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Letters | Leslie Cheung was a role model in many ways
- Readers discuss how the superstar inspired people, American ignorance of Hong Kong, and masks
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Yesterday was the 20th anniversary of the death of singer and actor Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing (“Remembering Leslie Cheung: 20 years have passed, but Hong Kong fans’ devotion to Cantopop legend lives on”, March 26).
While I wouldn’t say I was a diehard Leslie Cheung fan, I did look up to this versatile, talented performer tremendously throughout my childhood and adolescence.
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In the late 80s and the early 90s, he took a step back from the local music scene and instead became actively involved in the film industry. He went on to star in multiple films in an array of genres such as romantic tragedy (The Phantom Lover), comedy (All’s Well, Ends Well) and thriller (Double Tap). His acting range was on full display in these roles: he could play a charismatic lead, a hilarious supporting role or an insidious character. To say he was a revered actor would indeed be an understatement. In fact, he was named Best Actor at the Hong Kong Film Awards twice, for Days of Being Wild and He’s a Woman, She’s a Man.
His singing was equally captivating, and the Golden Needle Award he won at the RTHK Top 10 Gold Songs Awards cemented his status as one of the best local singers of all time.
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I still vividly remember when the news of his passing broke two decades ago. It was April Fool’s Day and initially I thought it was a prank. Later, like many others, I was astounded to learn that he was really no longer with us. I was overwhelmed with sadness, and I can only imagine how heartbreaking it must have been for his fans.
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