Athena Chu (born Chu Yan; 25 October 1971)[1] is a Hong Kong actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Zixia Fairy in A Chinese Odyssey (1995).
Early life and education
On 25, October 1971, Chu was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong. Her father was a mathematics teacher who later started a business with her mother.[1]
Chu worked again with Stephen Chow in A Chinese Odyssey (1995). The role of Zi Xia (also known as Daisy Fairy) shot Chu to widespread fame in Hong Kong and parts of Asia.[4][3] Another one of Chu's most notable films is The Boss Up There (1999). Her portrayal of a drug addict who finds God earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Golden Horse Film Awards.[5][2]
Regarded by many as a sex symbol,[6] Chu has generally been cast in flower vase roles. She even made two appearances in Wong Jing’s Raped by an Angel series.[2][1] However, her role in Whispers and Moans (2007) won her recognition, despite not being nominated for any award.[7]
Chu was the first Hong Kong actress to be nominated at the International Emmy Award for Best Actress, for her role as a disabled but inspirational women who overcomes all odds in the television series Wall-less World (2010).[1]
After a five years hiatus from the entertainment industry since 2011, Chu announced her comeback in 2016 with three upcoming films.[8]
Personal life
Chu began dating singer and actor Paul Wong of Beyond since 1998; and married him in 2012. Chu and Wong have a daughter Debbie (b. 2012).[9]