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Nick Cheung
View on WikipediaNicholas Cheung Ka-fai (Chinese: 張家輝; Jyutping: zoeng1 gaa1 fai1; born 2 December 1964) is a Hong Kong actor, singer and director. He first gained recognition for his roles in The Conman (1998) and The Tricky Master (1999). He went on to star in the films Beast Stalker (2008), The Stool Pigeon (2010), Nightfall (2012), Unbeatable (2013), The White Storm (2013), Helios (2015), Keeper of Darkness (2015), Line Walker (2016), Bodies at Rest (2019), and Peg O' My Heart (2024). For his performances in Beast Stalker and Unbeatable, Cheung was awarded the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor.[1]
Key Information
Background
[edit]He was formerly a Royal Hong Kong Police officer[2][3] for four years, but he left the job after his request to be transferred to the criminal investigation department was turned down. He then worked for Danny Lee's film production company. His film debut is "Thank you, Sir!", as a student at the Royal Hong Kong Cadet School. From 1989 to 1994, he worked at the television station ATV World. Later, he left ATV and joined another station, TVB. He left TVB in 2004, and worked mainly on films. His fame was built on Wong Jing's comedy at first, but he has changed his acting style for more sombre roles since 2003. He was nominated for his first Hong Kong film award in 1999, and won his first award in 2009 for his role in Beast Stalker. He has been nominated many times at the Hong Kong Film Awards and other Chinese film awards since.
Cheung has won seven awards for his role in Beast Stalker (2008), including Hong Kong Film Critics Society Award for Best Actor, Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor, and Golden Horse Film Award for Best Actor.
In 2013, he also won praise and Best Actor awards for his role as an aging MMA fighter in Unbeatable.
Personal life
[edit]Cheung met Hong Kong actress Esther Kwan while he was still working at ATV. They married on 8 December 2003 in Australia. Their daughter, Brittany Cheung (張童; Cheung Tung), was born on 24 January 2006.
Cheung earned 75 million HKD in 2014.[4]
Filmography
[edit]
Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Thank You, Sir | Cheung Ka-fai | |
| News Attack | Policeman at station | ||
| 1990 | It Takes Two to Mingle | Policeman | a.k.a. Takes Two to Mingle |
| Unmatchable Match | Policeman | ||
| Against All | Cheung Ka-fai (Steve) | a.k.a. Again All | |
| 1991 | Red Shield | Hui | |
| 1992 | Slice of Life | ||
| The Lucky Family | Jiu-choi | ||
| Laser Drama - To Be a Gamble King | Grasshopper | ||
| What a Hero! | Cop | ||
| The Unleaded Love | Chung | ||
| 1993 | Raped by an Angel | Dick | a.k.a. Naked Killer 2 |
| 1994 | Born Innocent | ||
| Shoot to Kill | Loo Sek-on | ||
| Wounded Tracks | Ma Tian | ||
| 1995 | Informer | ||
| Asian Connection | Rocky Sly / Casper | ||
| 1996 | Moonlight Sonata | Keung | TV movie |
| Ah Kam | Whacko | a.k.a. The Stuntwoman a.k.a. Ah Kam: Story of a Stuntwoman | |
| 1998 | The Conman | Dragon | Nominated – Hong Kong Film Award for Best Supporting Actor |
| 1999 | Raped By An Angel 4: The Rapist's Union | Smart Fai | |
| Prince Charming | Tart | ||
| The King of Debt Collecting Agent | |||
| The Conmen in Vegas | Dragon | ||
| The Tricky Master | Leung Foon | ||
| He is My Enemy, Partner and Father-in-law | Stallone | ||
| The Lord of Amusement | Yeung Chin-wah | ||
| 2000 | My Name is Nobody | No-Name | |
| The Duel | Dragon 9 | ||
| Conman in Tokyo | Jersey | ||
| The Teacher Without Chalk | Cheung Ying | ||
| Love Correction | Anson Cheung | ||
| Clean My Name, Mr. Coroner! | Fred Cheung | ||
| 2001 | Day Off | Lok | |
| Runaway | Dan | ||
| Every Dog Has His Date | King Fai | ||
| 2002 | Time 4 Hope | Yuen Kai-chi | |
| Happy Family | Small Han Sang | ||
| The Conman 2002 | Lee Ka-sing / Dommer | a.k.a. Conman 2002 | |
| 2003 | Fate Fighter | Leung | |
| Shiver | Dr. Ko Chuen | ||
| 2004 | Love is Love | Jia Jia-ming | |
