HKFP Lens: Fans celebrate Hong Kong icon Leslie Cheung on what would have been his 70th birthday

Fans across Hong Kong are commemorating what would have been Leslie Cheung's 70th birthday, more than two decades after his passing. The tributes demonstrate the lasting impact the iconic Cantopop singer and film star has had on his fans, who consider him more than just a celebrity but rather, a beloved family member.

A dedicated exhibition opened at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin on September 17, 2026, showcasing photographs, posters, and artwork related to the late entertainer. Concurrently, a live tribute concert and a drone show illuminated Victoria Harbour in Cheung's honor. These events, attended by fans of all ages and backgrounds, underscore the enduring bond between fans and the artist.

Born on September 12, 1956, Cheung emerged as a pioneering figure in the relatively conservative era of Hong Kong's entertainment industry. He began his career as a Cantopop singer before expanding his reach into the film world, starring in iconic movies like Rouge, Days of Being Wild, Farewell My Concubine, and Happy Together. His androgynous and bisexual style further solidified his status as a queer icon in the Chinese-speaking world.

Despite battling depression, Cheung's legacy endured long after his suicide on April 1, 2003. His passing is still commemorated annually by fans leaving flowers at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Central, where he took his own life. To this day, he is affectionately known as "Gor Gor," or "Elder Brother," to those who admired his talent and cherished his presence.