Before the popularity of K-entertainment and by that extension, J-entertainment that preceded it, Hong Kong was often touted as Asia’s answer to the Hollywood glamour of the West. Popularised in the 1960s to 1980s through a boom in demand for films produced in the former British colony, some of the brightest and indeed, most revered stars from Asian cinema emerged from that period, ranging from the comedic martial arts bravado of Jackie Chan, to the layered sensibilities of Tony Leung. Naturally, this also meant that where wealth is concerned, many of these screen legends have amassed net worths that could last generations. Check out our list to learn more about the top 10 richest Hong Kong actors in history.
Hong Kong’s film industry is steadily recovering following the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Statista, the film, video and music industry contributed a whopping HKD 2.84 billion to Hong Kong’s GDP in 2021, showing a great recovery after a 29 per cent slump in 2020. Hongkongers couldn’t stay away from the power of the big screen and the stars gracing it for long. The admiration for Cantonese stars has seen a huge resurgence, which is why it’ll be interesting to find out how much wealth some of Hong Kong’s icons have amassed over the years. Keep reading to know more about the richest Hong Kong celebrities.
10 richest Hong Kong actors and their massive net worths
1. Jackie Chan
Net worth: USD 400 million
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Not just Hong Kong, but martial arts icon Jackie Chan is one of the richest actors in the world. According to Celebrity Net Worth, his net worth is around USD 400 million as of 2024, seeing a rise from the USD 350 million figure reported by Forbes almost a decade ago. More than six decades into his career, Chan shows no signs of slowing down and still stars in action flicks like The Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty and Wish Dragon.
Do you know that his films have collected more than USD 2.6 billion at the worldwide box office? Apart from movies, Chan earns massive paycheques from a vast array of endorsements, producer credits as well as his own line of movie theatres.
What’s great is that the actor plans to donate most of his wealth to charity. In an earlier conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, he mentioned that the goal is to have no money in his bank account the day he dies. “It’s not difficult for me to make money. If it’s easy, why shouldn’t I give it away?” he added.
2. Chow Yun-fat
Net worth: USD 200 million
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Celebrity Net Worth reported Chow Yun-fat’s net worth to be USD 200 million, making him the second richest Hong Kong actor. Having more than 100 acting credits across Asia and Hollywood, Chow has created a legacy like no other. Some of his best movies include A Better Tomorrow, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon as well as Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.
While you know Chow as this magnanimous star today, his journey to stardom wasn’t at all smooth sailing. Did you know he grew up in a house with no electricity and had to take up menial jobs like that of a bellboy, postal worker, camera salesman and taxi driver? The star even opted out of school to support his parents. However, it all seems to have paid off looking at his trailblazing success today.
3. Andy Lau
Net worth: USD 70 million
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Hong Kong’s Heavenly King comes next in line. Andy Lau reportedly has a net worth of USD 70 million. Reigning at the box office for more than four decades, Lau has acted in over 160 movies apart from his singing-songwriting and production ventures. The star reportedly has up to 50 properties in Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada as well as the United States. Moreover, Andy Lau even bought a private jet to ensure safe and secure travels for his wife Carol Chu and daughter.
4. Jordan Chan
Net worth: USD 62 million
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The Young and Dangerous breakout star has been a household name in Hong Kong since the 1990s. According to the South China Morning Post (via Net Worth Inspector), his net worth is valued at USD 62 million. His popularity and net worth have further catapulted with participation in reality shows like Call Me By Fire as well as Where Are We Going, Dad?
Jordan comes from a really poor background, and his family didn’t even have enough to eat at one point. To gather some money, his parents gave away his young brother for HKD 3,000. Despite all the roadblocks, he carved his way upwards to become one of the richest Hong Kong celebrities.
5. Jacky Cheung
Net worth: USD 50 million
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From being a reservation officer for Cathay Pacific to becoming one of the ‘Four Heavenly Kings’ of Hong Kong, Jacky Cheung has come a long way. Celebrity Net Worth reports his net worth to be USD 50 million. A singer-songwriter and actor, Cheung is best known for his baritone voice and croons songs in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. The God of Songs also holds a Guinness World Record for the largest combined audience for a live act in 12 months with 2,048,553 audience members. His A Classic Tour, which spanned from 2016 to 2019 is considered one of the most attended concert tours of all time.
