HONG KONG – Hong Kong entertainment icon Sammi Cheng traded glitzy celebrations for a simple tea house meal with husband and singer Andy Hui on her birthday this year, offering a rare glimpse into her down-to-earth life amid a packed professional schedule.
Cheng, 52, appeared alongside fellow celebrities including Jeffrey Ngai, Marf Yau, Elva Ni, and former beauty queens at a fashion brand cocktail party Friday evening. The gathering came just days after her Aug. 19 birthday, which coincided with Hui’s birthday according to the lunar calendar.
“I didn’t throw a party. Just a few friends celebrated with me individually,” Cheng told reporters. “We happened to run into veteran singer Wan Kwong at the tea house. That was it – just our ordinary life. Birthdays don’t need special celebrations.”
The singer-actress explained that two major performances in September require her to abstain from alcohol, while Hui’s preference for casual dining further steered the couple toward a low-key outing. “It’s what we normally do,” she added.
Cheng also addressed the postponement of her three-concert series originally scheduled for July at the Kai Tak Arena. The shows have been rescheduled to May of next year. She welcomed the change, saying it allows fans to plan ahead, but expressed concern about ticket preservation. “I’m thinking of filming a short video to remind fans to keep their tickets safe,” she said.
She thanked Andy Lau and Dayo Wong for appearing as surprise guests at a July appreciation event for ticket holders. “After that event, I had dinner with Dayo. We talked endlessly – about films, hobbies, food. But there’s no movie collaboration in the works right now. If a good script comes along, I wouldn’t rule it out,” Cheng noted.
With a September concert in Singapore and overseas work trips approaching, Cheng will miss Hong Kong’s Mid-Autumn Festival. She joked that she will eat only half a mooncake for tradition, and revealed a sweet habit: “I only like the pastry skin. I give the rest to my husband.”
Cheng praised Hui’s preparation for his own October concert, the first in years. “He’s working very hard on his fitness – both stamina and physique. His current condition is excellent. He truly values this chance to reconnect with fans,” she said. “I secretly peeked at his concert rundown. It’s impressive – you can tell he’s put his heart into it.”
Looking ahead, Cheng plans a vinyl album signing event for closer fan interaction. When asked about fellow singer Anson Lo’s all-night signing session for fans, she laughed: “That’s over the top. I’m a night owl, but my fans are generally older. They can’t stay up that long. Let the younger stars handle all-night signings.”
Broader Impact: Cheng’s candid remarks offer a refreshing contrast to the often-glamorized celebrity lifestyle, resonating with fans who appreciate authenticity. Her concert rescheduling and new vinyl release signal a continued, measured engagement with her audience, while Hui’s upcoming performance marks a significant career milestone after years away from the stage.
