 1996: Sexy and Dangerous – Fatty[13]
- 1996: Street Angels – [Cameo][13]
- 1996: Thanks for Your Love – [Cameo][13]
- 1996: Lost and Found – Jane's mother[13]
- 1997: 97 Aces Go Places – God Mother[13]
2000s
- 2001: Fing's Raver – [Role unspecified][13]
- 2002: Money Suckers – Daisy So[13]
- 2003: I Want to Get Married – Mrs Chan[13]
- 2003: Men Suddenly in Black – Jo Jo[13]
- 2003: Let's Love Hong Kong – Chan's mother[13]
- 2004: The Miracle Box – Curio shop owner's wife[13]
- 2004: Forever Yours – Duchess[13]
- 2008: Champions – Chickie mother[13]
- 2009: Look for a Star – Milan's aunt[13]
2010s
- 2010: 72 Tenants of Prosperity – Singer of Ha Kung's store[13]
- 2012: I Love Hong Kong 2012 – Citizen[13]
- 2012: All's Well Ends Well 2012 – Chelsia & Daphne's mentor[13]
- 2012: Mr. & Mrs. Gambler – Fortune teller[13]
- 2012: Passion Island – Supervisor[13]
- 2014: Streets of Macao – [Role unspecified][13]
- 2014: From Vegas to Macau – Siu Wan [cameo][13]
- 2014: Delete My Love – Sue Ma[13]
- 2015: A Espera – [Role unspecified][13]
- 2016: MBA Partners – Angel[13]
- 2016: From Vegas to Macau 3 – Prison guard[13]
- 2016: Good Take, Too! – [Segment role unspecified][13]
- 2018: Lucid Dreams – Auntie Fatty[13]
Discography
Maria Cordero's music career in the Cantopop genre primarily spans the late 1980s to the 2000s, with releases focusing on original songs, covers, and theme tracks for films and television. Her debut recordings emerged following her breakthrough as a singer in 1985, leading to a series of albums that showcased her powerful vocal style and jazz influences. Later works include Mandarin-language covers and compilations celebrating her career milestones.Studio Albums and EPs
| Title | Release Year | Label | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maria | 1987 | Silver Planet Records Ltd. | Debut EP; 12" vinyl format featuring early singles.[47] |
| Maria Cordero | 1988 | Silver Planet Records Ltd. | Self-titled debut full-length album; includes film themes like "Ma Ma I Love You" from The Truth. Reissued in 2006 by New Century Workshop.[48] |
| 三千日後盡豪情 (Three Thousand Days Later, Full of Passion) | 1989 | Modern Records | Cantonese album with romantic ballads. |
| 幾許情深 (How Deep the Love) | 1991 | PolyGram Records | Cantonese album highlighting emotional depth in tracks. |
| 轰轰烈烈爱一场 (A Passionate Love Affair) | 1993 | Unknown | Cantonese release with upbeat and dramatic songs.[49] |
| 肥媽正傳 (Fat Ma Biography) | 2005 | Graffiti Culture | First Mandarin album signed to a mainland Chinese label; features jazz-infused covers of classics like "明星" (Star) and "不了情" (Endless Love). |
Compilations
- 藝能成立25周年風光紀念 (25th Anniversary of Art Power Glory Memorial), 2010, Unknown: Career retrospective with selected hits.[49]
- Super Re-Mix 大話西遊 (Super Remix: A Chinese Odyssey), 2010s, Unknown: Remix collection tied to film themes.[49]
Notable Singles
Cordero's singles often served as album lead tracks or media tie-ins, contributing to her popularity in Hong Kong during the Cantopop era. Key releases include:- "救命" (Save My Life), 1986: Early breakthrough single that established her vocal presence; performed live in concerts as a signature hit.[50]
- "友誼之光" (The Light of Friendship), 1988: From the self-titled album and featured in the film Prison on Fire; won the Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs Award and topped charts in Hong Kong.[51]
- "媽媽 I Love You" (Mama I Love You), 1988: Theme song for the film The Truth; bilingual Cantonese-English track that became a fan favorite for its heartfelt lyrics.[48]
- "要爭取快樂" (Strive for Happiness), 1988: Upbeat single from the debut album, also tied to Prison on Fire.[48]
- "天賜的滋味" (The Taste of Heaven), 2017: Theme song for the TV drama Recipes to Live By; her first digital single release, peaking in streaming charts.
- "Jom Kuat Kuat！NH Nutrio Gold" (including "一起Kuat Kuat！NH Nutrio Gold"), 2025: Promotional single released on October 27, 2025.[52]