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Leanne Li
Leanne Li
Leanne Li
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Leanne Li Yanan (Chinese: 李亞男; born 25 November 1984) is a Chinese-born Canadian actress and television host. She was the 2005 Miss Chinese International Pageant winner hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia.[1]

Key Information

Early life

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Leanne's family originates from Shanghai, China who later emigrated when she was a child. The eldest of two girls, she was a second year fine arts student at the University of British Columbia before participating in the pageants.

Pageant career

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At the age of 20, Leanne competed as contestant #10 in Miss Chinese Vancouver 2004 pageant, taking the crown. She also took the titles of Miss Photogenic and Best Posture. As the winner of this pageant, she represented the city of Vancouver at Miss Chinese International in the following year.

In January, she arrived in Hong Kong to compete for the Miss Chinese International 2005 crown, and won.[2] Being considered just a favorite, she beat out bigger favorite, Fala Chen of New York for the title. Her performance received positive reviews, especially during the final interview portion.

Personal life

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Leanne is a Protestant. During the 48th TVB anniversary celebration, Wong Cho-lam proposed to her.[3][4][5] Li and Wong married on Valentine's Day in 2015. Leanne and her husband Wong Cho-lam are both devoted Christians who have both publicly declared sexual abstinence before marriage. She gave birth to her daughter Gabrielle Wong on 17 December 2018.[6] In Dec 2020, Leanne welcomed the birth of her second daughter Hayley.[7]

TV dramas

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Film

[edit]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Leanne Li

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from Grokipedia
Leanne Li Yanan (Chinese: 李亞男; born 25 November 1984) is a Chinese-born Canadian actress and television host best known for her roles in Hong Kong dramas produced by . Born in , , Li immigrated to with her family at the age of 10 and later studied fine arts at the in . She first rose to prominence in the entertainment industry by winning the Miss Chinese Vancouver Pageant in 2004, followed by the in 2005, representing , . These victories paved the way for her move to , where she debuted as an actress in TVB's La Femme Desperado in 2006. Throughout her career, Li has appeared in over 20 series, often portraying supporting roles in popular dramas such as Ruse of Engagement (2014), Come On, Cousin (2014), Black Heart White Soul (2014), and (2015). In addition to , she has hosted television programs and showcased her musical talents, including proficiency in , , and guitar, which she demonstrated during her pageant performances. On a personal note, Li has been married to Hong Kong actor and comedian since 2015, following a relationship that began around 2006 and became public in 2009. The couple has two daughters, born in 2018 and 2020, and they reside in while maintaining ties to .

Early life and education

Birth and family background

Leanne Li was born Li Yanan on November 25, 1984, in , , to Chinese parents. Her family immigrated to , , , when she was 10 years old, seeking new opportunities in a multicultural setting. As the eldest of two daughters, Li grew up in a supportive where her mother encouraged her early development in the arts, fostering interests in and music from the age of five.

Academic pursuits

Li immigrated to , , at the age of ten with her family, who provided strong support for her education during this transition. She attended local schools in , completing her high school education there. Li then enrolled at the (UBC) in , where she pursued a degree in fine arts. Her studies focused on artistic disciplines, drawing inspiration from her father's profession in , which fostered her early interest in creative expression. During her time at UBC, Li participated in art-related pursuits such as and music, including flute performance, which helped refine her presentation skills through creative and performative elements of her coursework. These experiences built her confidence in artistic self-expression and stage presence. Her fine arts background at UBC profoundly shaped her aesthetic sensibilities, emphasizing visual composition, design principles, and cultural appreciation that informed her approach to personal style and creative decisions in her subsequent public career. This educational foundation continued to influence her.

Pageant career

Local competitions

Leanne Li entered the Miss Chinese Vancouver Pageant in 2004 as contestant number 10, representing her local Chinese community in , . At the age of 20, she won the title of Miss Chinese Vancouver on December 10, 2004, at the , along with the awards for Miss Photogenic and Best Posture. In the talent portion, Li performed skillfully on the , a traditional Chinese , showcasing her musical abilities and connecting with the event's emphasis on Chinese heritage. This background in fine arts from the further aided her poised presentation during the pageant. The victory marked a significant stepping stone in Li's pageant career, qualifying her to represent at higher-level competitions and earning her notable attention in 's Chinese media outlets, particularly through coverage by , the pageant's organizer. This local recognition highlighted her as an emerging figure in the community's cultural events, emphasizing themes of elegance and ethnic pride in her entry.

