Louis Cheung

Louis Cheung Kai-chung (Chinese: 張繼聰; born 11 January 1980) is a Hong Kong actor, Cantopop singer, and songwriter whose multifaceted career encompasses child acting, theater, television, film, and music composition.^[1] He entered the entertainment industry as a child performer in the mid-1980s, appearing in films such as Road Warriors (1987) and No Compromise (1988), as well as a prominent instant milk television commercial.^[1] An alumnus of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, where he majored in acting, Cheung debuted on stage in 1997 and has performed in over 20 plays, including adaptations of A Streetcar Named Desire.^[1] In television, he gained prominence after signing with TVB in 2012, starring in series like Inbound Troubles (2013) and Momentary Lapse of Reason (2015).^[1] Cheung's film roles include Tsui Lik in Ip Man 3 (2015), a triad member in Line Walker (2016), Bernard in the ensemble comedy Table for Six (2022), and the lead in the drama The Narrow Road (2022), earning him the Best Actor award from the Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards.^[2][1] Transitioning to music, he released his debut album To Be or Not to Be in 2005 and received silver awards for best composer and singer-songwriter from Commercial Radio in 2008; he has also penned hits for artists such as Eason Chan, Joey Yung, Leo Ku, Hacken Lee, and Eric Suen.^[1] Beyond his professional achievements, Cheung married singer Kay Tse in 2007, with whom he has two children.^[1][3] A passionate motorbike collector, he owns models including a Harley-Davidson Softail Evo and a Triumph, and co-founded the fashion label Petrolhead to celebrate biker culture.^[1]

Early life

Childhood and family

Louis Cheung was born on 11 January 1980 in Hong Kong. He grew up in Sheung Shui, a district in the New Territories, during his early years.^[4][1] From the age of five, Cheung entered the entertainment industry as a child actor, gaining early public recognition through roles in films such as Road Warriors (1987) and No Compromise (1988), as well as starring as the protagonist in a prominent mid-1980s instant milk television advertisement. This childhood involvement provided him with initial exposure to performing arts, including acting in front of cameras and audiences.^[1][5] Details about Cheung's immediate family, including parents and any siblings, remain largely private and not publicly documented in available sources. His upbringing reflected a general Hong Kong childhood in the late 20th century, set against the backdrop of the city's vibrant urban development.^[1]

Education

Louis Cheung pursued formal training in the performing arts at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) in Hong Kong, enrolling in the late 1990s to study acting within the School of Drama.^[1] He completed a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) degree in Drama, graduating in 2002.^[6] This program equipped him with comprehensive skills in acting techniques, voice, movement, and stagecraft, emphasizing practical performance and theoretical foundations essential for professional theater and screen work. During his studies, Cheung gained early exposure through theater productions, making his stage debut in 1997 with a role that marked the beginning of his hands-on training in live performance.^[1] These experiences at HKAPA, including ensemble work and scripted interpretations, were pivotal in developing his versatility as a performer, allowing him to explore classical and contemporary roles under the guidance of faculty mentors focused on nurturing artistic discipline. His academy training laid the groundwork for subsequent opportunities in Hong Kong's entertainment scene.^[7]

Career

Music career

Louis Cheung entered the Cantopop scene in 2005 with his debut album To Be or Not to Be, which garnered encouraging responses from DJs and fans for its honest exploration of personal themes like love and self-identity.^[8] That same year, he received the Bronze award for Best Male Newcomer at the Commercial Radio Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation, marking an early highlight in his performing career.^[8] His musical style emphasized authentic expression, drawing from classical training to blend Chinese and Western influences into heartfelt ballads and pop tracks that addressed emotional vulnerability.^[8][9] Over the next decade, Cheung progressed as both a performer and songwriter, releasing eight additional albums and EPs up to 2014, including the EP X, while building a reputation for composing successful tracks for established artists like Eason Chan ("Creep," 2002) and Joey Yung.^[10][11] In 2007, he earned the Best Composer award and a Silver for Best Singer-Songwriter at the Commercial Radio Ultimate Song Chart Awards, solidifying his creative impact in the genre.^[10] However, he encountered significant industry challenges, including tabloid scrutiny that portrayed him as overshadowed by his wife, singer Kay Tse, leading to mental health struggles despite steady earnings as a producer and composer.^[10] Following the 2014 release of X, Cheung shifted prominence toward songwriting and selective performances, releasing occasional singles such as TV drama theme songs in 2015 and "一個人的武林" in 2022.^[12] In 2025, he reinterpreted the song "The World in a Grain of Rice" for the musical The Impossible Trial, infusing it with Buddhist musical elements and pop sensibility to highlight themes of transformation.^[13] That August, he issued the single "撒一場白米," continuing his contributions to Cantopop amid evolving career priorities.^[14]