| Breaking News | Insp. Cheung Chi-hang | ||
| 2005 | Election | Jet | |
| 2006 | Election 2 | Jet | Nominated – Hong Kong Film Award for Best Supporting Actor |
| On the Edge | Harry Sin | ||
| Exiled | Wo | ||
| Wise Guys Never Die | Nick Wong | ||
| 2007 | Sweet Revenge | Cheung Siu-chun | |
| Exodus | Kwan Ping-man | Nominated – Hong Kong Film Award for Best Supporting Actor | |
| 2008 | My Wife is a Gambling Maestro | Jay Chou | |
| Connected | Detective Fai | ||
| Beast Stalker | Hung King | Hong Kong Film Critics Society Award for Best Actor Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor Golden Horse Film Award for Best Actor Nominated – Asian Film Award for Best Supporting Actor | |
| 2009 | Red River | A Xia | |
| To Live and Die in Mongkok | Fai | ||
| 2010 | The Stool Pigeon | Inspector Don Lee | Nominated – Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor Nominated – Hong Kong Film Critics Society Award for Best Actor |
| 2011 | The Founding of a Party | Liang Qichao | |
| Treasure Inn | Lo Pa | ||
| 2012 | Nightfall | Wong Yuen-yeung | Nominated – Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor Nominated – 49th Golden Horse Film Awards for Best Actor |
| Cross | Wong Mei-bo | ||
| 2013 | Conspirators | Tseng Fung-hei | |
| Unbeatable | Cheng Fai | Hong Kong Film Critics Society Award for Best Actor Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Actor Shanghai International Film Festival for Best Actor Nominated – 50th Golden Horse Film Awards for Best Actor | |
| The White Storm | Cheung Tsz-wai | ||
| 2014 | Golden Chicken 3 | Gordon | |
| That Demon Within | Hon Kong / Riot police officer | ||
| Hungry Ghost Ritual | Zong Hua | Also director | |
| Temporary Family | Hong Siu-long | ||
| 2015 | From Vegas to Macau II | Mark | |
| Helios | Chief Inspector Eric Lee Yan-ming | ||
| Keeper of Darkness | Also director | ||
| 2016 | From Vegas to Macau III | Mark | |
| Line Walker | Blue | ||
| 2018 | The Trough | Yu Chau | Also director |
| 2019 | Line Walker 2: Invisible Spy | Inspector Ching | |
| Bodies at Rest | |||
| Hypnotize the Jury | |||
| Integrity | Hui Chik-yiu | ||
| 2022 | Warriors of Future | Sean Li | |
| 2023 | Bursting Point | Bond Sir | |
| Wolf Hiding | |||
| 2024 | Peg O' My Heart | Choi San-keung | Also as director and writer[5] |
| TBD | The Trier of Fact |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | No Way Out | Chung Kin | |
| 1991 | Who is the Winner | Seeto Siu-ming | |
| 1992 | Pride Knows No Love | Ng Tim-fuk | |
| Spirit of the Dragon | Tong Fat | a.k.a. Story of Bruce Lee | |
| 1993 | War of the Couple | ||
| Silver Tycoon | Yeu Kuk-yen | ||
| Gambler's Dream | Ho Sing-long | ||
| Race-Course Fever | Champion Ma | ||
| Who is the Winner II | Lau Ka-tsoi | ||
| The Brutal Trial | Leung Tin-loi | ||
| 1994 | The Kung Fu Master | Fong Sai-yuk | |
| Beauty Pageant | |||
| 1995 | House of Horror: Siren Song | ||
| 1997 | Mystery Files | Siu Cheuk-nam | |
| A Recipe for the Heart | Ah Fai | Guest star | |
| Triumph Over Evil | Cheung Chun-tin | ||
| 1998 | Secret of the Heart | Kelvin Kam Leung-wang | TVB Award for Most Improved Actor |
| Healing Hands | Peter Cheung Chong-yip | ||
| Moments of Endearment | Chan Yau-chung | ||
| 1999 | Game of Deceit | Yu Jung-jing | |
| A Smiling Ghost Story | Fong Ji-lung | ||
| 2000 | The Legendary Four Aces | Tong Bak-fu | TVB Award for My Favourite Television Character |
| 2001 | Law Enforcers | Chou Ka-wing | |
| 2003 | Ups and Downs in the Sea of Love | Jason Tin Wai-san | |
| Drunken Kungfu | |||
| 2004 | The Last Breakthrough | Albert Wong Po-fun | |
| 2005 | Xin Zui Da Jin Zhi | Guo Ai | a.k.a. Taming of the Shrew a.k.a. Princess Sheng Ping |
| 2007 | Best Selling Secrets | customer | Episode 137: "Despicable Big Brother" |
Dubbing roles
[edit]This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (March 2012) |
Cheung has also provided Cantonese voice dubs for foreign films and television programmes.
