The Beginning: The Maple Hui Years
Right after he finished high school in
Australia, Chi Lam went to Hong Kong in 1991 to start his
music career.
His Modern Love Story (duet with Maple Hui) was
an instant hit. Audiences loved this couple who did romantic
softrock songs. (At this time, it was rumored that Chi Lam
was going out with Maple.) Chi Lam's talents and natural good looks soon won him lots of fans.
He became one of the most successful newcomers of the year.
However, it was natural for Chi Lam and Maple to go separate ways
as they each wanted to establish their own individual careers.
TVB Stage
In 1992, Chi Lam signed with TVB and was cast
opposite Grasshopper in Peak of Passion. From then on, Chi Lam appeared regularly in TVB series, with the
most recent one, Cold Blood Warm Heart (released 1996). Acting
in TVB series has helped to promote Chi Lam's fame, as many audiences
of all ages watch these series. To date, Chi Lam has made
six tv series.
The TVB years were essentially
a learning experience; it was through these series that
Chi Lam strengthened his acting skills as his character roles
became more mature and challenging.
Slowdown
From 1994 to 1995, Chi Lam's career experienced a slowdown.
Although he did play the leading roles, his tv series were mediocre
productions which did not enjoy great ratings. While at Sony Records,
Chi Lam did not produce any smashing hits like Modern Love Story.
Perhaps it was because he experienced premature success with Maple Hui that
this was an especially frustrating time for Chi Lam. He had admitted that because of
his early success, people kept on comparing his actions to the past,
which added pressure on Chi Lam.
Going Public
Ever since Chi Lam and Anita Yuen starred in a MTV and film, A Warrior's Tragedy,
together, there had been rumors that they were dating. Although they
did feel immediate mutual attraction, it was a while before they
publicly announced their relationship. A lot of people felt that this
would ruin Chi Lam's career (i.e. this would disappoint his fans because
the fantasty element about being Chi Lam's girlfriend would be smashed).
However, Chi Lam did not regret taking this risk because he believed he
should be honest with his fans by acknowledging whom he loved.
He felt it was only fair for Anita as well.
In Anita's Shadow
Since the beginning of their relationship, the press gave Anita and Chi Lam a hard time.
Anita was twice voted the Best Actress of the year in Hong Kong, while
Chi Lam's achievements paled in comparison. For awhile, Chi Lam was
referred to as "Anita's boyfriend." The public's opinion
put a lot of pressure on this couple; a few times, Anita broke down in
front of the press and public tv. In trying to avoid further
onslaught, they have agreed not to pose for pictures together anymore.
1996's Cold Blood Warm Heart
A successful tv series can do wonders to boost one's fame. This happened to
Chi Lam in Cold Blood Warm Heart. In the series, he played
a cop who had brains and looks, in short a very masculine role
which appealed to the audience. :) The press even acknowledged that Chi
Lam had matured as an actor and singer, as his theme song How Can
It Be enjoyed wild success as well. He was invited to perform
that song (while dancing with the contestants)
in the 1996 Miss Hong Kong Beauty Pageant.
1997 For Chi Lam
1997 started off at a quick pace for Chi Lam. His newest CD from EMI,
I Love You Too was released at the beginning of the year. New
music contract, new image, and promising results! This year, Chi Lam will concentrate on his singing and acting career at
the same time. At 5'11" and well-built, Chi Lam seems just right for the action roles he plans to take up in the
movies. You will probably get to see him flexing some biceps this summer *drool*.
Increasing Worldwide Fame
It would be an understatement to say that Chi Lam is the hottest
Chinese international popstar now. His songs from the I Love You Too
album has topped the charts. Modeling for U2 with Anita Yuen
has been an obvious success, as a sequel to the original commerical
will be made this summer. An official fan club in Hong Kong has been
set up for Chi Lam. He is in great demand as an actor today, cast opposite
actors like Micheal Wong Man Tuck. The director, Wong Jing, had once said that if Chi Lam
spent one year making movies, his fame would undoubtly increase manyfold.
Well, it seem as if Chi Lam has taken Wong's advice. Look at where he is today:
deep in the hearts of many of his worldwide fans.
BACK TO THE CHI LAM MEGA GALLERY
|