Liza Wang

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Liza Wang (right), in Blade Heart, a drama released in 2004. Seen on her left is Adam Cheng
Liza Wang (right), in Blade Heart, a drama released in 2004. Seen on her left is Adam Cheng

Liza Wang (Chinese: 汪明荃; pinyin: Wāng Míngquán, born August 28, 1948, in Shanghai) (formally known as Miss Wang Ming-chun, Elizabeth, S.B.S., and informally as "The Big Sister") is an accomplished diva, actress and performer in the Hong Kong entertainment industry. Formerly a delegate in the National People's Congress, she is currently a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

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[edit] Introduction

As a mainstay at the TVB television network, Liza Wang has gained almost legendary status for her efforts not merely as an entertainer but also as a philanthropist with a heart for social works and for improving lives in rural China and other areas.

[edit] Television

Liza Wang is a respected, influential and iconic personality amongst the Chinese-speaking communities of the world in 1970s. Arguably the most successful TV actress in Hong Kong, her works and movies span four decades, from 1967 onwards; working for another TV station until she joined TVB in 1971. Dedicated, hard working and blessed with an immaculate voice, Liza Wang made her mark in the Hong Kong television and entertainment industry, initially in drama series and then as a singer. Her success in front of the camera leading to her working behind the scenes and to work in television production.

[edit] Singing Career

In parallel with her acting career Wang had, and to some extent still has, a successful singing career. This was a career originally based around albums for her television series consisting usually of the main title song, a couple of sub theme songs, which had been used as incidental music in the series, and a couple of Cantopop songs used as filler. When her leading man was Adam Cheng, who had a musical career based on the same format, the result were some memorable duets.

[edit] Cantonese Opera

During her time in the wilderness she continued to MC for TVB but her love of Cantonese opera led her to experiment with Cantonese opera inspired stage musicals, before becoming a fully fledged Cantonese Opera Actress. Her involvement in this scene greatly contributed to her musical abilities; and it was within the Cantonese opera community that Wang met her long time partner Law Kar Ying, and Wang was the first female chair of Hong Kong's Cantonese Opera performers. As a member of this group she helped save (in 2005) the last commercial venue suitable for Cantonese Opera performances from closure and redevelopment.

[edit] Personal Life

Liza was married during the height of her career. The marriage ended in divorce and no children due to her busy filming schedule and growing relationship with then colleague and friend Ho Sau Shun, who was also married at the time. Hence, even after Liza became single, their relationship was heavily scrutinized by the public forcing the two to separate. Ho later immigrated to Canada after divorcing his wife. Liza is currently with long time partner Law Kar Ying, whom she met when he invited her to perform in one of his opera openings.

[edit] Today

Still as popular as before, Liza Wang continues to film series for TVB. In 2005, Liza Wang received the Best Actress award after defeating close rival Kenix Kwok during TVB's 38th Anniversary. She received this award the 2nd time for her breakthrough sassy role in War of In-Laws. Liza will celebrate her 40th anniversary in the entertainment industry in 2007. Major concerts and celebrations are being planned to acknowledge her countless contributions during the joyous occasion.

Liza has also put an enormous effort on expanding her Cantonese Opera career, basing on the influence from the position of NPC. Liza Wang had been a delegate in the National People's Congress, and now she is currently a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

And Liza Wang has joined the Cantonese Opera association as the representative, having the powerful influence on the government's policy. In 2005 the Sunbeam Theatre in North Point, Hong Kong's only regular venue for Cantonese Opera performances, was planned to close following a change of ownership. Liza Wang decided to negotiate with the new owner, who then promised to extend the contract with the Cantonese Opera groups. Liza Wang then criticized the Government for its lack of support for Cantonese Opera, and the Government promised to adopt Wang's request.

[edit] Series

  • Legend of the Purple Hairpin (based on a classic Cantonesee opera and a possible inspiration for Wang's move into Cantonese Opera)
  • The Legend of the Book and the Sword (1976)
  • A House is not a Home
  • The Saga of the Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre (1978)
  • Chor Lau Heung (1979)
  • The Shell Game I (1980)and The Shell Game II (although there was continuity between the storylines of the two series, Patrick Tse and Liza Wang each played a different role in the sequel than they had in the original)
  • Yesterday’s Glitter (1980)
  • Yang's Family Women Warriors
  • Qiú Jǐn (秋瑾)(1984)
  • Love Story And Fantasyland (1999)
  • At the Threshold of An Era (1999/2000)
  • A Matter of Customs (2000)
  • The Awakening Story (2001)- Liza won the TVB Best Actress award for her role in this series
  • Let's Face It (2002)
  • Blade Heart(2004)
  • Wars of In-Laws (2005) - Liza won the TVB Best Actress award again for her role in this series. Liza is the first TVB actress to get the award twice.
  • When Rules Turn Loose (2005)
  • Glittering Days (2006)
  • Wars of In-Laws II (2007)
This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

[edit] Awards


[edit] External links


[edit] See also

TVB Masters of Ceremonies
Liza Wang | Priscilla Ku | Lydia Shum | Dodo Cheng | Eric Tsang | Natalis Chan | Dunn Tse Fung | Shek Sau | Sonija Kwok | Kate Tsui | Derek Li | Johnson Lee
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