Acting career

Louis Cheung began his acting career as a child performer in 1984, appearing in a well-known Nestlé instant milk television commercial titled "The Dairy Cows Raised on the 15th Floor."^[15] He followed this with minor roles in films such as Road Warriors (1987) and No Compromise (1988), but paused his on-screen work in his early teens to prioritize education.^[1] Cheung, an alumnus of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts where he majored in acting and graduated in 2002, made his stage debut in 1997 and eventually performed in over 20 productions, including a lead role in A Streetcar Named Desire.^[16] He resumed film and television work sporadically before signing as a contracted artist with TVB in 2012, where his debut series Inbound Troubles featured him in a supporting role.^[10] Cheung achieved a breakthrough with his starring role as the complex police officer Kam Wah in the 2015 TVB drama Momentary Lapse of Reason, earning critical acclaim for his dramatic performance in the pre-modern crime-thriller setting.^[17] This success marked a shift toward more versatile roles, including voice acting as Anakin Skywalker in the Cantonese dubs of Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005).^[18] Over the following years, he evolved into leading film roles, such as in Ip Man 3 (2015) and Table for Six (2022), showcasing his range in action, comedy, and drama genres.^[4] In recent years, Cheung has continued to build his reputation with prominent parts, including a lead role opposite Charlene Choi in the 2025 comedy My Best Bet, directed by Andy Lo, which explores themes of gambling addiction and marital challenges.^[19] Addressing long-standing industry perceptions of career dependency on his wife, singer Kay Tse, Cheung has emphasized his independent achievements, noting in 2024 interviews that he now stands on his own as an acclaimed actor after years of perseverance against tabloid scrutiny.^[10]

Personal life

Marriage and family

Louis Cheung married Hong Kong singer Kay Tse on January 20, 2007, after meeting as high school classmates in Tai Po.^[20][21] Their son, James Cheung, was born later that year, marking the start of their family life amid both partners' rising careers in entertainment.^[22] The couple welcomed their second child, daughter Karina Cheung, on March 23, 2017.^[22][3] Karina's arrival came after a decade of marriage, during which Tse took time to focus on motherhood while Cheung continued building his acting profile.^[22] Throughout their marriage, Cheung and Tse have navigated the challenges of balancing high-profile careers in music and acting with family duties, often prioritizing shared time at home to maintain harmony.^[21] Cheung has acknowledged the initial stresses of Tse's greater fame but emphasized their mutual support in managing parental roles, such as coordinating schedules around their children's needs.^[23] This family focus has occasionally influenced Cheung's career decisions, steering him toward projects that offer more flexibility for home life.^[10]

Interests and philanthropy

Louis Cheung is an avid enthusiast of motorbikes and biker culture, integrating this passion into his lifestyle through a personal collection that includes classic models such as a Harley-Davidson Softail Evo, Roadking Evo, a vintage Triumph, a Lambretta scooter, a Suzuki, and a 1980s Honda Cub.^[1] He has channeled this interest into creative endeavors, co-founding the Petrolhead fashion label with designer Yorki Fan, which draws inspiration from 1930s-1940s American motorcycle styles to blend his love for riding with apparel design.^[1] This hobby also influences his public image, as seen in media features highlighting his rides purchased with earnings from his entertainment career and his incorporation of biker themes into music videos and songs like "David Harleyson."^[1] In philanthropy, Cheung has actively supported youth development and health initiatives. As a spokesperson for the Kinder Joy of Moving program, he participated in a 2020 event that engaged 1,300 children and families in sports activities, raising funds for the Sports for Youth Foundation to promote physical activity among young people.^[24] He is a long-time supporter of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Hong Kong, contributing to events that aid families of seriously ill children by providing accommodation and support services near hospitals.^[25] Cheung has also backed medical humanitarian efforts, performing in the 2025 "Music is Live" concert featuring Raymond Lam and Stephy Tang, where proceeds benefited Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Hong Kong for its work delivering aid in over 70 countries.^[26] In arts education, he served as a publicity ambassador for the YMCA of Hong Kong in 2024, leading a workshop for the Secondary School Mini-Movie Competition where he taught acting techniques to students, emphasizing practical experience and passion in filmmaking to foster youth creativity.^[27]

Discography

Studio albums

Louis Cheung debuted in the Cantopop scene with a series of studio albums that highlighted his songwriting talents and R&B influences, often exploring themes of love, personal growth, and urban life. Between 2005 and 2012, he released nine studio albums, blending original material with some compilatory elements in later releases. These releases were primarily under major Hong Kong labels and featured production collaborations with local musicians, achieving moderate chart success in the region.

