Louis Cheung Kai-chung, a Hong Kong actor and singer, has seen his career and personal life evolve significantly over the years. In the early 2000s, he faced tabloid criticism and was labeled as “eating soft rice,” a Cantonese phrase implying a man is financially dependent on his partner. The media’s focus on his relationship with his wife, pop singer Kay Tse On-kei, led to unfair comparisons, with Cheung even dubbed “Mrs. Tse” by some. Despite this, the couple’s bond remained strong, and they recently celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary.
Cheung, born in 1980 and raised in Sheung Shui, started as a child actor but later shifted to music. After graduating from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in 2002, he launched his career as a Cantopop singer. He gained recognition as a composer, writing hits for artists like Denise Ho and Eason Chan. However, the media often portrayed him as less successful than his rising-star wife, despite his earning a respectable income as a producer and songwriter.
In 2012, Cheung signed with TVB and returned to acting, where he steadily rose from supporting roles to lead performances. He earned a best leading actor nomination at the 2015 TVB Anniversary Awards and received acclaim for his film work, including a nomination for best supporting actor at the Hong Kong Film Awards for “Keeper of Darkness” (2016).
Cheung’s commitment to his craft saw him undergo rigorous training for Joe Chan Wai-koon’s film Golden Boy, where he portrayed a middleweight boxer. He dedicated three years to bodybuilding, weightlifting, and boxing, transforming his physique. The film, delayed due to post-production issues, is set to premiere in late 2024. Inspired by Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky films, Cheung aimed to bring similar perseverance and depth to his role.
Cheung’s career took a turn towards serious drama with The Narrow Road (2022), a poignant film where he played a struggling business owner during the Covid-19 pandemic. His performance earned him best actor nominations at the Golden Horse Awards and the Hong Kong Film Awards, and he won the best actor prize from the Hong Kong Film Critics Society.
Cheung is now focused on expanding his creative horizons, revealing plans to write a romantic comedy script and expressing a desire to direct in the future. Today, he is celebrated as a talented actor, devoted husband, and protective father, leaving behind the tabloid labels of the past.
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