Despite being a superstar and multi-millionaire, Chow Yun-fat, 63, remains a modest man. The actor, who has earned international acclaim for his role in the Chinese action film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” has revealed that he’s planning to donate his entire fortune, reportedly US$714 million, to various charities after he dies.
When asked why he made this decision, Chow explained to South Korea’s Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation, “This money isn’t something you possess forever. When you’re gone one day, you have to leave it to others to use it.”
“You can’t bring the money in your bank account with you after you die,” Chow added. “The money’s not mine. I’m only keeping it safe for the time being.”
Chow was born to a humble family in Lamma Island, where his mother worked as a vegetable farmer and cleaning lady, while his father earned a livelihood on a Shell Oil Company tanker. The now-famed actor grew up in a house without electricity.
So what is Chow’s definition of happiness?
And yes, Chow has lived a simple existence, even before his acting debut.
Growing up in a rural farming community, hardworking Chow would help his mother sell herbal jelly and Hakka tea-pudding on the streets every morning. And in the afternoons, he would work in the fields.
But life did seem to change a lot when Chow moved with his family to Kowloon. When he was 17, Chow left school and worked on various odd jobs to support his family, such as a bellboy, postman, camera salesman, and a taxi driver.
The popular actor also joined Forbes’s list of highest-paid actors for the first time in 2015.
Staying true to his dream—to be a happy and normal person, and to keep a peaceful mindset—Chow lives a simple life, spending only $800 HKD (around US$102) per month.
Chow is also frequently spotted shopping at discount stores, patronizing street stalls, and taking public transport.
The kind and friendly actor, who loves hiking and jogging, doesn’t mind posing with passersby whenever they ask for a picture.
The humble actor owned the first-generation Nokia phone for 17 years before switching it to a smartphone.
Chow’s wife, Jasmine Tan, is also a supporter of his philanthropic activities and is in favor of his decision to donate all his fortune to charity.
It’s hard to remain grounded and humble after obtaining so much wealth and success in life; thus, it’s highly commendable that Chow is able to be so generous.
As the adage goes, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” we do not live for ourselves, but we’re all here to help each other.
Hats off, Chow, for your incredible generosity!
