Liza Wang
| Liza Wang | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 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 |
28 August 1947 Republic of China Shanghai, Republic of China | ||||||||
| Other name(s) | The Big Sister[1] | ||||||||
| Occupation | Actress, Singer, MC | ||||||||
| Genre(s) | Cantopop, Chinese Opera | ||||||||
| Instrument(s) | Singing | ||||||||
| Years active | 1967-present | ||||||||
| Spouse(s) |
Lau Cheung Wah (1971 - 1983) Law Kar-ying (May 2, 2009 - ) | ||||||||
| Official Website | Liza Wang website | ||||||||
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Awards
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Elizabeth "Liza" Wang, SBS (born 28 August 1947) is an accomplished diva, actress and MC from Hong Kong. She is a well-known personality in 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]
Entertainment career
Liza Wang moved to Hong Kong in the autumn of 1956 and her passion for performing arts drove her to sign up for Rediffusion Hong Kong's first Artist Academy class in 1967. Out of the thousands of applicants, the 20-year-old Liza was one of the lucky nine that were handpicked to attend acting classes. Liza was also the first to graduate from the academy and Liza holds the graduation certificate with the serial number: 001.
Television
As one of the most prolific television actors in Hong Kong, her career has spanned four decades, since 1967. She began working for a different television station until she joined TVB in 1971. 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 during TVB's 38th Anniversary. She received this award the 2nd time for her breakthrough role in Wars of In-laws. Liza Wang received her first Best Actress award for her drama series The Awakening Story in 2001. She celebrated her 40th anniversary in the entertainment industry in 2007.
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 performed memorable duets with singer Adam Cheng. She continues to perform TV theme songs such as "東方之珠" for musical series like the 2006 Glittering Days.[5]
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 longtime 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] Wang decided to negotiate with the new owner, who then promised to extend the contract with the Cantonese Opera groups. Wang then criticized the Government for its lack of support for Cantonese Opera, and the Government promised to adopt Wang's request.
Wang was Chairman of the Chinese Artist 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 City University of Hong Kong to recognize her significant contributions to the community and in particular to the art and cultural development of Hong Kong.
In February 2009 Wang fought for the development rights to restore the North Kowloon Magistracy building (北九龍裁判法院) in Sham Shui Po.[6] The building was originally proposed to be a new Cantonese opera training and performance center. Hong Kong's government granted the bid to the US Savannah College of Art and Design.[6] Wang was upset over the loss, and said the government was only paying lip service to causes such as Cantonese opera. The magistracy building is to be turned into a school specializing in creative and digital media.[6][7]
Political career
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.[8] On March 6, 2008 Wang began publicizing the need to grant 24 Home Return Permit to the pro-democracy lawmakers.[9][10]
2008 Beijing Olympics
Wang mentioned that it was good timing to invite the democrats to enter mainland China in time for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.[10]
| “ | "CPPCC chairman Jia Qinglin said we should unite people from different sectors - why not include the democrats as well?[10] | ” |
| —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. [citation needed] Her concerns 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.[10] Wang is a member, but not a standing committee member of the CPPCC.
Community work
As a mainstay at the TVB television network, 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, 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 filled to capacity and hundreds were turned away. 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]
Personal life
Liza Wang was married during the height of her career to a businessman. The marriage ended in divorce. In the late 1980s, she met Law Kar-ying, openly acknowledged as her partner for over twenty years, and whom she married on May 2, 2009 in Las Vegas.[11]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | Eternal Spring 《永恆的春天》 | Mao Yuin Yuin 毛圓圓 | |
| 1975 | The Golden Chrysanthemum 《金葉菊》 | Zhau Yuk Sin 周玉仙 | |
| 1975 | Lady with the Lute 《趙五娘》 | Zhiu Ng Niong 趙五娘 | |
| 1975 | Legend of the Purple Hairpin 《紫釵記》 | Fok Siu Yuk 霍小玉 | |
| 1976 | The Legend of the Book and the Sword 《書劍恩仇錄》 | Fok-ching-tung 霍青桐 | |
| 1977 | A House Is Not a Home 《家變》 | Lok Lam 洛琳 | TVB Anniversary Award for All-Time Most Memorable Female Leading Roles |
| 1979 | Chor Lau-heung 《楚留香》 | Shum Wai-san 沈慧珊 | |
| 1980 | Yesterday's Glitter 《京華春夢》 | Ho Yin-chau 賀燕秋 | |
| 1981 | Young's Female Warrior 《楊門女將》 | Muk Gui-yin 穆桂英 | |
| 1982 | Love and Passion 《萬水千山總是情》 | Chong Mung-deep 莊夢蝶 | |
| 1984 | Qiu Jin: A Woman To Remember 《秋瑾》 | Qiu Jin 秋瑾 | |
