Lau Ching-wan, sometimes known as Sean Lau, stands out as an exemplary figure in the often tumultuous world of show business. Renowned for his numerous best actor nominations at the Hong Kong Film Awards, Lau is equally celebrated for his stable personal life, particularly his 25-year marriage to former Miss Hong Kong Amy Kwok Oi-ming. This combination of professional acclaim and personal stability makes him a unique and respected figure in the industry.
Lau’s journey into acting began unexpectedly. At 17, while working as a postman, he received encouragement from his father and colleagues to audition for TVB’s one-year drama training program. After three rounds of auditions, he was admitted into the 12th TVB acting course alongside future stars like Carina Lau Ka-ling and Sandra Ng Kwan-yue.
His big break came in 1984 with the police drama series “Police Cadet ’84,” co-starring Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Maggie Cheung Man-yuk. This role catapulted him from obscurity to fame, a transition he recalls with humble gratitude. Despite his growing popularity, Lau remained grounded, attributing his early success to a combination of factors beyond his talent.
Lau ventured into film in 1986 while maintaining a strong television presence. His breakthrough in cinema was solidified with the drama-thriller series “The Greed of Man” in 1992. He received his first two best actor nominations in 1994 and won his first award in 2007 for the comedy-drama “My Name Is Fame.” His performance in the 2011 crime drama “Life Without Principle” earned him best actor at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards, and he claimed another best actor win at the 34th Hong Kong Film Awards for “Overheard 3.”
In 2022, Lau was named best actor at the 41st Hong Kong Film Awards for his role in “Detective vs Sleuths,” marking his third win from 17 nominations in this category. Throughout his career, Lau has been nominated for best actor 38 times at various awards, winning 14 times.
Beyond his acting career, Lau is known for his stable and loving relationship with Amy Kwok. The couple first met on the set of “The Greed of Man” and married in 1998. They have maintained a low-profile but strong relationship, often seen together in casual settings. In a talk show in 2012, Lau expressed his admiration for Kwok, likening his love for her to the way he approaches scripts – instinctive and undeniable.
Today, Lau and Kwok’s relationship is celebrated as one of the most endearing among Hong Kong celebrities. Despite not having children, the couple shares a closeness that is often admired in the public eye. Lau’s career, marked by unconventional roles and a bit of neuroticism as he admits, along with his down-to-earth personal life, paints the portrait of a multifaceted and genuinely respected individual in Hong Kong’s entertainment industry.
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