In a recent interview on Metro Broadcast’s ‘Ben同Benson 「Chur」住傾’, veteran Hong Kong actors Wong Shu Kei and Hoi Chau Yee revealed that they have never legally registered their marriage despite being together for over 30 years. The couple, who have a son named Cody who recently graduated from university, originally planned a wedding in 2003 but canceled it due to the SARS outbreak. Busy work schedules and family commitments have since kept them from formalizing their union, and they now joke that a marriage certificate is not crucial to their relationship.
Relationship Without Official Ties
During the interview, the couple discussed the details of their postponed wedding. They admitted they no longer remember where their wedding rings are or their anniversary date. They emphasized that deep trust and stability have been the foundation of their relationship. Hoi Chau Yee noted that they have built a strong bond over the years, making a legal marriage certificate seem unnecessary. They recently reconsidered registering but continue to prioritize their partnership over paperwork.
Health Setbacks: Facial Nerve Paralysis
Wong Shu Kei shared two instances of facial nerve paralysis that affected him. The first occurred when he was 19 years old while filming the TV series ‘The Found Generation’. After a slapping scene with actor Lin Ka Hua, he returned home and found he could not eat noodles properly. He sought immediate medical help and was diagnosed with a problem in the seventh nerve, which doctors attributed to lack of rest and reduced immunity during the shoot. He recovered in about a week. The second incident happened over a decade ago after filming another series. He woke up with paralysis on the left side of his face, causing his eye to water constantly and preventing it from closing. This time, recovery took more than ten years. He expressed gratitude that his appearance eventually returned to normal, describing the ordeal as severe.
Stage Hardships: Tears and Exhaustion
Hoi Chau Yee recalled memories from her early performance days. At age 21 or 22, during a stage show, a male audience member brought alcohol on stage and insisted she drink it. Not accustomed to alcohol and feeling scared, she burst into tears. The audience member, taken aback, offered her tissues and apologized before walking away. She later joked that crying proved effective and she would use the same strategy if needed. She also described a demanding day when she performed six shows in a row. The last show was in Dongguan at 4 a.m. After not eating all day, she passed out upon taking the stage. After waking up, she apologized to the audience and completed the performance.
Son’s Radio Debut
The couple’s son, Cody, who has just finished university, made his radio debut on the same show. He spoke with the hosts about his future plans, demonstrating composure and eloquence beyond his years.
Broader Impact
Candid conversations like these offer insights into the lives of public figures. They show that even without legal formalities, relationships can last based on trust and mutual support. The couple’s stories of perseverance through health issues and demanding work schedules highlight the resilience required in the entertainment industry. Their experiences remind us that life’s priorities can shift, but strong bonds remain.
