Hong Kong actress Chingmy Yau (邱淑貞) was initially known for her supporting roles in mainstream films. But in 1992, she shocked everyone by starring in the Category III (adults only) exploitation film “Naked Killer”, which was a potent mix of lesbianism, gross violence, and crude humour.
The actress’ transition from respectable actress to adult film star jumpstarted her career. This is the story of the famed Chingmy Yau and her journey to becoming one of the most well-known actresses in Hong Kong.
According to South China Morning Post (SCMP), the actress’ role in “Naked Killer” was such a surprising change compared to her previous roles (even featuring sexy scenes of lesbianism!) but she was steady as a rock on her decision. “Even though it’s a Category III film, little of me is seen in the sexy scenes. We discussed these aspects of the film before I started, and we compromised on exactly what I would or wouldn’t show,” the actress said.
As for the suggestive poster, the actress agreed to it for the sake of the movie. Claiming that she really wanted the shots to look sexy to help make people more interested in the film. She also claimed that she wasn’t too uncomfortable posing because they had a female photographer on site.
The retired Hong Kong actress immediately rose to become a sex symbol in Hong Kong after her risqué performance in “Naked Killer”. The actress went on to star in more Category III movies including “Raped by an Angel.” Despite having little in common with “Naked Killer,” this movie was advertised as its sequel to gain more viewers.
Now one of Hong Kong’s most recognisable actresses, the Miss Hong Kong Beauty Pageant contestant later made appearances in a number of other star-studded films, including Jackie Chan’s “City Hunter” and “Young and Dangerous 2.” The actress even received four nominations for her acting; Best Supporting Actress in 1992 for “Lee Rock”, and Best Actress in 1993 for “Naked Killer”, in 1996 for “I’m Your Birthday Cake”, and in 1999 for “Hold You Tight”.
At the time, beauty was considered a virtue and this beauty queen definitely has it. So filmmakers are always eager to capitalise on her good looks. She frequently appeared in suggestive or even semi-naked poses in movies’ promotional posters, even if such scenes did not appear in the actual movie. Clients even claimed that the advertisements she appeared in highlighted her rather than the movie.
“Even though Yau has been in a lot of iconic Hong Kong movies, she was almost never the lead in any of them,” notes Post contributor Ben Sin. “But she was in so many Hong Kong movies during the industry’s peak times, she became one of the most well-known faces of that era. Anyone who watched Hong Kong movies during the 1990s would instantly recognise her.”
Absent from the spotlight for a while, she recently attracted some press attention thanks to her youthful appearance even at age 54!
Source: South China Morning Post
Puteri Teja contributed to this article.