6. Leon Lai Ming
Net worth: USD 50 million
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Leon Lai also has a fascinating journey to stardom. Lai was initially a salesperson for a mobile phone company when an appearance in a singing contest landed him record deals and he finally released his hit debut, Leon. His net worth stands at par with Jacky Cheung, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Apart from releasing record-shattering albums, Leon has appeared in popular TV dramas as well as over 35 films. One of his most pathbreaking films is Almost a Love Story, co-starring Maggie Cheung.
7. Donnie Yen
Net worth: USD 40 million
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Hong Kong martial arts icon and one of Asia’s highest-paid actors, Donnie Yen leads a life of luxury with his USD 40 million net worth, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The veteran martial arts actor is most famous for his role in the Ip Man film series. He even starred in an action-packed avatar in Keanu Reeves’ hit franchise film John Wick 4.
Apart from this, his entrepreneurial ventures have added to his smashing net worth. He has his own fashion label, called DY Edition, and owns two production houses. The actor reportedly owns at least six properties in Hong Kong, bought for about USD 1.5 million each. However, his most fancy purchase is the USD 17 million mansion he bought for his wife on Mountain Davis Road.
8. Stephen Chow
Net worth: USD 30 million
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King of Comedy Stephen Chow is next on the richest Hong Kong celebrities list, with a net worth of USD 30 million according to Celebrity Net Worth. His first major role was in the 1990 hit All for the Winner and since then his rise to fame has been exponential. Apart from acting stints, Chow has earned a lot through his stints as a director, producer and screenwriter. He’s the proud brain behind some of Hong Kong’s biggest hits like Shaolin Soccer as well as Kung Fu Hustle.
9. Tony Leung
Net worth: USD 20 million
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In the Mood for Love, Happy Together, MCU’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings – the list of Tony Leung’s chart-breaking hits is endless. The first-ever Hong Kong celeb to star in Marvel films, Tony Leung enjoys a net worth of USD 20 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Thanks to an illustrious career spanning over 40 years, Lau and his actor-entrepreneur wife Carina Lau own several properties in Hong Kong as well as Shanghai and have a fleet of luxury vehicles.
10. Aaron Kwok
Net worth: USD 20 million
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Rounding up the list of top 10 richest Hong Kong actors is Aaron Kwok. Celebrity Net Worth reports his net worth to be USD 20 million. Hong Kong’s Heavenly King has had a flourishing career both in Mando-pop and Cantopop and has released over 30 studio albums. Alongside his music career, Kwok has acted in a string of hit movies like Saviour of the Soul, Future Cops, China Strike Force, as well as Project Gutenberg.
Which of these richest Hong Kong celebrities is your favourite?
(Hero image credit: andylauox/ tonyleung_official/jackiechan/ Instagram)
(Feature image credit: andylauox/ Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is the richest man in Hong Kong?
Business magnate, investor, and philanthropist Li Ka-shing is the richest man in Hong Kong. His net worth is USD 36.2 billion as of 2024.
- Who is the richest actress in Hong Kong?
Maggie Cheung is the richest Hong Kong actress, with a reported net worth of USD 80 million.
- Who are the five richest Hong Kong actors?
The five richest Hong Kong celebrities on the list include Jackie Chan, Chow Yun-fat, Andy Lau, Jordan Chan as well as Jacky Cheung.
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Written by
Kriti Nayyar
Senior Digital Writer, Wellness, Culture, Astrology, Tech
Kriti is a stay-at-home dog mama, whose knack for telling interesting stories keeps her erstwhile monotonous life sane. A literature & journalism degree holder, you'll find her binging on Agatha Christie novels while critiquing the everyday state of affairs. On Kriti's seldom social outings, she's seen devouring coffee sangria with appetizing bread on the side.
