Renowned Hong Kong comedian Stephen Chow, known as the “Comedy King of Hong Kong,” recently made headlines for reportedly setting up a will at the age of 61. Details of the specific distribution of his assets have also come to light, with gossip media revealing that apart from mentioning his family, several close friends in the entertainment industry are also said to receive a portion of his wealth. One notable recipient mentioned in the will is mainland Chinese actress Kitty Xu, who starred in the film “CJ7” alongside Chow and was recognized as his goddaughter.
The leaked information suggests that the allocations mentioned in Chow’s will may not necessarily involve direct monetary distribution but could include things like company shares. Nevertheless, it is evident that Kitty’s significance in Chow’s life is notable.
As the youngest “Chow Sing-sing Girl,” Kitty Xu gained fame at the age of 9 for her role in “CJ7,” where she played Chow’s son, Little Dicky, alongside Chow. This collaboration propelled her into the spotlight as a popular child star.
During the casting process, Chow auditioned numerous children across China but was unable to find the perfect fit until Kitty Xu appeared before him. With determination shining in her eyes, she passed multiple rounds of intense auditions, proving her talent despite her tender age.
When asked why he chose a girl to portray his son, Chow explained that he believed Kitty Xu bore a striking resemblance to himself in his younger days.
Initially hesitant about the unconventional role, Kitty Xu resisted the idea as it required her to shave her head and adopt a tomboy persona. However, with persuasion from her family, she eventually acquiesced and embarked on her journey into the entertainment industry.
Following the success of “CJ7,” Kitty Xu, at a young age, won the Best New Performer Award at the 28th Hong Kong Film Awards and was acknowledged as Chow’s goddaughter. Chow frequently praised her publicly, recognizing her as a promising talent, leading to a lucrative 8-year contract with Chow’s production company, “Starshine.”
Despite her early success, Kitty Xu’s career did not progress as smoothly as expected. Diagnosed with a benign tumor in adulthood, she had to momentarily halt her acting pursuits. In 2016, she pursued studies at the ArtCenter College of Design in California, launching her own fashion brand while missing out on potential acting opportunities.
At 26 years old now, Kitty Xu concluded her six-year stay in the United States last April and announced her return to Chow’s company in September, reigniting her acting career. As a gesture of nostalgia, she presented Chow with a “CJ7” figurine as a gift upon their reunion.
Chow reciprocated the sentiment by posting a photo with Kitty Xu on Instagram, humorously commenting, “Throughout my life, I have weathered storms without flinching. Today, I was startled to find the mischievous boy, Little Dicky from ‘CJ7,’ transformed into a beautiful woman. The vast universe demands attention!”
The enduring relationship between Kitty Xu and Chow, demonstrated by their re-collaboration after 15 years, signifies a strong bond between the two. Thus, it is no surprise that Chow included Kitty Xu in his will, possibly indicating that he views her, who resembles his younger self, as a cherished family member.