| Year | Title | Role | Original actor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Avatar | Jake Sully | Sam Worthington | Lead dubbing role |
References
[edit]- ^ "Nick Cheung named Best Actor". Yahoo News. 2014-01-16. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
- ^ "Hong Kong Cinemagic - Nick Cheung Ka Fai". Hkcinemagic.com. Archived from the original on 16 May 2005. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
- ^ "HKSAR Film No Top 10 Box Office: [2010.08.25] NICK CHEUNG IS WILLING TO BE A COP AGAIN". Hktopten.blospost.com. 27 August 2010. Archived from the original on 3 December 2010. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
- ^ "Louis Koo is 2014's highest-earning celebrity". Yahoo! News Asia. 29 December 2014. Archived from the original on 30 December 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
- ^ Lee, Edmund (26 March 2025). "Peg O' My Heart movie review: striking visuals, awful story in Nick Cheung horror thriller". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 28 March 2025. Retrieved 30 March 2025.
- ^ Nick Cheung at douban.com
- ^ Nick Cheung at chinesemov.com
External links
[edit]- Nick Cheung at IMDb
- Nick Cheung Ka-Fai at the Hong Kong Movie Database
- Nick Cheung on LoveHKFilm.com
- Nick Cheung at the Hong Kong Cinemagic
Nick Cheung
View on GrokipediaEarly Life and Background
Childhood and Family Origins
Nick Cheung was born on 2 December 1964 in Hong Kong to a family of Panyu, Guangdong origin, though his father abandoned the family when he was around five years old.[1][2] He grew up in the Shek Kip Mei area of Kowloon in a low-income household.[2][3] Cheung lived with his mother and three older sisters, forming a family of five after the departure.[2][3] The family endured significant poverty, with Cheung's eldest sister taking on the role of primary breadwinner to support them.[3] These early experiences involved shared family responsibilities amid financial strain, which marked his formative years in the densely populated, working-class Shek Kip Mei shantytown.[4][2]Entry into Law Enforcement and Shift to Entertainment
After completing junior secondary education, Nick Cheung joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1984, seeking a stable career amid family financial difficulties, with his eldest sister as the primary breadwinner.[1][3] He served as an officer for four years until 1988, initially motivated by a childhood ambition to join the force and aspire to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID).[5] However, facing limited promotion prospects when his transfer request to the CID was denied, Cheung left the police in pursuit of new challenges.[5] In 1988, a friend introduced Cheung to the film industry, leading him to work as a script holder (or production assistant) at Magnum Films Limited.[1] His professional acting debut came in 1989 with the film Thank You, Sir!, directed by Ivan Lai, where he portrayed a police cadet—a role directly inspired by his recent law enforcement experience, which added authenticity to his performance.[5][1] That same year, Cheung joined Asia Television Limited (ATV) as an actor, taking on minor supporting roles in dramas.[1]Career Development
Television Career
Nick Cheung began his television career in 1989 after leaving the Royal Hong Kong Police Force, joining Asia Television (ATV) where he took on initial acting roles during the station's World channel programming from 1989 to 1994.[6] His early work at ATV laid the foundation for his entry into Hong Kong's entertainment industry, including roles such as Chung Kin in No Way Out (1990), Szeto Siu Ming in Who Is the Winner (1991) and its 1992 sequel Who Is the Winner II, Ng Tim-fuk in Pride Knows No Love (1992), and Yiu Kuk Yan in Silver Tycoon (1993).[7] In 1994, Cheung transitioned to Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), Hong Kong's dominant free-to-air network, where he initially appeared in supporting roles that showcased his versatility. His background as a police officer influenced these formative portrayals, particularly in law enforcement-themed stories, allowing him to bring authentic intensity to characters navigating moral and professional dilemmas. By the late 1990s, Cheung evolved into lead roles, marking a significant shift in his TV presence; examples include Cheung Chan Tin in the 1997 supernatural drama Triumph Over Evil and Tong Bak Fu in the 2000 historical adventure The Legendary Four Aces, both spanning 20 to 52 episodes and highlighting his growing prominence across genres like action and fantasy.