Known as a cinematic legend of Hong Kong cinema, Chow Yun-fat has captivated audiences for decades with iconic performances. But behind the screen, troubling stories have surfaced, painting a starkly different picture of the super star.
A Nightmare on Set: Stories from Female Co-stars
Poor Hygiene while Acting
In a recent episode of his talk show, acclaimed filmmaker Wong Jing opened up about the less glamorous side of Chow’s career, describing him as “a nightmare for many actresses”. His revelations were supported by testimonies from several high-profile stars who worked alongside Chow over the years.
Actress Rosamund Kwan, who co-starred with Chow in the 1982 film “The Head Hunter“, endured an uncomfortable experience during a romantic scene. According to Wong Jing, Chow was so absorbed in filming that he went days without personal hygiene, causing his body to emit a pungent odor. During a take, he reportedly draped his jacket over Kwan’s head, nearly suffocating her with the smell. Out of respect for Chow’s status, Kwan remained silent.
Sexual Harassment
Celebrated actress Maggie Cheung also recounted an unpleasant encounter. When asked about her most uncomfortable on-screen kiss, she immediately named Chow Yun-fat. “He would often perform kissing scenes on his own terms, ignoring the director’s cut,” Cheung shared, adding, “Even after the director called stop, he would continue.”
Cherie Chung, once dubbed “Hong Kong’s Marilyn Monroe,” also spoke about feeling deeply uncomfortable working with Chow. “ I was just 19 when we filmed together, but he would share inappropriate adult stories and even force me to sit close beside him. It was extremely unsettling”, the actress recalled.
On-set Violence
Kara Wai, another revered figure in Hong Kong cinema, revealed that Chow’s disregard for direction caused serious injury. During an action scene, she recalled being struck so hard by Chow that she suffered a broken rib. “He didn’t follow the choreography. It felt like I was being beaten to death,” she said.
Meanwhile, Actress Nina Li Chi, who starred opposite Chow in “Tiger on the Beat“, described being physically overpowered during filming. Scenes that were meant to be simulated violence became painful reality, with Nina screaming in distress during filming.
An Impressive Legacy
Despite these troubling stories, Chow Yun-fat remains a revered figure in Asian cinema. The actor starred in classics like “A Better Tomorrow“, “The Bund“, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon“, and “God of Gamblers“, among many others
Additionally, his philanthropic legacy is also as famous as his film career, as he’s pledged his entire 700 million USD fortune to charity, lives modestly with his wife Jasmine Tan, and is admired for his humility and generosity.
K14
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