Gigi Leung
Encyclopedia
Gigi Leung Wing-kei is a Hong Kong
Cantopop
singer and actress.
attacks and it was believed a change of name would bring better health. At 176 cm, Leung earned the nickname of 'Tall Girl'. She has a twin brother named Keith Leung (Leung Wing-Chun, 梁詠俊).
. Later, she went to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University
where she gained a diploma from the School of Design. It was during her study at university that she accepted a modelling assignment from the watch company City Chain and caught the attention of film director Lee Chi-Ngai who cast her in her very first movie, Doctor Mack (1995). The success of the movie brought her a further role in Full Throttle
(1995), shot while she was finishing her diploma. For her supporting role in the film, Leung received a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 1995 Hong Kong Film Awards
.
/Mandopop
singer, but as a songwriter and lyricist as well, having written songs for both herself and other local singers. She has a contract with Warner Music Hong Kong, with more than a dozen albums to her name. She has performed in several full-scale live concerts including one entitled Funny Face in 2003.
In 2008 25 March she signed a new company Big Artiste Management a subsidiary of Mei Ah Entertainment
.
Since 1995, Leung has starred in over 20 movies, most of which are dramas and comedies. She has worked opposite acting veterans such as Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Andy Lau
, Daniel Chan
and Jet Li
. In 2003, she starred with Takeshi Kaneshiro
in Warner Bros.
' first-ever Chinese-language film Turn Left, Turn Right
. Notably, at the Hong Kong Film Awards, Leung was nominated for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress for roles in Tempting Heart
(1999) and A War Named Desire (2000) respectively.
Primarily an actress on the silver screen, Leung briefly appeared in the TVB
serial The Last Breakthrough
(2004). She has also performed in a number of stage musicals including The Great Entertainer (2004). Other works include the Cantonese narration for the Japanese film
Quill
(2004).
Gigi is also very active in charity work. Apart from being the ambassador for different charities, she has helped to build 7 schools in mainland China to help poor children. She is also the youngest-ever local (at age 27) to receive the "Ten Most Outstanding Youth Award".
(UNICEF) and World Wide Fund for Nature
(WWF) Hong Kong. Other charity ambassador titles include Honourably Ambassador of Yan Chai Hospital, Special Ambassador to the Yan Aiu Hospital, Ambassador of Breast Cancer Fund and Ambassador of Society for Abandoned Animals (SAA). She also held numerous other special titles to numerous organizations. She joined her friends, Charlie Yeung
, Valen Hsu
and Angelica Lee
to form the "Hope Foundation," a non-profit organization to help children in need.
In October 1999, Leung was reported to appear in Hong Kong singer/actor Ekin Cheng
's house. Arguably, the exposure of their relationship to the public had a negative impact on her career, since Cheng was rumored to be still going out with local actress Maggie Siu
. Although this was unsubstantiated and denied by Cheng, Leung was still regarded by some as the 'third' party. In January 2006, Leung and Cheng broke up and went their separate ways.
In July 2009, she was reported to be in a relationship with a furniture designer from France, known only as Sly. Neither Gigi nor Sly admitted their relationship, but it was reported the couple separated in early 2010.
In Oct 3 2011, 35-year-old Gigi Leung married her Spaniard boyfriend Sergio on the island of Ibiza.
Mandarin
account has up to 470,000 followers, most of them are her young fans. On March 30, 2010, she blogged about the unjustly jailed Zhao Lianhai
, who has a five years old son that fell victim to the poison milk
and developed kidney stones in his kidney, the father-turned-activist began to utilise various means to voice his grievances. After receiving a message from website's administrator, Gigi Leung then deleted the relevant blog, resulted in hundreds of supportive messages from her fans.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
Cantopop
Cantopop
Cantopop is a colloquialism for "Cantonese popular music". It is sometimes referred to as HK-pop, short for "Hong Kong popular music". It is categorized as a subgenre of Chinese popular music within C-pop...
singer and actress.
Biography
Given the name Leung Bik-Zi (梁碧芝) at birth, at the age of 7 her mother changed her name changed to 'Wing-Kei' for superstitious reasons; as a child, Leung suffered from frequent asthmaAsthma
Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath...
attacks and it was believed a change of name would bring better health. At 176 cm, Leung earned the nickname of 'Tall Girl'. She has a twin brother named Keith Leung (Leung Wing-Chun, 梁詠俊).
Early years
Gigi Leung attended Maryknoll Convent SchoolMaryknoll Convent School
Maryknoll Convent School is a Roman Catholic girls' school with primary and secondary sections at Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong. It was founded by the American Maryknoll Sisters in Hong Kong in 1925 at Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong. MCS is well-known for its distinguished academic results and school traditions...