[7][8] Throughout the early 2000s, Cheung solidified his status as a leading TV actor at TVB, collaborating on high-profile productions that emphasized dramatic depth. Key series include Chow Ka Wing, a determined officer, in the 2001 police procedural Law Enforcers (20 episodes), and Wong Fu Fun in the 2004 crime thriller The Last Breakthrough (30 episodes), his final major TVB role before shifting focus to film.[7] He also ventured into mainland Chinese dramas, such as Long Shao Yu in the 2003 martial arts series Drunken Kung Fu (30 episodes). After departing TVB in 2004, Cheung largely stepped away from television for two decades, prioritizing cinematic projects.[6] Cheung made a notable return to television in 2025 with the lead role of Qin Yu, an upright judge entangled in a moral crisis, in the 20-episode Youku original drama Justice Is Mine, which premiered on September 28, 2025, and co-stars Myolie Wu and Joseph Zeng.[9][7] This adaptation of the Israeli format Your Honor marked his first series in 20 years, emphasizing themes of justice and family. Additionally, Cheung contributed to the series' soundtrack by performing the Cantonese theme song "因果之灰" (Ashes of Fate), underscoring his multifaceted talents as an actor and singer.[10]Film Career Breakthroughs
Following minor film roles starting in 1989, Nick Cheung gained prominence in the mid-1990s, where he took on supporting roles in low-budget comedies before achieving his initial breakthrough with the 1998 hit The Conman, directed by Wong Jing, in which he played a con artist alongside Cecilia Cheung and Andy Lau.[11] This role marked his transition from television sidekick to a recognizable comedic talent in Hong Kong cinema. The following year, Cheung solidified his rising status with The Tricky Master (1999), again under Wong Jing's direction, where he starred as an undercover cop turned conman opposite Stephen Chow, earning praise for his timing and physical comedy in a film that grossed HK$19.1 million at the Hong Kong box office.[12][13] By the mid-2000s, Cheung shifted toward more serious dramatic roles, leveraging his comedic foundation to explore intense character transformations. His pivotal turn came in Johnnie To's Exiled (2006), a noir crime thriller where he portrayed a conflicted triad member, showcasing emotional depth amid stylish gunplay and earning critical notice for moving beyond lighthearted fare. This evolution peaked with Dante Lam's Beast Stalker (2008), in which Cheung played a guilt-ridden police sergeant in a high-stakes kidnapping drama opposite Nicholas Tse; the performance, involving rigorous physical training and emotional vulnerability, won him multiple Best Actor awards, including at the Hong Kong Film Awards, and established him as a versatile lead capable of anchoring action-dramas.[14][11] Entering the 2010s, Cheung's career reached new commercial heights with genre-spanning blockbusters that highlighted his action prowess and dramatic range. In Unbeatable (2013), directed by Dante Lam, he portrayed a disgraced boxer mentoring a young fighter, undergoing an intense physical regimen at age 45 to perform authentic MMA sequences, which contributed to the film's box office success of over HK$44 million in Hong Kong.[15] He followed with the high-octane crime thriller Line Walker (2016), playing an undercover cop in a story adapted from a popular TVB series, co-starring Louis Koo and Francis Ng, where his role as a resilient agent navigating triad betrayals helped the film exceed HK$200 million in earnings across Asia. Cheung's versatility extended to sports dramas, thrillers, and action spectacles, allowing him to balance intense physical roles with nuanced emotional portrayals throughout the decade.[16] In recent years, Cheung has continued to diversify, directing and starring in the psychological thriller Peg O' My Heart (2024), where he plays an unorthodox psychiatrist treating a patient plagued by nightmares, collaborating with Fala Chen and Terrance Lau in a film that premiered at international festivals and explores themes of regret and redemption through surreal visuals. Looking ahead, as of late 2025, Cheung is set to film a warm road movie in Japan alongside Chung Suet Ying, marking a return to lighter tones while maintaining his dramatic edge, with production slated to begin soon after wrapping other commitments that included a project started in April 2025 with Fala Chen.[17][9]Directing and Producing Roles
