Anita Mui
Anita Mui Yim-Fong was born in 1963 and began her show business career early (at the tender age of five), performing opera and pop songs along with her sister. When she was eighteen, Mui won a singing contest and began her recording career. She became known as the "queen of movies and TV" and "the Madonna of Asia," not just because of her acting, but because she sang the theme song for literally dozens of flims and shows. Mui also displayed talent in front of the camera, winning the prestigious Taiwan Golden Horse for her role as a tortured ghost in 1987's Rouge.
Though she is best known for romantic and dramatic roles, she has shown that she can act in action (Heroic Trio) and comedic (Drunken Master 2) roles as well. Like many female HK stars, Mui retreated somewhat from the spotlight, though she still does act occasionally in films. Her CDs continue to be extremely popular in Asia -- one recent series of concerts in Hong Kong sold out 28 consecutive nights -- as well as in other markets, since she often includes the songs she records for films.
In 2003, Mui was diagnosed with cervical cancer, a disease which took the life of her sister. Though she kept a brave face and continued working, Mui passed away in December due to complications.