. Later, she went to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong Polytechnic University
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University specialises in professional education in Hong Kong. The University’s teaching units are grouped under six faculties and two schools; the Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles, Faculty of Business, Faculty of Construction and Environment, Faculty of...
where she gained a diploma from the School of Design. It was during her study at university that she accepted a modelling assignment from the watch company City Chain and caught the attention of film director Lee Chi-Ngai who cast her in her very first movie, Doctor Mack (1995). The success of the movie brought her a further role in Full Throttle
Full Throttle (film)
Full Throttle is a 1995 Hong Kong film directed by Derek Yee.-Cast and roles:* Andy Lau – Joe* Paul Chun – Paul* Chin Kar-lok – Jimmy* David Wu – David* Gigi Leung – Annie* Elvis Tsui – Fai* Lau Ying-Hung – Kwang* Law Chi-Leung – Chu...
(1995), shot while she was finishing her diploma. For her supporting role in the film, Leung received a nomination for Best Newcomer at the 1995 Hong Kong Film Awards
Hong Kong Film Awards
The Hong Kong Film Awards , founded in 1982, are the most prestigious film awards in Hong Kong and among the most respected in mainland China and Taiwan. Award ceremonies are held annually, typically in April. The Awards recognize achievement in all aspects of filmmaking, such as directing,...
.
Entertainment career
Her singing career began the following year with the debut album Love Myself (1996). Since then, she has sung both Cantonese and Mandarin songs. She is recognized not only as a CantopopCantopop
Cantopop is a colloquialism for "Cantonese popular music". It is sometimes referred to as HK-pop, short for "Hong Kong popular music". It is categorized as a subgenre of Chinese popular music within C-pop...
/Mandopop
Mandopop
Mandopop is a colloquial abbreviation for "Mandarin popular music." It is categorized as a subgenre of commercial Chinese-language music within C-pop. Mandopop was the first variety of popular music in Chinese to establish itself as a viable industry. As the name implies, Mandopop features songs...
singer, but as a songwriter and lyricist as well, having written songs for both herself and other local singers. She has a contract with Warner Music Hong Kong, with more than a dozen albums to her name. She has performed in several full-scale live concerts including one entitled Funny Face in 2003.
In 2008 25 March she signed a new company Big Artiste Management a subsidiary of Mei Ah Entertainment
Mei Ah Entertainment
-History:The company was established in 1984 in Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong. A number of TVB TV series were redistributed by Mei Ah after airing nightly on national broadcasts. Movies distributed by the company are also branded in the film and on the boxes. The company continued to expand until it...
.
Since 1995, Leung has starred in over 20 movies, most of which are dramas and comedies. She has worked opposite acting veterans such as Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Andy Lau
Andy Lau
Andy Lau MH, JP is a Hong Kong Cantopop singer, actor, and film producer. Lau has been one of Hong Kong's most commercially successful film actors since the mid-1980s, performing in more than 160 films while maintaining a successful singing career at the same time...
, Daniel Chan
Daniel Chan
Daniel Chan Hiu-tung, born on 3 September 1975 in Hong Kong, is a popular Hong Kong singer, songwriter, and actor. He is most notable as one of the young talents in the 1990s music scene.-Career:...
and Jet Li
Jet Li
The fame gained by his sports winnings led to a career as a martial arts film star, beginning in mainland China and then continuing into Hong Kong. Li acquired his screen name in 1982 in the Philippines when a publicity company thought his real name was too hard to pronounce...
. In 2003, she starred with Takeshi Kaneshiro
Takeshi Kaneshiro
Takeshi Kaneshiro , born October 11, 1973, is a Taiwan-born Japanese actor and singer.-Name:...
in Warner Bros.
Warner Bros.
Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc., also known as Warner Bros. Pictures or simply Warner Bros. , is an American producer of film and television entertainment.One of the major film studios, it is a subsidiary of Time Warner, with its headquarters in Burbank,...
' first-ever Chinese-language film Turn Left, Turn Right
Turn Left, Turn Right
Turn Left, Turn Right is a 2003 joint Hong Kong-Singaporean romance film, filmed in Taipei. Produced and directed by Johnnie To and Wai Ka-Fai, the film stars Takeshi Kaneshiro and Gigi Leung. The story is based on the book A Chance of Sunshine by Jimmy Liao, who makes a cameo appearance in the film...
. Notably, at the Hong Kong Film Awards, Leung was nominated for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress for roles in Tempting Heart
Tempting Heart
Tempting Heart is a 1999 movie, directed and co-written by Sylvia Chang, starring Takeshi Kaneshiro and Gigi Leung as a pair of onscreen lovers.The film has a notable theme song "Xin Dong", performed by Shino Lin Xiao Pei...
