Tony Leung Chiu Wai

Born in Hong Kong, with ancestry in Taishan, Guangdong, China, Tony Leung was brought up by his mother in a single-parent family. In 1982, after passing the training courses of the television channel TVB, Tony Leung became an actor and became known for his comedy roles in television and film.Many consider Tony Leung's role in director John Woo's 1992 action film Hard Boiled as his breakthrough role in film. However, Leung first gained international exposure after starring in A City of Sadness, which won the Venice Golden Lion. Leung often collaborates with director Wong Kar-wai and has appeared in many of his films. His most notable of Wong Kar-wai's films include Chungking Express (1994), Happy Together (1997), and In the Mood for Love (2000), for which he won the Best Actor award at Cannes.He is considered by many to be the finest actor of his generation in Hong Kong. Robert de Niro, who is an admirer of his work, has called Leung Asia's answer to Clark Gable. He is good friends with actor and comedian Stephen Chow.Carina Lau, a fellow actress, has been in a steady relationship with him since 1989.Leung speaks impeccable English and is well read and well versed on historic issues. To date, he has not done a Hollywood movie, but is primed to appear in one after signing on with an American film agent.