Nick Cheung made his directorial debut with the horror anthology Hungry Ghost Ritual (2014), a project in which he also served as executive producer and lead actor, marking his transition into multifaceted creative roles within Hong Kong cinema.[18][19] The film, inspired by traditional ghost month rituals, explored supernatural themes through interconnected stories, allowing Cheung to exercise greater control over narrative pacing and visual style compared to his prior acting endeavors. His background in intense action and drama roles informed his directorial approach, emphasizing atmospheric tension and character-driven horror.[20] Building on this, Cheung directed Keeper of Darkness (2015), a supernatural thriller where he again starred as the protagonist and contributed to the story development, focusing on themes of grief and the afterlife.[18][21] The film delved into emotional turmoil amid ghostly hauntings, showcasing Cheung's ability to blend personal introspection with genre conventions. In 2018, he helmed The Trough, a gritty crime drama that he also wrote, highlighting urban decay and moral ambiguity in mainland China settings, with Cheung once more in the central role to underscore themes of redemption and societal pressure.[22][21] Cheung's most recent directorial effort, Peg O' My Heart (2024), further expanded his producing involvement as co-producer alongside Claudie Chung, while co-writing the screenplay with Ryan Ling to craft a psychological thriller examining insomnia, blurred realities, and karmic consequences.[18][23][21] Starring alongside Terrance Lau and Fala Chen, the film received praise in early 2025 reviews for its emotional depth in portraying dream-induced psychological distress and interpersonal bonds strained by trauma.[24] Through these projects, Cheung has consistently prioritized action-infused narratives and family-oriented emotional arcs, often self-starring to maintain authentic creative oversight.[25]Personal Life
Marriage and Family
Nick Cheung met actress Esther Kwan in the early 1990s while she was a leading star at Asia Television (ATV), and the couple began dating during that period.[26] They married on December 8, 2003, in a private ceremony in Australia.[27] Unlike Cheung's own childhood, marked by his father's departure and his family's reliance on his eldest sister as the breadwinner, his marriage to Kwan has provided a stable foundation for their family unit.[3] The couple welcomed their only child, daughter Brittany Cheung (also known as Cheung Tung), on January 24, 2006, in Hong Kong.[28] Residing in Hong Kong, Cheung and Kwan have prioritized family privacy amid their celebrity status, rarely sharing personal details or photos publicly, though occasional glimpses, such as a 2019 family visit to a friend's exhibition, highlight their close-knit dynamic.[28] Brittany, now a young adult, has occasionally drawn public attention during rare outings, like a 2021 family cycling trip where netizens noted her resemblance to both parents, underscoring the challenges of raising a child in the spotlight while shielding her from excessive media scrutiny.[29] In November 2025, Esther Kwan made a rare public appearance, drawing attention for her appearance and reaffirming the family's low-profile lifestyle.[30] Kwan took a significant hiatus from acting starting in 2008 to focus on motherhood and family, supporting Cheung's demanding film career by managing home life during his frequent absences for work.[31] In turn, Cheung has expressed concern for Kwan's well-being, such as during family hardships like the 2022 death of her brother, where he prioritized her emotional support.[32] Their mutual encouragement is evident in joint public appearances at events like the 2010 Hong Kong Film Awards, where they presented a united front, balancing professional respect with personal commitment.[33]Financial Success and Public Persona
