An eternal icon who symbolizes the golden age of Hong Kong cinema, actor Leslie Cheung marked his 23rd anniversary since his passing.
News of his death, reported on April 1, 2003—April Fools’ Day—came as a staggering shock to fans around the world. At the time, the 47-year-old Leslie Cheung had ended his life at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong. He may have thrived in an era blessed with exceptional acting talent and captivating visuals, fulfilling his dream of becoming a legend, but the public’s attention toward him was never consistently warm.
Countless speculations and groundless rumors relentlessly followed the late actor back then. From ridicule and allegations that were never verified to accusations of murder, Leslie Cheung had to endure intense psychological pressure behind the glamorous spotlight. The burden of the times he carried was never light—so much so that even today, people still discuss what drove him to turn away from the world.
More than just a star, Leslie Cheung was a pivotal figure who helped lead the heyday of Hong Kong cinema. Through countless masterpieces—including A Better Tomorrow, The Bride with White Hair, and A Better Tomorrow 2—along with Farewell My Concubine and Happy Together, the artistic passion he displayed continues to resonate without fading, even as time goes by. Because he was the kind of person who devoted himself to art with everything on the line, the longing for him has only grown deeper even 23 years later.
With April 1 here once again, fans around the world are paying tribute to the eternal star Leslie Cheung, who left like a prank—by revisiting the works he left behind. His image of defiantly burning with artistic spirit against the massive waves of his time is expected to live on forever in fans’ hearts.
