Cherie Chung was one of Hong Kong’s most beloved stars in the 1980s.

 

Profile | Cherie Chung a screen goddess, the Marilyn Monroe of Hong Kong, fans said – how she retired from acting at the height of her career and hasn't looked back |

 

Her beauty and natural acting talent made her an icon in the entertainment industry.

But behind the glitz and glamour of fame, Cherie’s personal life was full of unexpected twists and heartbreak.

In 1960, she was born into a humble family in Hong Kong.

Though she had a modest upbringing, Cherie quickly became the talk of the town for her stunning looks.

Her mother, recognizing her daughter’s beauty, encouraged her to pursue a career in the spotlight.

At just 19, Cherie entered the Miss Hong Kong pageant in 1979.

Though she didn’t win, her mesmerizing beauty caught the attention of film producers.

This launched her career as one of the leading actresses in Hong Kong cinema.

 

Cherie Chung & Jackie Chan

 

She starred in iconic films alongside legends like Chow Yun-Fat and Leslie Cheung, becoming the ideal screen goddess of the era.

But despite her fame, Cherie’s love life was anything but perfect.

While her career flourished, her heart was torn between two of the most famous men in the world.

First came Pelé, the legendary Brazilian soccer star, who was smitten by her beauty.

Pelé proposed to Cherie at the height of his fame, but in a surprising turn, she rejected him.

Cherie, however, was unbothered by the attention.

She valued her independence and wasn’t swayed by the advances of one of the world’s most admired men.

But then, in the 1980s, another famous figure entered her life—Jackie Chan.

Their chemistry on-screen was electric, leading many fans to believe they were romantically involved.

 

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Off-camera, Jackie was a kind, charming man, and it wasn’t long before Cherie fell for him.

But the reality of their relationship shattered her when Jackie’s wife, Joan Lynn, confronted Cherie about their affair.

The shock was overwhelming for Cherie.

She had believed she was Jackie’s true love, only to discover that he had been hiding his marriage the entire time.

Devastated, Cherie ended things with Jackie, only to become the subject of harsh media criticism.

She was painted as the villain in a relationship that had been built on lies.

Despite the scandal, Cherie remained steadfast and resolute.

She chose to leave the spotlight and live a quiet, peaceful life with her true love, Mike Chu.

Mike was a successful businessman, the polar opposite of the high-pressure world of fame that Cherie had grown weary of.

In 1989, she married Mike, leaving her film career behind to enjoy a simple life of love and stability.

For a while, everything seemed perfect.

The couple built a beautiful home together, and Cherie was finally able to live the life she had always dreamed of—away from the media and public attention.

 

Maggie Cheung and Jackie Chan

 

But in 2006, tragedy struck.

Mike was diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer, and despite Cherie’s tireless efforts to find him the best care, he passed away within a year.

For the second time in her life, Cherie faced heartbreak.

Mike’s death left her devastated, and she withdrew from the world, unable to deal with the immense loss.

She lost her husband, her partner, and the quiet life she had always wanted.

Now, at 65, Cherie lives alone, having never returned to the spotlight.

Though many have urged her to come back to the industry, Cherie remains content with the memories of the peaceful life she shared with Mike.

Her story is a tragic reminder of how fame, love, and personal loss intertwine in ways the public often doesn’t understand.

Through her heartbreak and reclusiveness, Cherie Chung’s life has become a symbol of quiet strength and resilience.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the closed doors of fame, Cherie’s story reveals the painful reality.

Sometimes, even the most iconic stars walk away from the life they once loved.

Cherie Chong may have walked away from the bright lights, but her legacy still lingers in the hearts of Hong Kong’s movie lovers.

Do you think Cherie made the right choice by leaving fame behind? Share your thoughts below.