Hong Kong entertainment star known for her versatility in acting and singing, with a career spanning film, television, and music. She's a household name in Asia, especially in the 90s and early 2000s.
Athena Chu, born Chu Yan on October 25, 1971, is a Hong Kong actress and singer who has captivated audiences with her mesmerizing performances on screen. She is best known for her iconic role as Zixia Fairy in the 1995 comedy fantasy film A Chinese Odyssey, which catapulted her to widespread fame in Hong Kong and parts of Asia.
Chu was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong, to a family of modest means. Her father, a mathematics teacher, later started a business with her mother. Chu's early interest in the performing arts led her to enroll in the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts from 1990 to 1992. During this period, she hosted children's shows on the television station TVB, laying the groundwork for her future success.
After graduating in 1992, Chu made her film debut in Fight Back to School II, earning her a nomination for Best New Performer at the Hong Kong Film Awards. Her portrayal of Huang Rong in the remake of the Wuxia drama The Legend of the Condor Heroes in 1994 further solidified her growing reputation in the entertainment industry.
Chu's collaboration with Stephen Chow in A Chinese Odyssey in 1995 proved to be a game-changer, as her role as Zixia Fairy, also known as Daisy Fairy, propelled her to stardom in Hong Kong and beyond. This iconic film cemented her status as a sex symbol, leading to a string of successful movies, including The Boss Up There in 1999, which earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Golden Horse Film Awards.
Chu's impressive body of work has garnered her numerous awards and nominations. In 2010, she became the first Hong Kong actress to be nominated for Best Actress at the International Emmy Awards for her heartfelt portrayal of a disabled but inspirational woman in the television series Wallless World.
Chu has been married to singer and actor Paul Wong of Beyond since 2012, and the couple has a daughter, Debbie, born in 2012. Chu has been involved in various charitable initiatives, using her platform to support causes close to her heart.
After a five-year hiatus from the entertainment industry, Chu announced her comeback in 2016 with three upcoming films. Her return to the spotlight marks a new chapter in her illustrious career, solidifying her position as a beloved and respected figure in Hong Kong cinema.
Through her remarkable journey, Athena Chu has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, inspiring generations of actors and actresses to follow in her footsteps.
59 Years Old
A Cantopop singer and actor who rose to fame in the 1990s with hits like "Wound That Never Heals" and starred in films like "Young and Dangerous".
69 Years Old
A trailblazing Cantopop icon and actor who dominated Hong Kong's entertainment scene with his androgynous style and captivating performances. He's most known for his bold fashion sense and iconic movie roles.