Nick Cheung's financial success has been marked by significant earnings growth during the peak of his film career in the mid-2010s, driven by lucrative film deals and commercial endorsements. Following the box office success of From Vegas to Macau II in 2014, which grossed over US$154 million in mainland China, Cheung benefited from increased demand for Hong Kong actors in the mainland market.[34] This period also saw him involved in multiple high-profile projects, contributing to his overall professional prosperity through a combination of acting fees and endorsement opportunities. Additionally, Cheung demonstrated savvy real estate investments, such as selling a Happy Valley apartment in 2020 for a profit of approximately HK$28.77 million after owning it for over a decade, underscoring his financial acumen beyond on-screen work.[35] In recent years, Cheung has continued to capitalize on his marketability through endorsement deals that leverage his action-hero persona. A notable example is his role in Uber Taxi's August 2025 campaign in Hong Kong, where he starred in a series of martial arts-inspired advertisements depicting the chaos of traditional street hailing versus the convenience of the app, positioning him as a dynamic, relatable figure in everyday scenarios. This collaboration, created by agency Special, built on his established image from action-dramas and highlighted his enduring appeal in commercial advertising.[36] Cheung's public persona has evolved considerably from his early days as a comedic actor in films like The Conman (1998) to a respected dramatic lead, a transformation completed by the early 2010s through physically demanding roles that showcased his versatility and commitment. Media and fan perceptions often emphasize his humility and strong work ethic; for instance, in 2023, a netizen who encountered him shopping in casual attire described him as "warm and humble," while industry observers have praised him as one of Hong Kong's most diligent stars for his rigorous preparation and consistent output. This grounded image has been bolstered by his avoidance of major scandals, maintaining a clean professional reputation throughout his career. Cheung has also engaged in philanthropic efforts, aligning with his low-key personal values, such as attending charity events in Hong Kong, including a notable appearance at a fundraising activity in September 2014 to support community causes. These appearances reflect his selective involvement in giving back, often tied to broader social good without seeking publicity.[37]Awards and Recognition
Hong Kong Film Awards
Nick Cheung first received a nomination at the Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in The Conman at the 18th ceremony in 1999.[38] He earned his breakthrough recognition with a Best Actor nomination at the 26th Hong Kong Film Awards in 2007 for Election 2.[39] Cheung secured his first win in the category at the 28th Hong Kong Film Awards in 2009 for portraying a conflicted police sergeant in Beast Stalker, marking a pivotal moment in his transition to leading dramatic roles.[40][41] This victory was followed by another Best Actor nomination for Exiled at the same ceremony, highlighting his versatility in action-oriented ensemble casts.[39] In 2014, Cheung won Best Actor again at the 33rd Hong Kong Film Awards for Unbeatable, where he played a determined Muay Thai fighter, earning praise for his physical commitment to the role, including sustaining an injury during filming.[42][40][43] He also received the Best Attire Award at the same event alongside co-star Angela Baby for their red carpet appearance.[44] Cheung continued his accolades with dual nominations at the 35th Hong Kong Film Awards in 2016 for Keeper of Darkness: Best Actor for his lead role as a ghost-seeing security guard and Best New Director for helming the horror film.[45][44] Additionally, he garnered a Best Actor nomination at the 34th ceremony in 2015 for Line Walker, underscoring his sustained prominence in high-stakes action thrillers.[46]International and Other Honors
