Young Bucks: The youngest billionaires, possibly gifted and loaded…

As might be expected, the 10 highest-placed high-earners – with the exception of Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s 36-year-old chief executive at number seven – were typically around 70. While most have seemingly spent a lifetime accumulating their enormous wealth, a lucky few have built their billions while most of their contemporaries are still saving for a deposit on their first apartment. Five such fabulously – and precociously – wealthy individuals stand out as particularly intriguing…

Evan Spiegel
Age: 30
Net worth: US$4.3 billion
Source of wealth: Snapchat

Snapchat, the hugely popular social media platform, first came to fruition when its founder Evan Spiegel first pitched the idea to his class in Stanford University in 2011, however, he was laughed out of the room. Fortunately, this didn’t stop him from teaming up with two fellow students to actually create the app later that year. In 2012, he dropped out of university to focus on developing the platform. It then went on to secure more than a million daily users by the end of that year.

Spiegel become the world’s youngest billionaire in 2015 and then one of the world’s youngest public company chief executive in 2016, the year that Snapchat had its IPO. Today, he is still the head of the social media giant and controls an 18-percent stake in Snap Inc, its parent company. With a current estimated net worth of US$4.3 billion, he’s married to Australian model Miranda Kerr, with the couple sharing a son, two-year-old Hart. Three years ago, Evan was granted French citizenship in recognition of his contribution to the country’s economy and culture, He has, however, also retained his US passport.

Gustav Magnar Witzoe
Age: 27
Net worth: US$2.9 billion
Source of wealth: Salmon fishing

As the son of Gustav Witzoe, the man who founded SalMar, one of the world’s largest salmon farming companies, Gustav Junior was born with a figurative silver fishing rod – rather than spoon – in his mouth. Upon turning 20, his father transferred a significant proportion of the company’s stock – valued at some US$1.8 billion – to him in order to dodge paying an immense amount of inheritance tax later. Inevitably – and pretty much overnight – this made him one of the most affluent individuals in Norway, his home country.

Witzoe began his own career with a brief stint as a milker at one of SalMar’s salmon farms before signing on with a modeling agency. While he has a moderate degree of involvement in the family firm, he is keeping busy as an angel investor in technology start-ups and property ventures. Perhaps unsurprisingly a big fan of the finer things in life, his happy snaps have seen his social media presence skyrocket, with the 28-year-old currently maintaining a 110,000-strong following on social media giant Instagram.

Alexandra & Katharina Andresen
Age: 24 and 25, respectively
Net worth: US$1.3 billion each
Source of wealth: Investments

As with fellow Norwegian, Gustav Magnar Witzoe, the Andresen sisters joined the junior billionaires’ club thanks to a transfer of shares from their family firm, again as a means of dodging the Scandinavian nation’s legendarily colossal inheritance tax. In this instance, the family firm in question was Ferd, a wildly successful investment business with interests in both a multitude of funds as well several large real estate holdings, which was founded by their father, Johan Andresen, in 2001.

The sisters’ respective 42-percent stake in Ferd sees them both boast a net worth of US$1.3 billion. The elder, 26-year-old Katharina, graduated from Amsterdam University College and is currently based in London where she’s continuing her education. Alexandra, Johan’s second daughter, meanwhile, was the youngest billionaire on Forbes’ list for the three years (2016-2018), only losing her crown when she turned 21. Accomplished in her own right, she’s a three-time junior Norwegian dressage horse riding champion and models for KingsLand Equestrian, a sports-oriented clothing company.

Kylie Jenner
Age: 22
Net worth: US$1 billion
Source of wealth: Cosmetics

Even before making her solo fortune at the head of Kylie Cosmetics, Kylie Jenner was no stranger to fame. In fact, as the youngest daughter of the Keeping Up With the Kardashians clan, she has seldom been off the telly since well before she was a teenager. A major mover and shaker on all things social media, she has also gained considerable attention for her various romantic relationships, though, more recently, she’s now totting up the likes for her cute posts with her adorable daughter Stormi Webster.

There was, however, some controversy with regard to the legitimacy of her reign as the world’s youngest billionaire. She assumed the role as of Forbes’ 2019 rankings and was subsequently acclaimed as ‘the world’s youngest self-made billionaire’ but was summarily dispatched mid-2020 following ‘new financial findings’. In fact, an extensive report, entitled: Inside Kylie Jenner’s Web of Lies – And Why She’s No Longer a Billionaire, accused the beauty mogul of forging tax documents and inflating the size and scale of her business.

Must-watch Chinese film premieres at the 2021 Hong Kong International Film Festival

The annual and highly anticipated Hong Kong International Film Festival finally returns to the city for its 45th edition (from now until 12 April). Following last year’s cancellation due to the limitations of social distancing during the covid-19 outbreak, the festival will be screening over 200 films in various locations as well as through online platforms. If you’re at a loss for what to watch, here are a few highly anticipated Chinese film premieres to catch in the next two weeks:

Where the wind blows (2021)
Directed by Philip Yung and starring Aaron Kwok, Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Du Juan, this film is an ambitious genre-bending detective story that marks the first onscreen pairing of superstars Aaron Kwok and Tony Leung Chiu-wai. The plot follows the friendship and rivalry of two Hong Kong detectives in a series of thrilling and action-packed scenes.