Singles

Louis Cheung has released several standalone singles throughout his career, particularly in the digital era following his earlier album-focused output. These include promotional tracks, television drama themes, and independent digital releases, often showcasing his versatility in Cantopop with themes of introspection, relationships, and social commentary. Many of these singles were issued post-2012, aligning with his shift toward acting while maintaining a selective music output. Notable non-album singles include:

• 月無聲 (2015): Released as the theme song for the TVB drama Momentary Lapse of Reason (收規華), this ballad explores themes of loss and resignation, composed by Cheung himself. It marked one of his early post-album digital releases and gained popularity through the series' broadcast.^[35]
• 面前人 (2015): Serving as the ending theme for the TVB series Raising the Bar (四個女仔三個BAR), this track (with Grace Chan) highlights Cheung's songwriting in depicting everyday emotional struggles. It was distributed digitally and tied to the drama's narrative on urban life.^[36]
• David Harleyson (2020): An Americana and blues-influenced single, self-composed and produced, reflecting Cheung's experimental side with English-titled lyrics and a retro rock vibe. Released amid his growing acting commitments, it was promoted via music video and streaming platforms.^[37]
• 一窗之隔 (2021): A charity single for the Be Zhi Fund's "Run with You 2021" campaign, focusing on companionship during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. This acoustic track underscores Cheung's philanthropic music efforts.^[38]
• 一個人的武林 (2022): A digital single delving into personal resilience and "manly" introspection, composed by Cheung with lyrics by Siuhak. It received attention for its relatable lyrics and lyric video release.^[39]
• 末日先鋒 (2022): Another 2022 digital release, this upbeat track addresses end-times metaphors for modern stress, produced under Light White Studio. It exemplifies Cheung's continued output in Cantopop singles.^[12]
• 日薄西山 (2023): A reflective digital single exploring themes of fading vitality and introspection, released August 5.^[32]
• 婚姻不敗 (2023): An uplifting track on enduring relationships, released November 29 as a digital single.^[32]
• 聖誕Present Tense! (2023): A holiday-themed digital single blending festive elements with reflective lyrics, released December 1 in collaboration with multiple artists including Sabrina Cheung and Stephy Tang, for seasonal promotion and streaming.^[40]
• Can I Get A Chee Hoo? (From "Moana 2"/Cantonese Soundtrack Version) (2024): Cheung's Cantonese rendition of the Disney film's song, contributing to the official soundtrack as a promotional single. This marked his involvement in international adaptations.^[41]
• 白紙一張 (2025): A digital single released January 11, 2025, focusing on themes of new beginnings and blank slates in life.^[32]
• 玻璃窗的我 (2025): Released August 5, 2025, this introspective track examines self-perception through metaphors of glass windows.^[32]
• 撒一場白米 (2025): A digital single from August 14, 2025, evoking traditional imagery with modern emotional depth.^[32]
• 無花無果 (2025): An early 2025 digital single, featuring an official music video and exploring themes of unfulfilled efforts, continuing Cheung's pattern of introspective releases (released November 5, 2025).^[42]

These singles, often self-composed, highlight Cheung's evolution toward concise, narrative-driven music outside full albums, with distribution primarily via digital platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. While specific chart positions are limited in available data, tracks like "月無聲" achieved notable streaming traction tied to their TV associations.^[43]