Nick Cheung has received several accolades beyond Hong Kong's primary film honors, recognizing his performances in international festivals and regional awards ceremonies. In 2009, he shared the Golden Horse Award for Best Leading Actor with Huang Bo for his portrayal of a desperate former boxer in Beast Stalker, an achievement that highlighted his ability to convey emotional depth in high-stakes action roles. This Taiwan-based award, often regarded as one of Asia's most prestigious, underscored Cheung's growing regional appeal.[47] Earlier that year, Cheung earned the Hong Kong Film Critics Society Award for Best Actor for the same role in Beast Stalker, where critics praised his intense depiction of moral conflict and physical toll. This recognition from the local critics' body affirmed his critical standing outside mainstream industry votes. Additionally, at the 2009 Asia-Pacific Film Festival, he won the Best Actor award for Beast Stalker, further cementing his international profile in the competitive Asian cinema landscape.[48][49] Cheung's performance as an aging mixed martial arts fighter in Unbeatable (2013) garnered further international praise. He received the Golden Goblet Award for Best Actor at the Shanghai International Film Festival, where the jury lauded his authentic physical transformation and emotional authenticity in the sports drama. Later that year, at the 10th Huading Awards in Macau, Cheung won Best Actor for Unbeatable, an honor voted by industry professionals across Chinese-language cinema. These wins highlighted his versatility in blending action with personal redemption narratives.[50][51] In recent years, Cheung has been honored for his broader contributions to film. At the 7th Malaysia International Film Festival in 2024, he received the Award for Excellent Achievement in Film, acknowledging his dual roles as actor and director over two decades. For his directorial work on the psychological thriller Peg O' My Heart (2024), Cheung won the Best Director Award at the Grimmfest Film Festival in Manchester, UK, recognizing his innovative exploration of dreams and reality. These accolades reflect his evolving influence in global Asian filmmaking circles.[52][53]Filmography
Feature Films
Nick Cheung has appeared in over 90 feature films since the late 1980s, often portraying complex characters ranging from law enforcement officers to triad members and everyday heroes. The following is a comprehensive listing of his feature film credits, grouped by decade, including year, title, and role where specified; directing and producing roles are noted accordingly.[18][54] 1980s and 1990s- 1989: News Attack as Policeman at station[18]
- 1989: Thank You, Sir as Cheung Ka Fai[18]
- 1990: Takes Two to Mingle as Policeman[18]
- 1990: Unmatchable Match as Policeman[18]
- 1990: Against All as Steve Cheung Ka Fai
- 1991: Red Shield as Hui[55]
- 1992: What a Hero! as Policeman[56]
- 1992: The Inspector Wears Skirts IV as Extra[55]
- 1992: The Unleaded Love[57]
- 1993: Angel of Vengeance (aka Raped by an Angel)[57]
- 1994: The Informer as Cheung Ka Fai[18]
- 1994: Born Innocent[57]
- 1994: Shoot to Kill[57]
- 1996: U Turn[57]
- 1996: The Stunt Woman[58]
- 1998: The Conman as King[59]
- 1998: Beast Cops[57]
- 1999: The Conman 2 as King[57]
- 2000: Clean My Name, Mr. Coroner! as Fred Cheung
- 2000: Love Correction as Anson Cheung
- 2000: The Teacher Without Chalk as Cheung Ying
- 2000: Conman in Tokyo as Jersy
- 2000: The Duel as Dragon 9[59]
- 2000: My Name Is Nobody[59]
- 2000: United We Stand, and Swim[18]
- 2001: Hit Team as Ken[18]
- 2001: Runaway as Dan[55]
- 2001: Day Off as Lok[18]
- 2001: La Brassiere[18]
- 2002: Paranoia (aka Deadly Fear)[18]
- 2002: The Eye as Dr. Lo[18]
- 2003: Good Times, Bed Times[18]
- 2003: Shiver[58]
- 2003: Fate Fighter[58]
- 2003: Sex and the Beauties[18]
- 2003: The Death Curse[18]
- 2004: Hidden Heroes[18]
- 2004: The Spoils of War[18]
- 2004: Whatever Will Be, Will Be[18]
- 2004: OK to Go (producer)[18]
- 2004: Breaking News as Inspector Lam
- 2004: The Tigers (aka Enter the Phoenix) as Brother Ying[18]
- 2005: Initial D as Bud[18]
