HONG KONG – Veteran actor Cheung Kam-Ching on Monday revealed cherished memories of the late drama master Chung King-fai during the opening ceremony of an exhibition honoring the legendary director, while also confirming that his divorce from actress Zhang Yan was quietly finalized long ago.
Speaking at the “Drama Master Chung King-fai Memorial Exhibition,” Cheung described a deep bond that went beyond teacher and student. Despite Chung often teasing him for being mischievous, Cheung said the revered figure showed him genuine care. He recalled one vivid incident during rehearsals when he and fellow actors secretly played mahjong in a changing room. Security caught them and demanded written apologies.
“At that time, Chung was the dean and fought for us to receive a lighter punishment,” Cheung said. “He even joked that if we wanted to play mahjong, we should do it at his house—not inside school.” Cheung added that he believes he was the first performer to imitate Chung’s mannerisms, and that the master himself couldn’t help but smile when he saw it.
Chung, a towering figure in Hong Kong’s theater and television scene, died in 2021 at age 84. He mentored generations of actors, including Cheung, who rose to fame in the 1990s and has since worked across stage and screen.
Personal Life Update
Turning to his private life, Cheung addressed long-standing rumors about his marriage to Zhang Yan, best known for her role in the mainland Chinese hit drama “Huan Zhu Ge Ge.” He stated that the divorce procedures were handled years ago, and he knew the news would eventually come to light.
“It’s very straightforward,” Cheung said. “As long as I have the strength, I’ll focus on finishing my work and living well.” The couple’s daughter, Cheung Keng-meng, is now 21 and studying abroad in New Zealand. Cheung noted that because she is an adult, there is no custody issue, and she has long accepted the divorce.
The actor, who has kept a relatively low profile in recent years, suggested he is channeling energy into his career rather than dwelling on the past.
Legacy and Exhibition
The exhibition, held at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, features rare photographs, stage props, and personal items from Chung’s six-decade career. Cheung’s presence underscores the lasting impact Chung had on his students. “He was a strict teacher, but he gave us room to grow,” Cheung said.
The memorial runs through late November, offering the public a chance to revisit the work of a man who shaped Hong Kong’s performing arts. For Cheung, the event is a bittersweet reminder of a mentor who guided him with both discipline and humor—lessons he still carries today.
