Kate Tsui
Hong Kong actress and model
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kate Tsui Tsz-shan is a former Hong Kong actress, known for her work with Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB). She was crowned Miss Hong Kong in 2004. In December 2019, she announced her retirement from the entertainment industry, expressing plans to move to Europe and pursue further education.[1]
Kate Tsui | |
|---|---|
徐子珊 | |
Kate Tsui in 2011 | |
| Born | 19 June 1979 |
| Alma mater | University of California, Davis University of Hong Kong |
| Occupations | Actress, Singer, Jewelry Designer |
| Known for | Miss Hong Kong 2004 |
| Awards | Hong Kong SME Awards – Most Promising New Entrepreneur (katetsui.com) –2016 JSG Music Awards – Top Hits Award– 2015 Hong Kong Film Awards|Best New Performer –2008 Eye in the Sky TVB Anniversary Awards – My Favourite Female Character –2012 Highs and Lows IFPI Hong Kong Top Record Sale Awards – Top Selling Female Newcomer Award –2010 Hong Kong Film Director's Guild – Best Newcomer Award–2008 Most Improved Female Artiste –2007 On the First Beat; Steps |
| Website | katetsui |
Early life
Tsui was born and raised in Hong Kong.
Before winning her beauty pageant title, she aspired to become a professional dancer.[2] She began studying ballet at the age of four, but was forced to stop at the age of eleven after sustaining an ankle injury. At fourteen, she took up Jazz dance, salsa, and Argentine tango.
Tsui graduated from the University of California, Davis with a degree in psychology.[3] After completing her studies in the United States, she returned to Hong Kong and worked as a translator and project coordinator at an engineering firm.
In 2004, she entered the Miss Hong Kong pageant and won, also receiving the titles of Miss Photogenic, Miss International Goodwill, and the Slimming Beauty Award. Following the competition, she signed with TVB and began her acting career.
TV career
After guest appearances in The Zone and When Rules Turn Loose in 2005, Tsui made her official TV debut in the TVB drama La Femme Desperado (2006). Taiwanese film critic Mai Ruoyu remarked that Tsui displayed strong charisma and held her own in the series alongside veteran actresses Sheren Tang and Melissa Ng.[4] Her portrayal of Ida earned nominations for Best Supporting Actress and Favorite Female Character at the 2006 TVB Anniversary Awards.
In 2007, Tsui appeared in The Brink of Law, On the First Beat, and Steps. These roles earned her the Most Improved Female Artist award at the TVB Anniversary Awards 2007. Her performance in Steps also brought her Best Actress and Favourite Female Character nominations.
In 2008, she played her first villain role in Moonlight Resonance, placing her in the top five for Best Supporting Actress at the TVB Anniversary Awards. Her leading role as a deaf character in Speech of Silence placed her in the top ten for Best Actress that same year.
From 2009 to 2010, Tsui focused on film work, returning to television in 2011 with six dramas. Her role as Paris Yiu in Lives of Omission received significant attention, winning her the My Favourite TVB Female TV Character award at the StarHub TVB Awards, as well as nominations for Best Actress and Favourite Female Character at the 2011 TVB Anniversary Awards and Outstanding Actress in Television at the Ming Pao Anniversary Award.