(1999) and A War Named Desire (2000) respectively.
Primarily an actress on the silver screen, Leung briefly appeared in the TVB
Television Broadcasts Limited
Television Broadcasts Limited, commonly known as TVB, is the second over-the-air commercial television station in Hong Kong. It commenced broadcasting on 19 November 1967...
serial The Last Breakthrough
The Last Breakthrough
The Last Breakthrough is a television drama on the TVB channel in Hong Kong. The story is about an organization named 'Life Force' which is similar to Médecins Sans Frontières...
(2004). She has also performed in a number of stage musicals including The Great Entertainer (2004). Other works include the Cantonese narration for the Japanese film
Cinema of Japan
The has a history that spans more than 100 years. Japan has one of the oldest and largest film industries in the world – as of 2009 the fourth largest by number of feature films produced. Movies have been produced in Japan since 1897, when the first foreign cameramen arrived...
Quill
Quill (film)
is a Japanese film structured like a documentary of a guide dog, first released in Japan on 13 March 2004 and on DVD on 25 September 2004. It was also released for the 2004 Toronto International Film Festival in Canada on 17 September 2004....
(2004).
Gigi is also very active in charity work. Apart from being the ambassador for different charities, she has helped to build 7 schools in mainland China to help poor children. She is also the youngest-ever local (at age 27) to receive the "Ten Most Outstanding Youth Award".
Spokesperson
Outside of the entertainment business, Leung has acted as the Hong Kong spokesperson for Japanese cosmetics company FANCL since 1999. She is also an ambassador to both United Nations Children's FundUnited Nations Children's Fund
United Nations Children's Fund was created by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 1946, to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries that had been devastated by World War II...
(UNICEF) and World Wide Fund for Nature
World Wide Fund for Nature
The World Wide Fund for Nature is an international non-governmental organization working on issues regarding the conservation, research and restoration of the environment, formerly named the World Wildlife Fund, which remains its official name in Canada and the United States...
(WWF) Hong Kong. Other charity ambassador titles include Honourably Ambassador of Yan Chai Hospital, Special Ambassador to the Yan Aiu Hospital, Ambassador of Breast Cancer Fund and Ambassador of Society for Abandoned Animals (SAA). She also held numerous other special titles to numerous organizations. She joined her friends, Charlie Yeung
Charlie Yeung
Charlie Yeung Choi-Nei, sometimes spelled Charlie Young, is a Chinese film actress and singer. She was first noticed after appearing in a jewellery commercial with Aaron Kwok...
, Valen Hsu
Valen Hsu
Valen Hsu, also known as Xiu Xiu , was born on 20 September 1974 in Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China. She is a Taiwanese Mandopop singer-songwriter. Hsu is widely known for her sad love ballads which have earned her the nickname "The Queen of Love Songs"...
and Angelica Lee
Angelica Lee
Angelica Lee Sin-Jie is a Malaysian Chinese film actress and pop singer. She started her career in singing and later moved on to acting in Taiwan and Hong Kong. Lee starred in The Eye, the hit Asian horror film by the Pang Brothers, winning her the Golden Horse Award for Best Actress, Best Actress...
to form the "Hope Foundation," a non-profit organization to help children in need.
Personal life
Leung had a boyfriend named Kenny, who were classmates in college, at the beginning of her career. The couple broke up in summer 1999. It is implied that one of her songs 迫不得已 was dedicated to this relationship, which Leung wrote part of the lyrics.In October 1999, Leung was reported to appear in Hong Kong singer/actor Ekin Cheng
Ekin Cheng
Ekin Cheng is a Hong Kong actor and Cantopop singer. Early in his career he used the name Dior as a first name. He has also been referred to as Noodle Cheng, after a popular noodle product with a similar name...
's house. Arguably, the exposure of their relationship to the public had a negative impact on her career, since Cheng was rumored to be still going out with local actress Maggie Siu
Maggie Siu
Maggie Shiu Mei-kei , sometimes credited as Maggie Shaw, is a prominent Hong Kong actress.-Career:Her career began in 1985 when she joined Hong Kong TVB. As her career developed, she took on variety of roles in TV series and movies...
. Although this was unsubstantiated and denied by Cheng, Leung was still regarded by some as the 'third' party. In January 2006, Leung and Cheng broke up and went their separate ways.
In July 2009, she was reported to be in a relationship with a furniture designer from France, known only as Sly. Neither Gigi nor Sly admitted their relationship, but it was reported the couple separated in early 2010.
