What is Leslie Cheung's Net Worth?
Leslie Cheung was a renowned Chinese singer, songwriter, actor, film director, record producer, and screenwriter with a net worth of $30 million. Fondly remembered as one of the founding fathers of Cantopop (Cantonese popular music), Cheung brilliantly merged a successful music and film career.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on September 12, 1956, in Central, Hong Kong, Leslie Cheung quickly ascended to stardom as a teen heartthrob and pop icon during the 1980s. His talents were recognized with numerous awards, including the coveted Most Popular Male Artist Awards at the 1988 and 1989 Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards.
Personal Life and Relationships
Although Cheung never publicly declared his sexual orientation, he identified as bisexual in an interview with Time magazine, stating, "It's more appropriate to say I'm bisexual. I've had girlfriends. When I was 22 or so, I asked my girlfriend Teresa Mo to marry me." Cheung also had a significant relationship with the Hong Kong model and actress Ngai Sze-Pui, which lasted for two years. In 1997, he openly disclosed his relationship with Daffy Tong Hok-Tak, who remained his partner until Cheung's tragic death.
Tragic Death and Legacy
On April 1, 2003, Leslie Cheung died by suicide, leaping from the 24th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Central, Hong Kong. He left a suicide note conveying his struggles with depression, a condition that ultimately led to his untimely death at age 46.
To honor the 10th anniversary of Cheung's passing, his former music agent Florence Chan organized two memorial concerts titled "Miss You Much Leslie" on March 31 and April 1, 2013. The events at the Hong Kong Coliseum featured performances by luminaries like Jacky Cheung, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Andy Hui, Leo Ku, Chilam Cheung, Vivian Chow, Kelly Chen, Joey Yung, and the Grasshoppers. Additionally, Cheung's fans globally created 2 million origami cranes as a tribute, setting a new Guinness World Record.