In 2011, amid a high turnover of contracted TVB artists, executive Virginia Lok named Tsui, Myolie Wu, Linda Chung, and Fala Chen, as the new “Top Four Fa Dans” (a Cantonese term for leading actresses with high popularity), succeeding Flora Chan, Ada Choi, Kenix Kwok, and Jessica Hsuan.[5]
In Highs and Lows (2012), Tsui portrayed a character facing substance abuse, sexual assault, and eventual involvement in drug trafficking. She described filming the role as emotionally draining.[6] Producer Lam Chi Wah called it the greatest breakthrough in her career, noting her departure from the beauty pageant image to take on a complex role. [6] Director Patrick Kong also praised the maturity of her acting in emotional scenes.[7]
In 2014, Tsui appeared in the TVB microfilm A Time of Love, starring in the “sorrow” segment opposite Taiwanese actors James Wen and Chris Wang. TVB reported receiving 39 viewer statements commending her performance, and columnist Ko Leung of Macao Daily likened her acting to Bai Baihe in The Stolen Years.[8]
Her management contract with TVB ended in 2015.[9][10] Tsui maintained a good relationship with the broadcaster, which arranged jobs for her until early February 2016.[11] She stated she would not sign a new management contract until completing her jewelry design courses.[11]
Film career
Tsui debuted in film in 2007 as the female lead in Eye in the Sky, produced by Johnnie To and directed by Yau Nai-hoi.,[12] alongside Tony Leung Ka-fai and Simon Yam. Her performance earned her the Best Newcomer – Gold Award from the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild[13] and Best New Performer at the 27th Hong Kong Film Awards (2008).[14]
In 2009, she starred in I Corrupt All Cops, a Hong Kong crime drama, directed by Wong Jing, who was impressed with the success of her debut performance in Eye in the Sky.[15] Eason Chan, who plays her husband in the film, said Tsui's character is based on Shuang'er from The Deer and the Cauldron.[15]
In 2010, she starred in the Wuxia film 14 Blades, alongside Donnie Yen, Zhao Wei, and Wu Chun.[12]
In 2011, Tsui reprised her role as Paris Yiu Ho from the TVB series Lives of Omission in its film sequel, Turning Point 2, in which she starred opposite Francis Ng. Playing a character with a mental disorder in the film, she said while collaborating with Ng, was a valuable experience because he was extremely willing to teach and give her suggestions about her acting and performances.[16] From working with Tsui, Ng had openly praised her for her acting potential.[17]
In 2013, she took part in a comedy film, I Love Hong Kong 2013. It is also the first film that veteran actress, Veronica Yip, has taken part in since her retirement in 1996.[18] In the film, Tsui plays the younger version of Yip's character. The producer of the film, Eric Tsang, specifically praised her for providing the best performance out of the entire cast, referring to it as a "Best Actress performance".[19] In the same year, Tsui was also cast in Giddens Ko film, A Choo, alongside Ariel Lin and Kai Ko.[20]
In 2015, Tsui was cast in the thriller film, Knock Knock, Who's There? The film is the first directorial effort by veteran actress, Carrie Ng. She said she had intended to reject the role upon receiving the script because of the frightening content.[21] However, she eventually agreed to the role due to Francis Ng's persistence and persuasion.[21][22] With reference to collaborating with Tsui, Ng said that she is a very professional and admirable actress.[23]
Jewelry design career
In December 2015, Tsui launched a fine jewelry line with K.S. Sze & Sons Ltd. Her debut collection, "Rabbit-Duck Illusion", was a success.[24] She indicated that her designs were inspired by Ludwig Wittgenstein's concept on seeing with different perceptions, using the ambiguous image of a "duckrabbit".[24] She spoke of the concept behind her jewelry designs, "It's something that I like to remind myself of, that there are many situations in life that aren't worth splitting hairs over, and if I simply adjust the angle that I'm viewing things from, I can easily see a different perspective."[24]
Filmography
Films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Eye in the Sky | Ho Ka-po (Piggy) | Hong Kong Film Award for Best New Performer |