| 1999 | At the Threshold of an Era 《創世紀》 | Fong Kin-ping 方健平 | |
| 2000 | At the Threshold of an Era II 《創世紀 II》 | Fong Kin-ping 方健平 | TVB Anniversary Award for My Favourite Television Character |
| 2001 | The Awakening Story 《婚前昏後》 | Lam Ho Suet 林皓雪 | TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress TVB Anniversary Award for My Favourite Television Character |
| 2004 | Blade Heart 《血薦軒轅》 | Tong Bik 唐碧 | |
| 2005 | Wars of In-Laws 《我的野蠻奶奶》 | Hei Tap-Lap Shek Lan 喜塔臘鑠蘭 | TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress |
| The Unforgettables 《名曲滿天星》 | Nominated - Best Presenter (Top 5) | ||
| 2006 | When Rules Turn Loose 《識法代言人》 | Suen Man-Yee 孫敏儀 | Nominated - TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress Nominated - TVB Anniversary Award for My Favourite Female Character |
| Glittering Days 《東方之珠》 | Gam Yin 金燕 | Nominated - TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress (Top 5) Nominated - TVB Anniversary Award for My Favourite Female Character | |
| 2008 | Wars of In-Laws II 《野蠻奶奶大戰戈師奶》 | Gwo Bik 戈碧 | |
| When Easterly Showers Fall on the Sunny West 《東山飄雨西關晴》 | Chong Fung-yi 莊鳳儀 | Nominated - TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress | |
| 2010 | OL Supreme 《女皇辦公室》 | Lui Siu-fung 雷小鳳 | Nominated - TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress Nominated - TVB Anniversary Award for My Favourite Female Character |
| Home Troopers 《居家兵團》 | Lai Ka-ka 黎嘉嘉 | Nominated - TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress (Top 5) | |
| 2011 | Super Snoops 《荃加福祿壽探案》 | Sun Chiu-tung 辛潮彤 | Nominated - TVB Anniversary Award for My Favourite Female Character |
| 2012 | Divas in Distress 《巴不得媽媽》 | Sheung Ying-hung 商映紅 | Nominated - TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress |
| 2013 | Across Heaven and Earth 《縱橫天地》 | Kwan Yeuk-nam 關若男 | filming |
Acting Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Series | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | TVB Anniversary Awards | All-Time Most Memorable Female Leading Roles | A House is not a Home | Won |
| 2000 | TVB Anniversary Awards | My Favourite Television Character | At the Threshold of an Era II | Won |
| 2001 | TVB Anniversary Awards | Best Actress | The Awakening Story | Won |
| My Favourite Television Character | Won | |||
| 2005 | TVB Anniversary Awards | Best Actress | War of In-Laws | Won |
| 2006 | TVB Anniversary Awards | Best Actress | When Rules Turn Loose | Nominated |
| My Favourite Female Character | Nominated | |||
| 2007 | TVB Anniversary Awards | Best Actress | Glittering Days | Nominated |
| My Favourite Female Character | Nominated | |||
| 2008 | TVB Anniversary Awards | Best Actress | War of In-Laws II | Top 5 |
| My Favourite Female Character | Nominated | |||
| 2009 | TVB Anniversary Awards | Best Actress | When Easterly Showers Fall on the Sunny West | Nominated |
| 2010 | TVB Anniversary Awards | Best Actress | OL Supreme | Nominated |
| My Favourite Female Character | Nominated | |||
| Best Host | Fun With Liza and Gods | Won | ||
| 2011 | TVB Anniversary Awards | Best Actress | Home Troopers | Top 5 |
| My Favourite Female Character | Super Snoops | Nominated | ||
Honors
- Silver Bauhinia Star (2004)
- TVB Best Actress (2001, 2005)
- RTHK Gold Needle Award (2005)
- Mont Blanc de la Culture International Award (2007)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 The standard HK "The standard HK". Wang in Big step on home permits. Retrieved on 2008-03-07.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Xinhuanet. "Xinhuanet". Fans jam-pack Liza Wang's free concert. Retrieved on 2008-03-10.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 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.
- ↑ Television Broadcasts Limited TVB - Lydia Shum exclusive - 東張西望之永恆的開心果 - 肥姐 - 02-21-2008.
- ↑ First for Music News. "NME". Liza Wang videos. Retrieved on 2008-03-10.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 The Standard HK. "The Standard.com". http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=78355&sid=22755290&con_type=3. Retrieved on 2009-03-13.
- ↑ "Yahoo". 八和落選 汪明荃轟黑箱作業 Retrieved on 2009-03-13
- ↑ Scmp. "Scmp". End democrats' travel ban, delegate urges. Retrieved on 2008-03-10.
- ↑ The standard HK. "The standard HK". Wang in Big step on home permits. Retrieved on 2008-03-10.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 The standard HK. "The standard HK". TV star hopes home visits can turn democrats into patriots Retrieved on 2008-03-10
- ↑ "New bride: 61-year-old Liza Wang". China Daily. May 5, 2009. Retrieved May 7, 2009.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Wang Ming-chun, Elizabeth. |
| Awards and achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| TVB Anniversary Awards | ||
| Preceded by Carol Cheng for War of the Genders |
Best Actress 2001 for The Awakening Story |
Succeeded by Flora Chan for Family Man |
| Preceded by Gigi Lai for War and Beauty |
Best Actress 2005 for Wars of In-laws |
Succeeded by Charmaine Sheh for Maidens' Vow |
| RTHK Top 10 Chinese Golden Songs Award | ||
| Preceded by Richard Lam |
Golden Needle Award 2004 |
Succeeded by Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra |
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