Songwriting credits

Works for other artists

Louis Cheung began his songwriting career in the early 2000s, contributing compositions to prominent Cantopop artists and establishing himself as a versatile melody writer known for emotional ballads and upbeat tracks. His early works often featured collaborations with lyricists like Wyman Wong, blending introspective themes with catchy hooks that resonated in Hong Kong's music scene. By the mid-2000s, Cheung's compositions had become staples in albums by top performers, marking his evolution from an emerging songwriter to a recognized figure whose pieces frequently charted and earned industry acclaim.^[1] One of his breakthrough contributions was the 2002 track "防不勝防" (Creep) for Eason Chan, a poignant ballad from Chan's album The Line-Up that explored vulnerability in relationships and became a fan favorite for its haunting melody. In 2003, Cheung co-composed "會很美" (Beautiful) for Joey Yung and Roger Kwok, serving as the theme for the TVB series Not Just a Pretty Face; the duet's uplifting vibe and romantic lyrics helped it gain popularity as a soundtrack hit. His work for Leo Ku in 2004, "美雪美雪" (Mickey Mouse), delivered a playful yet nostalgic pop number on Ku's album 大雄 (Da Xiong), showcasing Cheung's ability to craft accessible, radio-friendly tunes that highlighted the artist's vocal range.^[44] Cheung's songwriting peaked in the late 2000s with compositions like "Scream!" for Joey Yung's 2008 album In Motion, an energetic rock-infused track that marked their first major collaboration and emphasized themes of emotional release, contributing to the album's commercial success. For Hacken Lee, he composed "爸爸聲" (Father's Voice) in 2009, a heartfelt duet on Lee's Today Special album released for Father's Day, which resonated widely for its tribute to parental sacrifices and underscored Cheung's skill in sentimental storytelling. These 2000s-2010s hits not only boosted the performers' discographies but also solidified Cheung's reputation for creating enduring Cantopop anthems.^[45][46] Throughout this period, Cheung's songwriting garnered recognition, including the Best Composer award at the 2008 Commercial Radio Hong Kong Ultimate Song Chart Awards, honoring his melodic contributions across artists, and a Silver Award for Best Singer-Songwriter, reflecting his growing influence in the industry. By the 2010s, his portfolio had expanded to include further commissions, evolving toward more mature themes while maintaining a focus on emotional depth that aligned stylistically with his own discography.^[7][1]

Notable collaborations

One of Louis Cheung's earliest notable musical collaborations was the 2006 duet "烏蠅鏡" (Fly on the Mirror) with then-girlfriend Kay Tse, featured as a remix track on his second studio album 張繼聰. The song, blending introspective lyrics with upbeat Cantopop rhythms, showcased their vocal chemistry and was released just before their 2007 marriage, marking an early joint creative endeavor in the Hong Kong music scene.^[29] In 2022, Cheung collaborated with producer JNYBeatz on the track "Let's Take It Easy," where he provided featured vocals to the calming, motivational single that encouraged relaxation amid daily stresses. This partnership highlighted Cheung's versatility in blending his songwriting style with electronic beats, contributing to the song's popularity in Cantopop circles. That same year, Cheung joined a ensemble of Hong Kong artists including Keung To, Edan Lui, Stanley Yau, Fatboy, and 193 for "痴漢之歌" (Song of the Pervert), the ending theme for the ViuTV series 季前賽 (Pre-Season). The collaborative track, co-written by the group, infused humor and social commentary into its pop arrangement, reflecting Cheung's ability to integrate into multi-artist projects within television soundtracks.^[47] Cheung and Kay Tse's partnership culminated in live performances, notably their first joint concert "The Duality" held at Galaxy Macau on June 14, 2025, which drew significant attention for featuring duets and shared sets drawn from their catalogs. The event celebrated their two-decade careers and personal synergy, with Tse later expressing gratitude for the family-inclusive milestone.^[48][49]

Filmography

Films

Louis Cheung began his acting career as a child in Hong Kong cinema, debuting in the action film Road Warriors (1987), where he portrayed the young character Bobbie Ho Tsu Chung.^[2] Over the years, he transitioned from supporting roles to more prominent parts, including voice work in international films dubbed for Cantonese audiences. Early on, Cheung provided the Cantonese voice for Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005).^[50] His breakthrough in live-action feature films came with the martial arts drama Ip Man 3 (2015), in which he played the supporting role of Tsui Lik, a rival martial artist opposite Donnie Yen.^[51] Cheung's performance in the crime thriller The Narrow Road (2022), where he starred as the lead character Chak—a former triad member seeking redemption—earned him the Best Actor award at the 29th Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards in 2023.^[52] This role marked a significant milestone, highlighting his ability to carry intense dramatic narratives.^[53] In recent years, Cheung has balanced comedic and dramatic roles, appearing as the second brother Bernard in the family comedy Table for Six (2022), which became one of Hong Kong's highest-grossing films that year.^[54] He portrayed Coach Fong in the biographical sports drama Zero to Hero (2021), depicting the real-life trainer of Paralympic swimmer Gregory Ng.^[55] Other notable appearances include the action-comedy Enter the Fat Dragon (2020) as Huang Ching, a bumbling martial artist, and the horror-comedy Zombiology: Enjoy Yourself Tonight (2017) as Yeung.^[16] In 2025, Cheung starred in the Lunar New Year comedy My Best Bet, playing the anti-gambling husband 全守正 (Zheng) opposite Charlene Choi as the gambling-addicted wife 文菁 (Man Ching), exploring themes of marital strain and redemption through humor.^[56][57]

