Liza Wang

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Elizabeth Wong Ming-Chun

Liza Wang performing in a Chinese opera outfit.
Chinese name 汪明荃
Pinyin wāng míngquán (Mandarin)
Jyutping wong1 ming4 cyun4 (Cantonese)
Origin Hong Kong
Born August 28, 1947 (1947-08-28) (age 60)
Shanghai, China
Other name(s) The Big Sister[1]
Occupation Actress, Singer, MC
Genre(s) Cantopop
Instrument(s) Singing
Years active 1971-present
Official site Liza Wang website

Dr. Elizabeth Wang, formally known as Dr. Wang Ming-chun, Elizabeth, S.B.S., and commonly known as Liza Wang is an accomplished diva, actress and MC in Hong Kong. She is a well-respected, influential and iconic personality amongst the Chinese-speaking communities. She has been nicknamed "The Big Sister" in the HK entertainment circle.[2] Wang was formerly a delegate in the National People's Congress from 1988 to 1997, she is currently a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.[3]

Contents

[edit] Entertainment career

[edit] TV

As one of 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.[3] She was one of the members of the all-girl music group Four Golden Flowers.[4] Wang initially made her mark in the entertainment industry in drama series. Her success in front of the camera allowed her to work behind the scenes with television productions.

In 2005, she received the Best Actress award after defeating Kenix Kwok during TVB's 38th Anniversary. She received this award the 2nd time for her breakthrough sassy role in Wars of In-laws. Liza celebrated her 40th anniversary in the entertainment industry in 2007.

[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 of TV theme songs. She has sung in cantopop as well as mandopop songs. Earlier in her career, she has performed some memorable duets with fellow actor Adam Cheng. She continues to perform TV theme songs such as "東方之珠" for musical series like the 2006 Glittering Days.[5]

[edit] Cantonese Opera

Her love of Cantonese opera led her to experiment with 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. 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.[3] 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. Wang was also the Chairman of the "Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong" (香港八和會館) from 1992 to 1997, then again 2005 to 2009.[3]

In 2007 Wang was awarded the "Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award".[3] She was later awarded the Honorary Doctoral of Letters by the CityU of Hong Kong to recognize her significant contributions to the community and in particular to the art and cultural development of Hong Kong.

[edit] Political career

[edit] Pan-democrat home return permits request

Since the 1997 transfer of sovereignty, the Communist Party of China have banned 8 of the 25 Hong Kong pan-democrat legislative councilors. They are barred from the mainland except for tours organized by the government.[6] On March 6, 2008 Wang began publicizing the need to grant 24 Home Return Permit to the pro-democracy lawmakers.[7][8] Wang mentioned it was good timing to invite the democrats to enter mainland China in time for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.[8]

“ "CPPCC chairman Jia Qinglin said we should unite people from different sectors - why not include the democrats as well?[8] ”

—Liza Wang tries to unite the opposing Democrats and Pro-Beijing side in Hong Kong.

The Pro-Beijing party Democratic Alliance for the Betterment of Hong Kong member Tam Yiu Chung responded that the olympics was not a good reason for changing what the central government used to do. Her voicing of concern has baffled her colleagues in the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.[1] Democrat member Albert Ho said the issue of a home visit permit was such a rightful thing. It has never been mentioned by any politician but a performer. He appreciates Wang's efforts.[8] Wang is a member, but not a standing committee member of the CPPCC.

[edit] Community work

As a mainstay at the TVB television network, Dr. 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. Within Hong Kong, she has also been a MC hosting TVB telethons for Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and many other charities. Wang has also founded and funded a home for the less-fortunate.

Wang, being a two time cancer survivor (first thyroid then breast cancer), she decided to be an executive committee member of the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society.[3] A series of informative radio talk shows on RTHK was also hosted where medical specialists were invited to discuss the many types of cancer. She has helped raised charities, awareness and fundings for cancer patients. Recently a free concert was given at Tin Shui Wai for 4,500 residents. The concert was so crowded, it prevented 400 invited fans from entering the concert venue. The crowd prevented guest performers like Miriam Yeung and Denise Ho from arriving on time. Denise Ho ascribed the audience overflow to Wang's popularity.[2]

[edit] Personal life

Liza was married during the height of her career to a businessman. The marriage ended in divorce due to Liza's immense love for her work. Liza then had a relationship with Ho Sau Shun but their relationship did not last long due to personality differences. In the late 1980s, Liza was looking for a partner to spark off her Cantonese Opera career and was introduced to Law Kar Ying, her current boyfriend, and have been looked upon as a couple ever since.

[edit] Series

This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

[edit] Awards

  • The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Silver Bauhinia Star (2004)
  • TVB Best Actress (2001, 2005)
  • RTHK Gold Needle Award (2005)
  • Jessica The Most Successful Women (2005)
  • Mont Blanc de la Culture International Award (2007)
  • etc.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b The standard HK. "The standard HK." Wang in Big step on home permits. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
  2. ^ a b Xinhuanet. "Xinhuanet." Fans jam-pack Liza Wang's free concert. Retrieved on 2008-03-10.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Cityu.edu.hk. "Cityu.edu.hk." 城大將頒授榮譽博士學位予四位領袖. Retrieved on 2008-03-10.
  4. ^ Television Broadcasts Limited TVB - Lydia shum exclusive - 東張西望之永恆的開心果 - 肥姐 - 02-21-2008.
  5. ^ First for Music News. "NME." Liza Wang videos. Retrieved on 2008-03-10.
  6. ^ Scmp. "Scmp." End democrats travel ban, delegate urges. Retrieved on 2008-03-10.
  7. ^ The standard HK. "The standard HK." Wang in Big step on home permits. Retrieved on 2008-03-10.
  8. ^ a b c d The standard HK. "The standard HK." TV star hopes home visits can turn democrats into patriots. Retrieved on 2008-03-10.

[edit] External links

v • d • e
TVB Masters of Ceremonies
Liza Wang · Sharon Chan · Lydia Shum · Carol Dodo Cheng · Eric Tsang · Natalis Chan · Patrick Dunn · Shek Sau · Sonija Kwok · Kate Tsui · Derek Li · Johnson Lee · Amigo Choi · Wong Yi Hing
Awards
Preceded by
Richard Lam		 Golden Needle Award of RTHK Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs Award
2004		 Succeeded by
Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra
Languages