Septet: The story of Hong Kong (2021)
One for cinematography fans to not miss is renowned local director Johnnie To’s highly anticipated anthology series directed by six veteran Hong Kong filmmakers: Sammo Hung, Ringo Lam, Ann Hui, Patrick Tam, Lam Tsui Hark and To himself. Shot entirely on 35mm film, each one of the short films touches on a nostalgic and moving story set across different time periods, with every one acting as an ode to the city.

Time (2021)
New director Ricky Ko delves into the underbelly of some more serious topics such as loneliness and depression in old age, albeit with a touch of dark humour. Starring Patrick Tse, Petrina Fung, Lam Suet and Chung Suet-ying, the story follows a retired assassin who earns his living fulfilling morally-questionable tasks when commissioned a job by a young girl abandoned by her family.

Drifting (2021)
First debuting at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, Jun Li’s moving motion picture makes its local premiere at the Hong Kong International Film Festival. The story chronicles and sheds light on the city’s homeless population, while destigmatising of Hong Kong’s stereotype and assumptions of the homeless. The drama stars such talents as Francis Ng, Tse Kwan-ho, Loletta Lee and Cecilia Choi.

The Day is Over (2021)
Film enthusiasts and avid movie goers are sure to appreciate the naturalistic cinematography of Qi Rui’s directorial debut of The Day is Over. After a series of devastating events, a young girl and her friend sets out from the quiet rural residence in search of her father. Starring Li Yingchun, Yu Ying, Kong Jingyao, Chen Huihui, this dramatic coming-of-age story is permeated with a poetic undertone and heart-warming tenderness that is sure to move its audience.

‘Gorge’ Washington: Exploring the life and career of Denzel Washington

Few African-American actors have had as storied a career as Denzel Washington. With a success-packed CV stretching back more than 40 years, the much-loved thespian has consistently been celebrated for his engaging, tour-de-force performances, abiding charisma and down-to-earth personality. Indeed, the 66-year-old New York native has forged his own path in the entertainment industry, breaking down stereotypes and proving the dramatic strength and box-office attraction of black male leads time and time again. For his efforts, he’s been showered with countless awards and critical acclaim, with a sterling Hollywood reputation that few of his contemporaries – of any race – could hope to match.

Despite being in the limelight for decades, the famed actor has been notoriously tight-lipped about his private life. Yet, the man who has found success in bringing the stories of true-life characters to the big screen has had an equally interesting life away from the cameras. From his allegedly misspent youth to his struggle with a higher calling, some of the lesser known facets of Denzel Washington’s life certainly merit exploring…

A Hard Start
The actor’s staggeringly successful career is one that few could have imagined, let alone Washington himself. Born on 28 December, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York to Denzel Hayes Washington Sr., an ordained Pentecostal minister, and Lennis, a beauty parlour owner, his upbringing was anything but easy. Following his parents’ divorce during his teen years, his strongest memories are of seeing his single mother scramble to put food on the table. Yet, despite the struggles, he still cites his parents as being true role models, saying: “My father was a preacher – a kind, spiritual person. My mother owned a beauty shop. She was a go-getter and wanted more for us kids. My parents were inspirations by example.”

Flirting with Crime
Growing up on the streets of Mount Vernon, Denzel fell in with a crowd of rambunctious teens and often got into trouble with the law. Recalling this, he says: “I was what they call ‘throwing rocks at the penitentiary’, but I never hit it. I never got caught… but I also knew right from wrong, so I never wanted to go too far.” Nevertheless, his put-upon mother managed to scrape together enough money to get him away from temptation, sending him to boarding school in upstate New York.

Realistic Portrayals
Since the ’80s, the talented thespian has consistently won widespread critical acclaim for his portrayal of important real-life figures. Most notable among these were 1987’s Cry Freedom, where he played South African anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, his role as Muslim minister and human rights activist Malcolm X in the eponymous 1992 biopic, football coach Herman Boone in Remember the Titans (2000), and gritty drug kingpin Franc Lucas in 2007’s American Gangster.

Perfect Beauty
A scientific article, Biological Basis on the Perceptions of Beauty, published in Newsweek during the ’90s, singled out the actor as being a prime example for the “perfection of beauty”. The study, which cited facial symmetry as being a key indicator of attractiveness, pointed to his perfectly centred nose, aligned eyes, lips and ears as modelling the highest standards of facial beauty.

Award Winner
Across his 40-odd-year career, Washington has accumulated a whole host of accolades for a variety of roles. Key among these are two Academy Awards (he was the first African-American to be accorded such an honour), three Golden Globes, a Tony Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 2016, he was even the recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award from the Golden Globes jury for his “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment”.

