Kenny Ho, best remembered for his role as Zhan Zhao in the legendary 1993 series Justice Bao, continues to be celebrated by fans as the most dashing portrayal of the righteous bodyguard in Chinese television history.
Hardships Abroad Before Stardom
Born in 1959 in Hong Kong, Kenny Ho was raised by his mother and grandmother after his parents divorced. The death of his grandmother dealt a major emotional blow, prompting him to move to the UK in search of a fresh start.
There, life was anything but easy. He worked a string of jobs—washing dishes, selling ice cream, working retail—just to survive and pay for his studies.
Zhan Zhao: A Role That Defined an Era
Returning to Hong Kong, Kenny Ho joined ATV’s acting school in 1982 and soon landed leading roles. His major breakthrough came in 1993 with Justice Bao, where his portrayal of Zhan Zhao, the loyal and valiant guard of Judge Bao, captivated audiences across Asia.
He was quickly dubbed “the most handsome Zhan Zhao on screen”, and his performance became the gold standard for the character in all future adaptations.
From Actor to Entrepreneur
In 2014, Kenny Ho retired from acting and pivoted to business. He founded a health food company in Guangdong, China, and has since built a fortune estimated at hundreds of millions of HKD.
Now in his 60s, Ho maintains his youthful looks with a strict routine: waking up at 6 a.m., going to bed before 11 p.m., and leading a clean, balanced lifestyle.
A Quiet Family Life Revealed
In early 2024, Kenny Ho surprised the public by revealing he is married with a daughter. He had kept this private for years, choosing not to involve his non-celebrity wife in the media spotlight.
“I’m not hiding anything. I just want to protect my family’s peace,” he said. “I don’t work in showbiz anymore, so I don’t owe anyone my personal story.”
He described his daughter as bright, energetic, and beautiful, and takes great pride in his new role as a father.
Legacy of a Gentle Hero
From washing dishes in London to becoming the face of one of Chinese TV’s most beloved characters, Kenny Ho’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and grace. Today, he enjoys a peaceful life away from the spotlight, but to fans, he will always be Zhan Zhao—the gallant knight of Justice Bao.
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