In Oct 3 2011, 35-year-old Gigi Leung married her Spaniard boyfriend Sergio on the island of Ibiza.
Filmography
- The Monkey King (2011)
- Marry a Perfect Man (2011)
- Rest on Your Shoulder (2010)
- Once Upon a Chinese Classic (2010)
- Give LoveGive Love-Plot:Yat-tong has got a new flat mate named Leslie . Unfortunately Leslie soon gets divorced by her husband and is deeply immersed in sorrow. With Yat-tong's company, she breaks away from the sad history and starts her new life...
(2009) - La LingerieLa LingerieLa Lingerie is a 2008 Hong Kong film written and co-directed by Chan Hing-Kai and Janet Chun, and is a loose follow-up to Chan's 2001 debut La Brassiere. Stephy Tang heads the film's ensemble cast, which also includes Janice Man, J.J...
(2008) - Dangerous GameDangerous GameDangerous Game is a 1993 film directed by Abel Ferrara starring Madonna, Harvey Keitel and James Russo.-Reception:The film opened in US theaters on November 19, 1993 and was trashed by critics...
(2007) - The Secret of the Magic Gourd (2007)
- Wonder Woman (2007)
- McDull, The AlumniMcDull, The AlumniMcDull, the Alumni is a 2006 Hong Kong live action/animated film directed by Samson Chiu. It is the third film adaptation of the popular McDull comic book series, following My Life as McDull, and McDull, Prince de la Bun...
(2006) - Driving Miss WealthyDriving Miss WealthyDriving Miss Wealthy is a 2004 Hong Kong romantic comedy film that reunites La Brassieres Lau Ching-Wan and Gigi Leung. In the film, Lau poses a chauffeur hired to look after the spoiled rich woman played by Leung.-Synopsis:...
(2004) - Love on the RocksLove on the Rocks (film)Love on the Rocks is a 2004 Hong Kong romantic comedy film directed by Dante Lam and Chan Hing-Kai. The film stars Louis Koo, Gigi Leung, Charlene Choi and Donnie Yen.-Cast:* Louis Koo as Wong Kai-Ming* Gigi Leung as Annie* Charlene Choi as Crystal...
(2004) - Sky of Love (2003)
- Turn Left, Turn RightTurn Left, Turn RightTurn Left, Turn Right is a 2003 joint Hong Kong-Singaporean romance film, filmed in Taipei. Produced and directed by Johnnie To and Wai Ka-Fai, the film stars Takeshi Kaneshiro and Gigi Leung. The story is based on the book A Chance of Sunshine by Jimmy Liao, who makes a cameo appearance in the film...
(2003) - Mighty BabyMighty Baby (film)Mighty Baby is a 2002 Hong Kong film directed by Chan Hing-Ka and Patrick Leung. It is a sequel to the 2001 La Brassiere.-Cast and roles:* Lau Ching-Wan - Johnny Hung* Louis Koo - Wayne Koo* Rosamund Kwan - Sabrina* Gigi Leung - Lena Li...
(2002) - Fat Choi SpiritFat Choi SpiritFat Choi Spirit is a 2002 Hong Kong comedy film produced and directed by Johnnie To and Wai Ka-Fai, and starring Andy Lau, Gigi Leung, Louis Koo, Cherrie In and Lau Ching-Wan....
(2002) - Roots and Branches (2001)
- The Avenging Fist (2001)
- La BrassiereLa BrassiereLa Brassiere is a 2001 Hong Kong comedy film starring Lau Ching-Wan, Louis Koo, Carina Lau and Gigi Leung. The film was followed by a sequel, titled Mighty Baby, which was released in 2002.-Plot:...
(2001) - A War Named Desire (2000)
- Marooned (2000)
- Those Were the DaysThose Were the Days (2000 film)Those Were the Days... is a 2000 Hong Kong film directed by Raymond Yip. The film is a spin-off/prequel of the Young and Dangerous film series, as it follows the life of Chicken Chiu before he joined the triads with the boss Chan Ho Nam .-Cast:* Jordan Chan - Chicken Chiu Shan-Ho* Gigi Leung -...
(2000) - Tempting HeartTempting HeartTempting Heart is a 1999 movie, directed and co-written by Sylvia Chang, starring Takeshi Kaneshiro and Gigi Leung as a pair of onscreen lovers.The film has a notable theme song "Xin Dong", performed by Shino Lin Xiao Pei...
