Stephen Chow is a veteran actor and director in Chinese cinema. Fans call him the “King of Comedy” and the “Box Office King” of Hong Kong. His film earnings combined with smart real estate investments and a frugal lifestyle have made him one of Hong Kong’s richest stars. Yet, approaching 60, he still lives alone and keeps away from drama.
Owner of a 7,000 Billion VND Empire
Most people know Stephen Chow as an actor and director but don’t realize he’s also a major businessman with stakes in several large companies. Hong Kong media estimates his fortune at around 2.6 billion HKD (over 7,000 billion VND).
In the 1990s, Chow set records for topping Hong Kong box office charts multiple times. Starting as an actor, he founded his own production company, Star Overseas, in 1989 to produce films he directed and starred in. Four years later, he launched another company, Star Cinema, which produced huge hits like “A Chinese Odyssey,” “The God of Cookery,” “Shaolin Soccer,” and “Kung Fu Hustle.”
Though rarely seen in public, Chow is a popular face for beer and beverage ads in China. His recent films also feature product placements, adding to his revenue beyond ticket sales.
He invested heavily in movie theaters too. In 2002, he started Bingo Film and acquired four cinema chains for 30 million RMB. His company expanded to theaters across cities like Chongqing, Chengdu, Guizhou, and Shanghai.
Beyond film, Chow is a savvy investor in real estate and stocks. He’s close friends with Hong Kong billionaires like Lui Che Woo and Yang Shuting, who have shared business tips. Chow owns many prime land plots around Hong Kong, including a coveted bungalow on Victoria Peak, one of the world’s most expensive neighborhoods.
He also owns a fast-food chain under his name in Hong Kong, runs the Angel Hong Kong football club, and invests in perfume and wine businesses.
Frugal to the Point of “Extreme Thrift”
Despite his 7,000 billion VND fortune, Chow is famous for his simple, even stingy lifestyle. Besides his artistic work, he sets strict rules for himself: limiting commercials, avoiding entertainment events, and never lending money to friends. His reclusive, low-profile way of living defines his personality.
In the early 2000s, Chow bought a Ferrari 360 Modena, his first and only supercar. Later, he became an environmental advocate and switched to riding a bicycle. The Ferrari was left unused in his garage and often lent to staff.
His humble habits have sparked criticism. One infamous moment was when paparazzi spotted him leaving a restaurant carrying leftover food. Many saw it as a sign that despite his wealth, he was overly frugal.
What few know is that Chow was one of the most generous celebrities during the devastating Wenchuan earthquake. He donated 30 million RMB to affected families quietly, without publicizing it or setting up a charity foundation in his name. He preferred to give in his own way.
Living Alone
Now 58, Chow still lives a solitary life. For nearly six decades, he’s been used to eating meals cooked by his mother. She once said, “I still take care of him. Stephen Chow still eats the food I prepare every day.”
He’s had relationships with famous Chinese actresses like Maggie Cheung, Loletta Lee, Cherie Chung, and Vivian Chow. However, none ended happily and some even caused media scandals. At 58, Chow keeps his private life very secret, and no one has seen him with a partner in years.
Stephen Chow and Cherie Chung once had a beautiful but broken romance
As for why he never married, some say he lost faith in love after two failed relationships with Loletta Lee and Cherie Chung. Others suggest his parents’ failed marriage deeply affected him, making him distrust marriage altogether.
At the end of 2020, Chinese media reported that the “King of Comedy” owed 1 billion RMB (about 3,500 billion VND) due to gambling losses, shocking the public. After the rumors, Chow’s representatives denied the claims, saying, “The information about Chow owing a huge debt to investors because of gambling is false and harms his reputation. We hope this stops spreading or we will take legal action.”
However, his team didn’t reveal details about the company’s financial status recently.
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