Yim Fun Fong

Yim Fun Fong (Chinese: 芳艷芬) is a former Chinese actress and Cantonese opera performer from Hong Kong. Fong is credited with over 150 films. Fong has a star at Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong.

In this Chinese name, the family name is Fong (芳).
Yim Fun Fong

BBS, MBE
Chinese: 芳艷芬
Born
Chow Tung Si

1928 (age 92–93)
China
Other namesYanfen Fang, Fong Yim-Fen, Fong Yim Fun, Leung Yin-fong, Yang Leung Yin-Fong, Dr. Yang Leung Yin-fong, Dr. Yang Leung Yin-fong Katie, Katie Yang
OccupationActress, Cantonese opera singer
Years active1937-1959 (before the wedding)
Known forCantonese opera, Fong style Cantonese opera, founder of Zhili Film Company
Spouse(s)Dr. Yang Kyung Waung

Early life

In 1928, Fong was born as Chow Tung Si in Enping, Guangdong Province, China. Fong grew up with a single (adopted) mother. Fong's real name is Leung Yin-fong [In this Chinese name, the family name is Leung (梁).]. Fong learned Cantonese opera from Kwok Sing Theatre. [1][2]

Education

In 1995, Fong received a Doctorate of Humane Letters award from California Lutheran University. In 2004, Fong received the award Doctor of Social Sciences, honoris causa conferred by Lingnan University. In 2013, Fong received a Doctor of Social Science, honoris causa, from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.[3][2]

Career

In 1937, Fong joined Sing Sau Nin Opera Troupe. At age 10, Fong began her Cantonese opera training. By age 13, Fong earned the status of supporting actress (Chinese: 二幫花旦) in Cantonese opera in Guangzhou, China. By age 16, Fong earned the status of female lead actress (Chinese: 正印花旦) in Cantonese opera. Fong's unique singing style in Cantonese Opera is known as the Fong style. In 1950, Fong began her acting career in Hong Kong. Fong appeared in The Flower Drops by the Red Chamber, a 1950 drama film directed by Ng Wui. Fong is known as Queen of Hudan. In 1953, Fong founded the Sun Yim Yeung Opera Troupe. In 1953, Fong also founded Zhili Film Company. Fong appeared in A Cadet in Love's Battle, a 1953 comedy film and Zhili's inaugural production directed by Chiang Wai-Kwong. Fong and Yam Kim-fai performed Cantonese opera in many films including Swallows Come Home (1958). Fong also appeared in drama and comedy films. In 1959, Fong retired from the entertainment industry. Fong's last film was Joy To the World, a 1963 Cantonese opera film directed by Lo Yung. Fong is credited with over 150 films.[2][4][1]

In September 2012, with Fong's donation, Shaw College of The Chinese University of Hong Kong created “The Art of Fong Yim Fun Sustainability Project.” In August 2014, the Fong Yim Fun Art Gallery was formally opened.[5]

Repertoire
  1. The Summer Snow (aka The Injustice to Dou E)
  2. Tung Siu-Yen
  3. Butterfly Lovers
  4. Swallows Come Home
  5. The Immortal Zhang Yuqiao, the Most Respectable Courtesan (see Jian Youwen)
  6. Feather Fan Under Spring Lantern
  7. Beauty Fades From Twelve Ladies' Tower
  8. Goddess of the Luo River
  9. A Beauty's Flourishing Fragrant (aka A Pedestal of Rouge Fragrance or Sweet Dew on a Beautiful Flower)
  10. The Dream Encounter Between Emperor Wu of Han and Lady Wai
  11. Mrs. Cheng (aka A Forsaken Woman)
  12. The Love Song in the Scripture[6]

Filmography

Films

This is a partial list of films.

  • 1950 The Flower Drops by the Red Chamber
  • 1950 The Story of Tung Siu-Yen - Tung Siu-Yen
  • 1950 A Girl Named Liang Lengyan (Part 1 and Part 2) - Leung Lang-Yim
  • 1952 Private Lives of Opera and Movie Stars - as Herself
  • 1953 Swallows' Return - Luk Sheung-Hing
  • 1955 Backyard Adventures - Lover [7]
  • 1955 The Faithful Wife [8]
  • 1956 Funny Girl
  • 1963 Joy To the World

Awards

Personal life

In 1949, Fong moved back to Hong Kong. In 1959, Fong married Dr. Yang Kyung Waung.[2]

See also

References
  1. "Ms Fong Yim Fun, 1928-, Actress". avenueofstars.com.hk. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  2. "75th Congregation (2013), Dr. YANG Leung Yin-fong Katie, Doctor of Social Science". cuhk.edu.hk. 2013. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  3. "Honorary Fellow - YANG LEUNG YIN-FONG (FONG YIM-FUN)". hkapa.edu. 1998. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  4. "Fong Yim-Fen". hkmdb.com. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  5. "Background and Objectives". shaw.cuhk.edu.hk. Retrieved November 1, 2020.
  6. The University of Hong Kong Libraries (HKUL) Special Collections, Archival & Manuscript Collections: manuscript in Excel spreadsheet.
  7. "Backyard Adventures". hkmdb.com. December 7, 1955. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  8. "The Faithful Wife". hkmdb.com. June 24, 1955. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.