(1999) - Afraid of Nothing: The Jobless King (1999)
- A True Mob Story (1998)
- Hitman (1998)
- First Love Unlimited (1997)
- God of Gamblers 3: The Early StageGod of Gamblers 3: The Early StageGod of Gamblers 3: The Early Stage is a 1997 Hong Kong action-comedy film written, produced and directed by Wong Jing and starring Leon Lai, Anita Yuen, Jordan Chan, Gigi Leung and Francis Ng...
(1997) - We're No Bad GuysWe're No Bad GuysWe're No Bad Guys aka. We Are No Bad Guys is a 1997 Action Hong Kong film directed by Wong Jing.-Synopsis:Plane , a troubled cop who hits the skids when his girlfriend Carrie gets killed by a stoic hitman named Angel...
(1997) - Feel 100% (1996)
- Feel 100%... Once More (1996)
- The First Option (1996)
- Sixty Million Dollar ManSixty Million Dollar ManSixty Million Dollar Man is a 1995 Hong Kong comedy film written and directed by Raymond Yip and starring Stephen Chow, Ng Man Tat, and Gigi Leung.-Plot summary:...
(1995) - Dr. Mack (1995)
- Full ThrottleFull Throttle (film)Full Throttle is a 1995 Hong Kong film directed by Derek Yee.-Cast and roles:* Andy Lau – Joe* Paul Chun – Paul* Chin Kar-lok – Jimmy* David Wu – David* Gigi Leung – Annie* Elvis Tsui – Fai* Lau Ying-Hung – Kwang* Law Chi-Leung – Chu...
(1995) - Doctor Mack (1995)
Discography
Cantonese- The Monophobic Cat (2010) 怕寂寞的貓
- Woman. Colour (new songs + hits) (2007) 女．色新曲+精選2007
- Grown Up Short Hair (2006) 成長的短髮
- Look (2005)
- [ente'tein] (2004) 娛樂大家
- I Like Gigi (new songs + hits) (2004)
- I Think, I Sing (2003) 我想我唱
- Funny Face (2002)
- I Live in 7A (2002) 我住7樓A
- G for Girl (2001)
- Suddenly, This Summer (2001)
- Fireworks (2000) 花火
- Kiss (new songs + hits) (2000)
- Good Time (2000) 好時辰
- Today (1999)
- I'll Be Loving You (1998)
- A New House (1997) 新居
- Love Myself (1996) 愛自己
Mandarin
- Gift (2009) 禮物
- Love Songs For Myself (2006) 給自己的情歌
- Clockwise (new songs + hits) (2005) 順時針
- Sense of Belongings (2004) 歸屬感
- Magical Season (2002) 魔幻季節
- Transparent (2001) 透明
- Amour (2001)
- Love Gigi The Most (new songs + hits) (2000) 最愛梁詠琪
- Fresh (1999) 新鮮
- Gigi Leung (1998) 梁詠琪gigi
- Washing My Face (1997) 洗臉
- Short Hair (1997) 短髮
Concerts
- Gigi Leung One Night in Shanghai (梁詠琪上海G夜演唱會)(Coming soon)
- Gigi Leung One Night in Hong Kong (梁詠琪香港G夜演唱會)(2011)
- Gigi Leung One Night in Beijing (梁詠琪北京G夜演唱會) (2010)
- Wonder Woman Charity Concert (2007)
- Solo Concert In Shanghai, China(2007)
- Tall Girl Gigi Leung Funny Face Live Concert (2003)
- Live 903 (2002) 903 id club梁詠琪拉闊音樂會2002
- G For Girl Live (2002)
- Gigi Leung 903 Concert (2000) 加洲紅紅人館903梁詠琪狂熱份子音樂會
The Sina microblog incident
Gigi Leung's Sina microblogSina Weibo
Sina Weibo is a Chinese microblogging website. Akin to a hybrid of Twitter and Facebook, it is one of the most popular sites in China, in use by well over 30% of Internet users, with a similar market penetration that Twitter has established in the USA...
account has up to 470,000 followers, most of them are her young fans. On March 30, 2010, she blogged about the unjustly jailed Zhao Lianhai
Zhao Lianhai
Zhao Lianhai is a Chinese dissident and former food safety worker who became an activist for parents of children harmed during the 2008 Chinese milk scandal. In 2010 he was sentenced to 2½ years imprisonment for 'disturbing social order'....
, who has a five years old son that fell victim to the poison milk
2008 Chinese milk scandal
The 2008 Chinese milk scandal was a food safety incident in the People's Republic of China, involving milk and infant formula, and other food materials and components, adulterated with melamine....
and developed kidney stones in his kidney, the father-turned-activist began to utilise various means to voice his grievances. After receiving a message from website's administrator, Gigi Leung then deleted the relevant blog, resulted in hundreds of supportive messages from her fans.