International titles

Leanne Li represented , , in the Miss Chinese International Pageant 2005, held on January 29, 2005, at TVB City in . At the age of 20, she competed against 20 other contestants from various international cities with significant Chinese populations, ultimately being crowned the winner by the outgoing titleholder, . This victory marked the fourth time a representative had won the title and the second consecutive win for a contestant. Having qualified through her success in the Miss Chinese Vancouver Pageant 2004, Li's participation involved traveling from to , where she immersed herself in the cultural and competitive environment of the event, which emphasized Chinese heritage and global representation. The pageant judging criteria included segments such as presentations, walks, and question-and-answer sessions to assess poise, intelligence, and articulation in both and English. The event, organized and broadcast by Hong Kong's network, highlighted participants' ability to embody modern Chinese womanhood on an international stage. Following her crowning, Li signed a contract with , the pageant's organizer, which provided her with immediate opportunities in the Hong Kong entertainment industry. This led to her relocation to Hong Kong, where she transitioned from pageant success to a professional career in and hosting, marking a pivotal shift in her life from Vancouver to the bustling media hub of .

Professional career

Television acting roles

Leanne Li began her television acting career shortly after winning the in 2005, signing a contract with that facilitated her entry into dramas. Her early roles were primarily supporting, starting with a guest appearance in La Femme Desperado (2006) and a key supporting part as Ho Wong Wong in Dicey Business (2006), where she portrayed a determined young woman navigating family and business challenges. She continued with supporting roles in series like Burning Flame III (2009) as firefighter Poon Hoi Lam, showcasing her versatility in action-oriented narratives. Li achieved a breakthrough with her lead role in The Money-Maker Recipe (2008), playing a central character in a centered on culinary rivalries and secrets, which highlighted her ability to carry emotional depth in ensemble casts. This performance marked her transition toward more prominent parts, often depicting modern, career-driven women. Notable subsequent roles include Chiu Wing Fung in Only You (2011), a resilient office worker; Kam Ping Mui in Come On, Cousin (2014), a supportive member in a comedy-; and Luk Jyun Ting in Ruse of Engagement (2014), where she embodied a sophisticated businesswoman entangled in corporate intrigue. In (2015), she took on Sau On Gwan Jue, exploring themes of love and independence. Throughout her career, Li appeared in over 20 series by 2023, evolving from supporting to occasional leading roles while frequently collaborating on ensemble projects like Brother's Keeper (2013 and 2016) as Cheuk Ning and Black Heart White Soul (2014) as Sze Ka Lai, a complex lawyer balancing ethics and ambition. More recently, she has taken on roles in family-oriented shows, including as a regular member in episodes 5-6 of Our Love Song (2025), reflecting her continued presence in lighter, relational storylines.

Film appearances

Leanne Li has made limited forays into cinema, appearing in a handful of feature films since , often in supporting or cameo roles that highlight her poised presence derived from her pageant background. Her film work contrasts with her more extensive television portfolio at , where serialized narratives allowed for deeper character development, while films typically cast her in brief, glamorous parts. Li's early film appearance came in the 2010 ensemble 72 Tenants of Prosperity, a modern retelling of a classic story, where she portrayed a minor role in a bustling tenement setting, contributing to the film's chaotic humor alongside stars like and . The movie, directed by Chung Shu Kai and , grossed over HK$25 million at the , marking a commercial success during the season and showcasing Li's ability to blend into high-energy comedic ensembles. A notable venture was her supporting role as Yuan You in the 2018 fantasy The Legend of Zu, directed by Zhu Lingfeng, where she portrayed a mystical figure in a tale of demons and warriors, starring and Li Xizi; this marked one of her more substantial film parts, drawing on her TVB-honed on-screen elegance for ethereal scenes. The production, based on classic lore, highlighted the difficulties of securing prominent film roles post-TVB, as Li's involvement remained secondary amid bigger action sequences. In 2022, Li starred in the lead role of Sze in the film Back and Forth, further demonstrating her versatility beyond television.

Hosting and variety work

Following her victory in the 2005 , Leanne Li transitioned into television hosting with , where she appeared in variety programs that highlighted her poise and communication abilities honed during pageant competitions. Her background in and on-stage presence from the pageant equipped her with strong skills in live interactions, interviews, and engaging audiences, which became hallmarks of her hosting style. In 2015, Li co-hosted the TVB variety travel show Celebrity Honeymooners alongside her husband , inviting celebrity couples to share honeymoon experiences during trips to destinations like , blending lifestyle insights with entertainment. This program showcased her ability to facilitate candid discussions and create relatable content in unscripted formats. Her acting roles had previously familiarized her with media environments, easing her pivot to hosting. Li and frequently co-hosted charity events together, including galas supporting their foundation, which focuses on community welfare; notable appearances include the 2015 Bazaar Star Charity Night in , where they promoted philanthropic causes on stage. Their joint efforts extended to interactive fundraisers up to 2024, emphasizing family-oriented support initiatives. In 2022, Li served as a main host on the variety program Daddy at Home, commenting on parenting dynamics and aligning with her real-life experiences as a mother. In 2025, Li participated in the documentary series The Bridge 2 produced by Showers of Blessing Evangelistic Ministry, co-visiting single-mother families with to conduct interviews, cook meals, and discuss life challenges, demonstrating her empathetic engagement in non-scripted, real-world storytelling (as of August 2025).

