According to Sohu, Stephen Chow reportedly drafted a will in May 2024, outlining the distribution of his estimated US$300 million (approximately NT$7 billion) fortune. As the filmmaker has never married and has no children, most of his estate is reportedly designated for family members, while a portion is said to be reserved for several people close to him in the entertainment industry.
Among those reportedly included are Cecilia Cheung and actress Xu Jiao, who has long been regarded as Chow’s protégée. Industry observers point to the long-standing relationship between Stephen Chow and Cecilia Cheung.
Cecilia Cheung rose to stardom at just 19 years old after being personally selected by Chow to star in the 1999 hit film King of Comedy, which launched her career as one of Hong Kong cinema’s brightest young actresses. The film’s iconic line, “I’ll take care of you,” remains one of the most memorable moments in Chinese cinema.
She later reunited with Stephen Chow in several of his productions, including: Shaolin Soccer (cameo appearance), Kung Fu Hustle (as the mute girl) and The New King of Comedy (Cantonese voice work). Chinese media also claim that Cecilia Cheung accepted some of these projects without requesting a script or negotiating payment, saying she trusted Stephen Chow’s creative vision.
Over the years, the actress has repeatedly credited Stephen Chow for changing her life. “Without Stephen Chow, there would be no Cecilia Cheung today,” she has said in past interviews.
The reported inheritance claims have reignited public discussion about the pair’s decades-long friendship.
Chinese media recalled a 2016 incident in which Stephen Chow was said to have privately compensated Cheung after her appearance fee for a television program was reduced by 8 million yuan, reportedly without asking for repayment. While the story has circulated widely online, it has never been officially confirmed by either party.
The reports have also revived old rumors linking Stephen Chow to Cecilia Cheung’s youngest son. Years ago, speculation spread online claiming the filmmaker was the child’s father and intended to leave his fortune to him. However, Cecilia Cheung’s representatives firmly denied those rumors, while Stephen Chow never publicly addressed the speculation.
The latest reports follow another widely discussed story claiming that Patrick Tse, the late father of actor Nicholas Tse, left approximately 90% of his estate to Cecilia Cheung and her two sons, Lucas and Quintus.
According to those reports, Cecilia Cheung would only serve as the manager of the inheritance, while ownership belongs to her sons. The alleged will also reportedly includes conditions regarding remarriage and regular visits to Patrick Tse’s grave.
Like the reports surrounding Stephen Chow’s will, these claims have generated significant online discussion but have not been independently verified through official legal documents or public statements.
Sources: K14