Chow Yun-Fat

Biography

Chow Yun-Fat (Chinese: 周潤發), born on May 18, 1955, and formerly known as Donald Chow, is a renowned actor from Hong Kong. He gained significant recognition for his dynamic partnerships with director John Woo, featuring prominently in five iconic Hong Kong action films that define the heroic bloodshed genre: A Better Tomorrow, A Better Tomorrow II, The Killer, Once a Thief, and Hard Boiled. Chow also made a mark internationally, portraying memorable characters such as Li Mu-bai in the acclaimed film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Sao Feng in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End.

Chow's film career commenced in 1976 with Goldig Films, which was the third-largest film studio during that era. Over the years, he has primarily focused on dramatic roles, earning him critical acclaim and multiple accolades, including three Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Actor and two Golden Horse Awards for Best Actor in Taiwan. Chow Yun-Fat's contributions to cinema have solidified his status as a legendary figure in both Hong Kong and international film industries, showcasing his versatility and enduring appeal as an actor.