Personal life

Marriage and relationships

Leanne Li and actor and comedian met through mutual connections in the entertainment circles and began their relationship around 2006, which became public in 2009. Their relationship progressed to a public milestone when proposed to Li during a of TVB's 47th gala on November 19, 2014, in front of colleagues and executives. The couple married in a church ceremony on , February 14, 2015, followed by a high-profile at the next day, attended by numerous entertainment industry figures. The early years of their romance were marked by challenges, particularly from Li's parents, who disapproved of due to his height and career status at the time, forbidding discussions of for the first three years. Despite these obstacles, their bond strengthened, leading to collaborative professional endeavors post-, such as joint performances and appearances in events like the Popular Movies Greater Bay Area Concert in 2023. Their partnership also extended to 's personal studio, where Li joined as a talent in , enabling shared creative opportunities.

Family and children

Leanne Li and her husband, , welcomed their first daughter, Gabrielle Wong, on December 17, 2018, in . Their second daughter, Hayley Wong, was born in December 2020 in . Following their in 2015, which laid the foundation for their family, Li has prioritized motherhood while occasionally taking on selective professional engagements to balance family responsibilities. In 2022, the family relocated to to support Wong's career opportunities in , where their daughters now attend , a bilingual institution emphasizing English and Chinese education. During the , Li managed family life amid lockdowns, focusing on her young children's needs in before the move. She frequently shares glimpses of family moments on , such as school milestones and daily activities, underscoring their daughters' bilingual upbringing in English, , and Mandarin to reflect their multicultural heritage. In December 2024, the family visited , a trip that held special nostalgia for Wong, who worked part-time there at age 20 and where the couple had their first date and wedding photos taken.

Awards and recognition

Pageant accolades

Leanne Li began her pageant career by winning the Miss Chinese Vancouver 2004 title at the age of 19, representing the Chinese Canadian community in . In addition to the championship, she received the Miss Photogenic and Best Posture awards, highlighting her poised elegance and photogenic appeal during the competition held at the . Her victory was notably bolstered by a standout talent performance, where she demonstrated her skills, showcasing a blend of artistic talent alongside her physical attributes. Building on this success, Li represented Vancouver at the Miss Chinese International Pageant 2005, held in Hong Kong and broadcast by TVB, where she was crowned the overall champion on January 29, 2005. This win marked the fourth time a Vancouver contestant had claimed the international title and the second consecutive victory for the city following Linda Chung's 2004 triumph. As the winner, Li secured a contract with Hong Kong's TVB, launching her into the entertainment industry and providing opportunities to promote Chinese cultural representation on a global stage. These pageant achievements established Li as a prominent figure symbolizing the beauty and intellectual depth of the diaspora, particularly through her background in fine arts studies at the and her multifaceted talents. Her successes underscored the pageants' role in elevating visibility for Chinese communities abroad, fostering a public image of grace, cultural pride, and versatility.

Acting honors

Leanne Li received a for Best Supporting Actress at the 2014 for her role as Scarlet Sze in the crime drama Black Heart White Soul, where she portrayed a determined woman navigating moral dilemmas in the triads and legal worlds. Her performance highlighted her ability to convey emotional depth and vulnerability, marking a in her career following her transition from pageantry to acting. Despite subsequent roles in dramas like (2015) and variety programs, she has not secured major awards as of November 2025, though her contributions to casts continued to receive positive industry feedback.

References

  1. https://www.jaynestars.com/news/the-many-talents-of-leanne-li/
  2. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/2176160?language=en-US
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  9. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2350139/
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  32. https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/8days/wong-cho-lams-laws-did-not-approve-him-dating-leanne-li-forbade-him-talking-about-marriage-their-daughter-first-3-years-their-relationship-425711
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  34. https://www.jaynestars.com/news/wong-cho-lam-and-leanne-lis-valentines-day-wedding/
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  37. https://www.jaynestars.com/news/leanne-li-joins-wong-cho-lams-independent-agency/
  38. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-01/31/content_413822.htm
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  40. https://vincentloy.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/tvb-awards-presentation-2014s-nomination-list/
  41. https://www.jaynestars.com/news/roger-kwok-and-charmaine-sheh-win-tv-king-and-tv-queen-at-2014-tvb-anniversary-awards/
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