Actress Joey Wong has shared a heartfelt tribute to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of Leslie Cheung’s passing.

On her personal page, Joey Wong posted a video revisiting the iconic characters Nie Xiaoqian and Ning Caichen roles she and Leslie Cheung portrayed in A Chinese Ghost Story, inspired by Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio.

The video blends present-day footage of Wong sitting by the seaside in Vancouver with images of Leslie Cheung, creating a deeply emotional atmosphere. She captioned the clip in Chinese: “Though there are many things I never had the chance to say to you, the memories of you will always fill my heart.”

April 1 marks the 23rd anniversary of Leslie Cheung’s passing. Fans across the world have honored the late star in various ways. Singer Leo Ku shared a midnight tribute, using the song Dear Leslie to express enduring admiration and longing. Actress Anita Yuen also posted a rose emoji along with old photos, conveying her deep affection and remembrance of her close friend.

Alongside fellow artists, major media outlets in Hong Kong and mainland China also paid tribute through commemorative posts. One publication wrote, “Twenty-three years have passed, the wind still blows, and the longing never fades. This April, we remember Leslie Cheung.” Another quoted lyrics from Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter: “Spring would be so beautiful if you were still here,” capturing the enduring grief felt by many.

Born on September 12, 1956, Leslie Cheung was a legendary figure in both music and film, often hailed as the “Elvis of Hong Kong” for his influence on Cantopop throughout the 1980s. However, his path to success was not easy, as he faced early setbacks, including poor album sales and lukewarm public reception.

Beyond music, his acting career left an indelible mark. He starred in numerous acclaimed films such as A Better Tomorrow II, Rouge, A Chinese Ghost Story, Days of Being Wild, Ashes of Time, and Farewell My Concubine. His performance in Farewell My Concubine contributed to the film winning the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 1993 Cannes Film Festival the only time a Hong Kong film has received the honor.

In the 26 years of his career, from 1977 until his passing, Leslie Cheung released over 40 albums and appeared in 56 films, building a legacy of immense artistic value.

He passed away on April 1, 2003, after falling from the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong. It was widely reported that he had been struggling with depression. The tragic timing on April Fools’ Day initially led some to believe it was a hoax, with rumors even suggesting he had gone into hiding in Europe.

Sources: Ngoisao