| Contract Lover | Rachel | ||
| 2008 | Lady Cop & Papa Crook | Fiona Chan | |
| 2009 | I Corrupt All Cops | May | |
| Short of Love | Scar Sandy | ||
| The Super Snail Adventure | Pretty Goat | Animated Film Voice Role (Cantonese) | |
| Bodyguards and Assassins | Fang Hong | Character portrayed by Li Yuchun Voice Role (Cantonese) | |
| Avatar | Neytiri | Character portrayed by Zoe Saldaña Voice Role (Cantonese) | |
| 2010 | 14 Blades | Tuo Tuo | |
| 72 Tenants of Prosperity | Bobo | Cameo | |
| Perfect Wedding | Remmy | Cameo | |
| Just Another Pandora's Box | Nurse | Character portrayed by Xu Wanqiu Voice Role (Cantonese) | |
| 2011 | I Love Hong Kong | Young Twin | Cameo |
| Turning Point 2 | Yiu Ho-ho (Paris) | ||
| Moon Castle: The Space Adventure | Lazy Goat | Animated Film Voice Role (Cantonese) | |
| 2012 | Mission Incredible: Adventures on the Dragon's Trail | Pretty Goat | Animated Film Voice Role (Cantonese) |
| 2013 | I Love Hong Kong 2013 | Mei Yeung-yeung | |
| Baby Blues | Ying Nam | ||
| 2015 | Knock Knock, Who's There? | Sau Yung | |
| 2016 | Buddy Cops | Little Princess |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | The Zone | Joanna | Cameo Episode 8 |
| When Rules Turn Loose | Ada Siu Mei-Wah | Cameo | |
| 2006 | La Femme Desperado | Ida Hoi Suen | Nominated — TVB Anniversary Award for Best Supporting Actress (Top 20) Nominated — TVB Anniversary Award for My Favourite Female Character (Top 20) |
| 2007 | The Brink of Law | Yan Heung-Ching | |
| On the First Beat | Man Ching | Won — TVB Anniversary Award for Most Improved Female Artist | |
| Steps | Victoria Yeung Sze-Man | Won — TVB Anniversary Award for Most Improved Female Artist Nominated — TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress (Top 20) Nominated — TVB Anniversary Award for My Favourite Female Character (Top 20) | |
| 2008 | The Price of Greed | Lam Ping | Previously warehoused; released overseas December 2006 |
| Speech of Silence | Tong Tong | Nominated — TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress (Top 10) | |
| Moonlight Resonance | Camie Lo Ka-Mei | Nominated — TVB Anniversary Award for Best Supporting Actress (Top 5) | |
| The Four | Song Zhi-Yan | ||
| 2009 | Man in Charge | Chiu Yuk-Hing | |
| 2009–10 | The Beauty of the Game | Ko Ching-man | Nominated — TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress (Top 15) |
| 2010 | Don Juan DeMercado | Tse On Fei | |
| When Lanes Merge | Ko Lai-sum | Won — StarHub TVB Awards 2011 — My Favourite Female TV Character | |
| 2011 | A Great Way to Care | Mandy Mok Man Yee (Monkey) | Previously warehoused; released overseas June 2009 |
| Dropping By Cloud Nine | June | Guest appearance | |
| Relic of an Emissary | Shum Chin-sam / Chor-chor | ||
| Wax and Wane | Peace Man Ka-fu | ||
| Lives of Omission | Paris Yiu Ho-ho | Won — StarHub TVB Awards 2012 — My Favourite Female TV Character Nominated — TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress (Top 15) Nominated — TVB Anniversary Award for My Favourite Female Character (Top 15) Nominated — Ming Pao Anniversary Award for Outstanding Actress in Television | |
| Forensic Heroes III | Ada Ling Sin-yee | Won — My AOD Awards for My Top 15 Favourite Characters | |
| 2012 | Gloves Come Off | Cheuk Man | Guest appearance Episode 2 |
| Highs and Lows | Pat Chan Ka-Bik | Won — TVB Anniversary Award for My Favourite Female Character Won — My AOD Awards for My Top 15 Favourite Characters Nominated — TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress (Top 5) Nominated — My AOD Awards for My Favourite Actress in a Leading Role Nominated — My AOD Awards for My Favourite On-Screen Couple (Raymond Lam & Kate Tsui) | |
| 2013 | Season of Love | Summer Ha Chi-yan | Episodes 6–10 |
| A Great Way to Care II | Mandy Mok Man-yee | Guest appearance Episode 1 | |
| Sniper Standoff | Sheung Koon Ming Chu | Nominated — TVB Star Awards Malaysia 2013 for My Favourite TVB Actress in a Leading Role Nominated — TVB Star Awards Malaysia 2013 for My Favourite TVB Drama Character | |
| Bounty Lady | Jennifer Sing Fa-lui | Nominated — TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress 2013 (Top 5) Nominated — TVB Anniversary Award for My Favourite Female Character (Top 5) Nominated — TVB Star Awards Malaysia 2014 for My Favourite TVB On-Screen Couple (Dayo Wong & Kate Tsui) (Top 3)