Television

Louis Cheung joined Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) as a contracted artist in 2012, marking the start of his extensive television career in Hong Kong, where he has appeared in numerous dramas and over 100 television programs, including long-running sitcoms and guest spots that span hundreds of episodes.^[70] His breakthrough came through supporting and leading roles in TVB series, earning acclaim for his versatile portrayals of complex characters in genres ranging from crime thrillers to family comedies. A pivotal moment was his promotion to leading actor status in 2015, showcasing his growth from ensemble casts to central narratives. Key television roles highlight Cheung's range and rising prominence within TVB productions. In Inbound Troubles (2013), he played the supporting role of Sung Wai Chiu across 20 episodes, contributing to the sitcom's ensemble dynamic.^[70] He followed with a main role as the Eighth Imperial Prince Yin Si in the historical drama Gilded Chopsticks (2014), a 25-episode series that blended palace intrigue with humor.^[70] That same year, Cheung took on the lead as Ma Lei Na "Mario" in Come On, Cousin (2014), a 30-episode comedy that drew praise for his comedic timing.^[70] Cheung's performance in Black Heart White Soul (2014) as a main character in a 30-episode legal thriller further solidified his reputation, with critics noting his ability to convey moral ambiguity.^[70] In 2015, he portrayed Quinton Chow Chi-pok in the 25-episode Raising the Bar, a role that emphasized his dramatic depth in a story about barristers.^[70] His first leading role arrived in Momentary Lapse of Reason (2015), where he starred as Gam Wah, a principled constable in a 20-episode action-crime drama set in the Republican era, opposite Tavia Yeung; the series highlighted intense action sequences and earned him widespread recognition for his intense, rain-soaked performance.^[70][1] Subsequent works included a main role in the extended Come Home Love Season 2 (2015), appearing in 191 episodes of the daily sitcom, which boosted his visibility through recurring family-oriented storylines.^[70] In Two Steps from Heaven (2016), a 35-episode drama, Cheung played a central character navigating behind-the-scenes entertainment industry machinations.^[70] He supported as Yeung Gwoh in the 30-episode youth comedy Oh My Grad (2017) and led in My Ages Apart (2017), a 50-episode generational series exploring family bonds across eras.^[70] Later highlights encompass Cha Chun Bon/Kelvin Chan in Hong Kong West Side Stories (2018, main role in episodes 1-2 of 12), Wan Bin in the 30-episode police procedural Police Tactical Unit (2019, support role), and Chan Seung Po as the lead in the 15-episode sports drama We Got Game (2022) on ViuTV.^[70]

Awards and nominations

Music awards

Louis Cheung debuted in the Hong Kong music scene in 2005 and quickly garnered recognition for his songwriting and vocal talents through major local awards ceremonies, primarily from Commercial Radio Hong Kong (CRHK) and TVB-affiliated events. His early wins highlighted his emergence as a newcomer and composer, while later accolades affirmed his contributions to Cantopop as both a performer and songwriter. Over the years, he received several nominations for songwriting in prestigious Hong Kong music awards, including categories for best composition and best lyrics at the RTHK Top Ten Gold Songs Awards and JSG Music Awards between 2006 and 2014, though specific wins in composition peaked earlier in his career.^[7][71] Cheung's awards often emphasized his dual role as singer and composer, with notable successes in CRHK's Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation, where airplay and public voting played key roles. For instance, his debut single efforts earned him bronze-level newcomer honors, and subsequent compositions like those on his albums To Be or Not to Be (2005) and 將繼衝擊 (2007) led to composer-specific prizes. These achievements established his reputation in the competitive Cantopop landscape, where songwriting nominations continued to recognize his work for artists including Joey Yung and Eason Chan up to 2014.^[71][1] The following table summarizes Cheung's key music award wins, focusing on representative examples from major Hong Kong ceremonies:

Acting awards

Louis Cheung has received recognition for his acting performances primarily in Hong Kong television and film, with notable accolades from TVB and major film societies. His breakthrough in television came through nominations at the TVB Anniversary Awards, highlighting his versatility in supporting and lead roles. In film, Cheung's transition to more dramatic parts earned him critical praise, including his first Best Actor win and multiple nominations at prestigious awards ceremonies.^[17] Cheung's 2023 win at the Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards marked his first leading actor honor, celebrated for portraying a struggling cleaning company owner in The Narrow Road, a role that showcased his emotional depth and contributed to the film's critical success.^[78] His dual nominations at the 41st Hong Kong Film Awards underscored his range, balancing intense drama in The Narrow Road with comedic family dynamics in Table for Six, Hong Kong's highest-grossing film of 2022.^[77] No further major acting awards or nominations were reported for Cheung in 2024 or 2025 as of November 2025.^[79]