- 2005: Election as Jet
- 2006: Exiled as Blaze[58]
- 2006: Election 2 (aka Triad Election) as Jet[58]
- 2007: The Matrimony as Jit Sen[18]
- 2007: Exodus as Shin[58]
- 2007: The Exile (aka Confession of Pain) as Hon-Sing[18]
- 2008: Beast Stalker as Hung King[54]
- 2008: The Forbidden Legend: Sex & Chopsticks as Chang San[18]
- 2009: Red River as Man[18]
- 2009: To Live and Die in Mongkok as Yan[7]
- 2009: Tactical Unit: Partners as Asu[18]
- 2010: The Stool Pigeon as Inspector Don Lee[54]
- 2010: Triple Tap as Ken[18]
- 2011: Beginning of the Great Revival as Liang Qichao[55]
- 2011: I Love Hong Kong as Hung Shing[55]
- 2011: Life Without Principle as Inspector Cheung[18]
- 2012: Nightfall as Wong Ping
- 2013: Unbeatable as Ching Fai (producer)[54]
- 2013: The White Storm as Cheung (producer)
- 2014: That Demon Within as Hon Kong[59]
- 2014: Line Walker as Ting Chuen
- 2015: Helios as Ren Chang-Qing[59]
- 2015: Keeper of Darkness (director)[54]
- 2015: Call of Heroes as So San[18]
- 2017: Happy Family (aka Always Be with You) as Andy[60]
- 2018: The Trough as Yu Qiu (director)[54]
- 2019: Bodies at Rest as Ren Yu-Chien
- 2019: Integrity as Chan King Lung[60]
- 2019: Line Walker 2: Invisible Spy as Ching To[7]
- 2019: Guilt by Design as Kit[61]
- 2023: Wolf Hiding (aka A Guilty Conscience) as He Jian Nan[61]
- 2024: Peg O' My Heart as lead role (director, co-writer)[54][25]
- 2024: Go for Broke as lead role[54]
- 2025: Untitled Japan film with Chung Suet Ying as father role (upcoming, title TBD)[9]
- 2025: 731 (guest role, upcoming)[7]
Television Series
Nick Cheung began his acting career in television with ATV in 1989, appearing in supporting roles in several action and drama series during the early 1990s. He transitioned to TVB in the mid-1990s, where he took on more prominent supporting and leading roles in popular serials, often portraying complex characters in crime, historical, and family dramas. His TVB tenure lasted until 2004, after which he focused primarily on films but made select guest appearances and returned to leading roles in 2025.[7][62] His notable television series roles, listed chronologically, include:- 1991: Who Is the Winner (ATV) - Szeto Siu Ming (supporting role in a 22-episode gambling drama).
- 1992: Who Is the Winner II (ATV) - Lau Ka Choi (supporting role in a 30-episode sequel).[7]
- 1993: Silver Tycoon (ATV) - Yiu Kuk Yan (supporting role in a 30-episode business drama).[7]
- 1993: The Brutal Trial (ATV) - Lead role in a 30-episode legal thriller.[62]
- 1994: The Kung Fu Master (ATV) - Fong Sai Yuk (supporting role in a 30-episode martial arts series).[7]
- 1997: Mystery Files (TVB) - Siu Cheuk Nam (supporting role in a 20-episode supernatural mystery).
- 1997: Triumph Over Evil (TVB) - Cheung Chan Tin (lead role in a 20-episode fantasy adventure).[7]
- 1998: Healing Hands (TVB) - Cheung Chong Yip / "Peter" (supporting role in a 32-episode medical drama).
- 1998: Moments of Endearment (TVB) - Main role in a 20-episode family drama.[7]
- 1998: Secret of the Heart (TVB) - Kam Leung Wang (supporting role in a 62-episode family saga).[1]
- 1999: A Smiling Ghost Story (TVB) - Main role in a 20-episode supernatural comedy.[7]
- 1999: Game of Deceit (TVB) - Yu Zhong Zheng (lead role in a 20-episode crime drama).
- 2000: The Legendary Four Aces (TVB) - Tong Bak Fu (lead role in a 52-episode comedy-action series).
- 2001: Law Enforcers (TVB) - Chow Ka Wing (lead role in a 20-episode police drama).
- 2003: Ups and Downs in the Sea of Love (TVB) - Jason Tin Wai-san (lead role in a 20-episode romance series).
- 2003: Drunken Kung Fu (TVB co-production) - Long Shao Yu (lead role in a 30-episode martial arts comedy).
- 2004: The Last Breakthrough (TVB) - Wong Fu Fun (lead role in a 30-episode action drama).
- 2005: Love with Princess (also known as Princess Sheng Ping, TVB) - Guo Ai (lead role in a 34-episode historical romance).[63]
- 2007: Best Selling Secrets (TVB) - Guest role as a customer in episode 137 of the 364-episode workplace comedy.[64]
- 2025: Justice Is Mine (TVB/Youku) - Qin Yu / Chun Yu (lead role as a former honest judge concealing a family secret in this 20-episode crime thriller).[65][66]
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