| |
| 2014 | A Time of Love | Ah San/Kelly | TVB-Produced Micro Film Episode 01 |
| The Ultimate Addiction | Gia Chi Nga | Nominated — StarHub TVB Awards 2014 for My Favourite TVB Actress Nominated — StarHub TVB Awards 2014 for My Favourite TVB Female TV Character Nominated — StarHub TVB Awards 2014 for My Favourite TVB On-Screen Couple (Bosco Wong & Kate Tsui) (Top 5) | |
| Tomorrow Is Another Day | Yiu Ngoi-ka | Nominated — TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress 2014 (Top 5) Nominated — TVB Star Awards Malaysia 2014 for My Favourite TVB Actress in a Leading Role (Top 5) Won — TVB Star Awards Malaysia 2014 for My Top 15 Favourite TVB Drama Characters | |
| 2015 | Smooth Talker | Mo Sui-yee | Nominated — StarHub TVB Awards 2015 for My Favourite TVB Actress Nominated — StarHub TVB Awards 2015 for My Favourite TVB Female TV Character Nominated — TVB Star Awards Malaysia 2015 for My Favourite TVB Actress in a Leading Role Nominated — TVB Star Awards Malaysia 2015 for My Top 15 Favourite TVB Drama Characters Nominated — TVB Anniversary Awards for Best Actress 2015 |
| 2018 | Guardian Angel | Yip Chi | Introduced in Episode 03 |
Awards
2016
- The most promising new entrepreneur of the year - katetsui.com
2015
- Jade Solid Gold Music Awards Presentation 2014 – Song Award: 棋逢敵手 (with Hubert Wu)
2014
- StarHub TVB Awards 2014 – My Top 6 Favourite Female TV Character Award (Bounty Lady)
- StarHub TVB Awards 2014 – Everlasting Glow Award
- Jade Solid Gold Second Round Music Awards 2014 – Song Award: 棋逢敵手 (with Hubert Wu)
2013
- StarHub TVB Awards 2013– My Top 6 Favourite Female TV Character Award (Highs and Lows)
- StarHub TVB Awards 2013 – Most Glamorous Female Artist Award
- Next TV Awards 2013 – Top 10 Artist (No. 10)
2012
- TVB 45th Anniversary Awards 2012 – My Favourite Female Character Award (Highs and Lows)
- StarHub TVB Awards 2012 – My Top 6 Favourite Female TV Character Award (Lives of Omission)
- StarHub TVB Awards 2012 – Star of Perfect Poise Award
- My AOD Awards 2012 – My Top 15 Favourite Characters Award (Highs and Lows)
2011
- StarHub TVB Awards 2011 – My Favourite Female TV Character (When Lanes Merge)
- StarHub TVB Awards 2011 – Most Energetic Award
- My AOD Awards 2011 – My Top 15 Favourite Characters Award (Forensic Heroes III)
2010
- 2009 Ultimate Song Chart Awards (903) – Female Newcomer – Silver
- 2009 Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards Presentation – Best Newcomer Artist – Gold
- 2009 RTHK Top 10 Gold Songs Awards – Best Prospective Newcomer Award – Gold
- Sina Music Awards 2009 – My Favourite Female Newcomer 2009 – Bronze
- Sprite Music Award (雪碧榜) Ceremony 2009 – Most Outstanding Newcomer Award (Hong Kong Region)
- IFPI Hong Kong CD Sales Presentation 2009 – Top Selling Hong Kong Female Newcomer
2009
- Jade Solid Gold First Round Music Awards 2009 – Newcomer Impact Award
- JSG Third Round Music Awards 2009 – Song Award: Hit Me
- Metro Radio Hits Music Award Presentation 2009 – Metro Radio Hits King of New Singers Award 2009 (Female)
2008
- 27th Hong Kong Film Awards – Best New Performer Award
2007
- TVB 40th Anniversary Awards 2007 – Most Improved Female Artist Award
- Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild 2007 – Best Newcomer – Gold Award
2005
- Miss Chinese International 2005 – Miss Gorgeous
2004
- Miss Hong Kong 2004 – Winner
- Miss Hong Kong 2004 – Miss Photogenic
- Miss Hong Kong 2004 – Miss International Goodwill
- Miss Hong Kong 2004 – Slimming Beauty Award
Discography
Albums
| Year | Title | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Kiss Me Kate | EP album | Release date: 10 September 2009 1. 讀心術 2. Hit Me 3. 惡作劇 4. 血拼 5. 讀心術 remix (Master Mind Mix) 6. 讀心術 remix (Carnival Mix) |
Songs
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Les Misérables | Les Misérables theme song |
| Cheer Up | sang with other artistes | |
| 2011 | I will wait for you (我等你) | Subtheme of Relic of an Emissary Duet with Michael Tse |
| Half Circle (半圓) | Subtheme of Wax and Wane | |
| 2014 | I've met my match (棋逢敵手) | Subtheme of The Ultimate Addiction Duet with Hubert Wu |