During a rare interview on a YouTube show on October 9, veteran Hong Kong actor Dicky Cheung opened up about the painful memories of his childhood, revealing years of domestic abuse and emotional scars that shaped his life.
He grew up in a broken family — his father, a sailor, was only home for a few months each year. When he returned, he often came back drunk and turned violent, beating his wife and children without reason. The young Dicky endured these brutal moments that left deep psychological wounds.
“I used to dream of revenge,” Dicky Cheung admitted, recalling how hatred toward his father consumed him for years.
Yet, his mother’s resilience taught him a different way to live. Unlike him, she never hated her husband. Even after their divorce, she once took Dicky and his younger brother to visit their dying grandfather — only to encounter their estranged father, who pretended not to recognize his sons.
“He looked down, refusing to meet our eyes. We were like strangers,” Dicky Cheung said softly.
Over time, Dicky chose not to forget, but to forgive. “If the pain can’t be erased, why not choose forgiveness instead?” he reflected.
He credited his emotional healing to his mother’s compassion, describing her as “a woman who could hold up the sky even if it fell.” Her strength became his model for empathy and perseverance.
When she was diagnosed with skin cancer, doctors suggested cutting off part of her nose. She refused, saying she would “rather die than lose half her face.” She opted for radiation therapy instead — and miraculously recovered.
Her optimism deeply influenced Dicky, who has since reduced his acting projects to spend more time with her.
In his youth, Dicky dated actresses Kristy Yang and Jessica Hsuan, but his enduring love story is with mainland actress Jess Zhang. Witnessing his father’s infidelity made him value loyalty above all.
“I keep reminding myself — don’t become like my father,” he shared. “Hurting the one you love brings far more guilt than pleasure.”
Despite breaking up twice, Dicky and Jess reunited and eventually married. When she suffered two miscarriages, Dicky suspended all work to stay by her side. Their bond strengthened through shared hardship.
“My wife has entrusted the rest of her life to me,” he said with a smile. “That trust inspires me to love her more.”
Born in 1965 in Hong Kong, Dicky Cheung’s parents divorced when he was 15. At 17, he began working to support his family and his younger brother’s education. His talent was soon discovered by Leslie Cheung, who helped him enter the entertainment industry.
Over the decades, Dicky became one of Hong Kong’s most beloved actors, starring in iconic dramas such as The Duke of Mount Deer, Journey to the West, The Witty Emperor, King of Comedy, and The Legend of Zhang Sanfeng.
Today, at nearly 60, Dicky Cheung lives by the values shaped from pain — forgiveness, family, and faithfulness. His story is not just about surviving violence, but transforming trauma into strength and compassion.
Sources: Ngoisao
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