The Hong Kong-born actor and singer Leslie Cheung is known for having transcended the boundaries of artistic expression and cultural norms.
Over the course of his career, which lasted from the late 70s to his death in 2003, Cheung acted in 56 films and released over 40 albums, becoming a pioneer of Cantopop.
Cheung, who was openly bisexual, made a point of portraying queer characters. Famously, he starred in Happy Together (1997), Wong Kar-wai’s celebrated film about a gay relationship.
He became an early LGBTQ+ icon, shattering stereotypes and paving the way for greater representation and acceptance for queer people within the entertainment industry across the globe.