Andy Lau is one of the most iconic figures not only in the entertainment industry of Hong Kong but also Asia. Not many entertainers in the world have managed to be one of the most successful figures in both the entertainment and music industries. Andy Lau has been one of the most commercially successful film actors since the mid-1980s, performing in more than 160 films while maintaining a successful singing career. Top 10 of Asia takes a journey through the inspiring life and career of Andy Lau.
Andy Lau was born in September 1961 in Tai Po, Hong Kong. He is the son of a fireman and the fourth child of the family. Lau was born into a rich family but was left in the slums of Diamond Hill by his father at age six. His career began when he signed up for the artist training programme offered by TVB. He would take on many lead roles in many TVB series. Lau began acting in films and had his first leading role in 1983 in the Shaw Brothers-produced action film, On the Wrong Track. He is best known in films for his recurring roles as a “Heroic Gangster”.
Lau would solidify his legacy as an actor by going on to win many film awards, one such occasion was when he won the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor for ‘Running Out of Time’ in 1990. In 2004, he won the prestigious Golden Horse Award for Best Leading Actor for his performance in ‘Infernal Affairs III’. For Western audiences, he is known for starring in wuxia films. In 2005, Lau received the No. 1 Box office Actor 1985-2005 award of Hong Kong. Lau is also a prominent film producer.
Lau released his first album “Only Know that I Still Love you” under Capital Artists in 1985. The album was not a hit. His voice was also not one commonly associated with popular music. However, Lau stayed true to his voice. He reached a stellar status in 1990 with the release of his album entitled “Would It Be Possible”. Due to his influence in the Cantopop scene, Lau, together with Jacky Cheung, Aaron Kwok and Leon Lai were referred to by the Chinese media as “the Four Heavenly Kings”. Some of his notable hits include “The Days We Spent Together”, “True Forever” and “You Are My Woman”. From the Jade Solid Gold Top 10 Awards, he won the “Most Popular Hong Kong Male Artist” award 7 times and the “Asia Pacific Most Popular Hong Kong Male Artist” award 15 times. He holds the Guinness World Record for “Most Awards Won by a Cantopop Male Artist”. His most recent tour was the Andy Lau World Tour which made a stop in Kuala Lumpur and was organised by StarPlanet.
Andy Lau’s almost 40-year career of consistently delivering quality performances has made many to consider him a living legend. At 58 years old, Lau is still very much active and keeps drawing in big crowds. Millions of people around the world shall continue to be captivated by Lau.