Hong Kong actress and mother of three, Cecilia Cheung, recently revealed that she has already finalized her will, stating that she took the preemptive legal action to mitigate potential financial disputes among her family after her death. The disclosure came during a candid conversation with fellow entertainment veterans on the Chinese reality program, Along the Way 2.
Cheung, 45, known for her roles in films like King of Comedy and Priceless, shared the detail during an episode focused on discussing mortality and final preparations. Engaging with actresses Carina Lau, Ning Jing, and Liu Xiaoqing, Cheung explained that she instructed a lawyer to meticulously draft the legal document. Ms. Lau expressed surprise at the actress’s early planning, to which Cheung calmly responded, “I don’t want to see unsightly arguments [over money] after I pass away.”
The actress further elaborated that her preparations extend beyond financial allocation. She has personally selected her own portrait for her funeral and even chosen her burial garments, underscoring a pragmatic acceptance of her own end-of-life planning. Cheung articulated a philosophy emphasizing fulfillment over longevity, stating, “I am not afraid of death; I am ready to go at any time.” She believes that once a person has lived their life and achieved their goals, a permanent presence is unnecessary.
Cheung is the mother of three sons: Lucas and Quintus, from her previous marriage to actor Nicholas Tse, which ended after five years, and Marcus, born in 2018, whose father has never been publicly identified.
During the discussion, Ms. Lau questioned whether Cheung’s maternal ties did not create lingering attachments, specifically to her children. Cheung countered this notion with a resolute statement about her commitment as a living mother. “There are no attachments because I have put all my effort into loving them while I am alive,” she explained. “When I leave, they must also put all their effort into loving themselves.”
This perspective highlights a proactive approach to parenting and personal affairs, ensuring that her legacy is defined by love and preparation, rather than posthumous conflict. While acknowledging that concern naturally exists, Cheung maintained that when the moment of departure actually arrives, those worries will not hold sway.
Proactive Estate Planning: An Unconventional Necessity
Cheung’s decision sheds light on the importance of comprehensive estate planning, particularly for high-net-worth individuals and public figures where assets may be complex and family dynamics volatile. Expert legal advice suggests that proactively drafting a will prevents assets from being subject to prolonged and often acrimonious probate proceedings.
The episode provided an uncommon look at a celebrity openly discussing sensitive topics typically kept private, prompting viewers to consider their own readiness for end-of-life matters. By ensuring that her final wishes regarding both sentiment and finance are clearly documented, Cheung aims to provide her children with clarity and stability during a period of inevitable grief. Her emphasis on preparing for death as an integral part of living offers a crucial takeaway: effective life planning encompasses careful preparation for one’s passing.