Director’s Chair
After decades of starring on the silver screen, in 2002, he stepped behind the cameras for the first time and made his directorial debut with the highly-biographical film Antwone Fisher. Five years later, he returned to the director’s chair for another biographical movie, The Great Debaters. After a long hiatus, 2017 saw him star and direct in a third film, Fences, which went on to be nominated for Best Picture at that year’s Academy Awards.

Prophesy Fulfilled
While the Training Day star was a struggling 20-year-old student at Fordham University, he had his fortune told at his mother’s beauty salon. A customer there scribbled a note that said: “You’re going to speak to millions of people. You’re going to do great things” and handed it to him. Though sceptical at the time, his fortunes changed and he still has that piece of paper today.

Family Man
Standing in stark contrast with the oft-lurid personal lives of Hollywood’s elite, Washington’s home life is refreshingly normal, something that he sees as a point of pride. In fact, he’s even been quoted as saying: “Acting is just a way of making a living, but family is life.” He’s been married to wife Pauletta, whom he met on the set of the TV film Wilma, for an amazing 37 years. Together, the couple have four children.

Preacher, Preacher
The Hollywood A-lister has never been shy when it comes to sharing his strong belief in the Christian faith and championing how it has positively impacted on every aspect of his life. What is less known, though, is that at one point, he considered foregoing acting to become a preacher, even going so far as to ask his pastor about how to make the change. Though he ultimately decided to remain an actor, motivational speaking has also become a big thing for him over recent years. Explaining why, he says: “I’ve always understood that I’ve been blessed to be put in this situation and I’m more than happy to take advantage of it and preach, if you will, about what God has done in my life.”

Black Panther Maker
A true believer in giving back to the community, the actor has a long history of donating funds to a range of causes, including college scholarship funds for black youths. One of the students he sponsored, unbeknownst to him, was the late Black Panther star, Chadwick Boseman. At the 47th AFI Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony celebrating the venerable star, the younger actor even went so far as to say: “There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington.”

Keeping up with the Jones: Keeping tabs on Felicity Jones is no easy matter…

“Often, the last thing I want to do is stand up in front of 50 cameras on the red carpet. I’d rather have a cup of hot milk and an early night,” says British actress Felicity Jones. Despite her outwardly demure nature, however, the past decade has seen her headline countless cinematic blockbusters, thrusting her into the limelight over and over again. This, perhaps, is because the 37-year-old seems to have a golden touch when it comes to selecting the movies she chooses to involve herself with, while her ability to play powerful female roles resonates with audiences the world over.

Felicity Rose Hadley Jones, to give the lady her full name, was born in the West Midlands city of Birmingham on 17 October 1983 to journalist Gareth Jones and Julia Jones, an advertising executive. The couple separated when she was still very young and she credits seeing her working single mother striving to keep food on the table as helping to instil into her the importance of hard work.

It was this very work ethic that saw her kick-start her career when not yet a teenager. Bitten by the acting bug at the tender age of 11 – perhaps influenced by her maternal uncle, actor Michael Hadley, who most recently appeared in 2017’s King Arthur: Legend of the Sword – she made her small-screen debut in the British-Canadian TV series, The Worst Witch, at just 14-years-old.

The following year, she took an unusual step when she accepted the voice-only role of Emma Grundy in BBC 4 Radio’s staggeringly popular long-running soap, The Archers. It was a role that she would go on to play more than 10 years, a period that took her through her schooling and all of her years at Oxford University. She also believes it set her on the path to stardom, saying: “That’s where I learnt my craft. When I was at home, I was particularly popular among friends’ parents on account of appearing in The Archers.”

In the years that followed, she went on to appear in numerous TV series, including The Worst Witch sequel, Weirdsister College, in 2001, the 2003 BBC One drama Servants, and the 2007 small-screen adaptation of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey (in which she played the lead role of Catherine Morland). Then, in 2008, she finally made her silver screen debut, appearing in Flashback of a Fool, starring James Bond actor Daniel Craig and Claire Forlani of Meet Joe Black fame.

It wasn’t until 2011, though, that she finally hit the big league, landing a starring role in the romantic drama, Like Crazy. The film received the much-coveted Grand Jury Prize when it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, with Jones’ heartbreaking and captivating performance as the protagonist, Anna, singled out as meriting particular critical acclaim.

Over the next 10 years, she established herself as a true Tinseltown leading lady, one who’s CV is punctuated with both hugely successful box-office hits and highly-rated indie flicks. Throughout this period, one thing became clear – she has a particular affinity for bringing to life strong female characters, ones who combat sexism, stereotypes and stigmas in equal measure.

In 2016, for example, she took on the role of Jyn Erso, the female protagonist in the action-packed Star Wars spin-off Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Perfectly portraying a plucky resistance leader, she assembled a rag-tag team on a quest to capture the plans for the apocalyptic Death Star weapon.

“Jones has a a particular affinity with strong female characters, ones who combat sexism and stereotyping”

Then, two years later, she confirmed her feminist leanings in On the Basis of Sex, a biopic of the (now) late, great US Supreme Court judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg, with a focus on the opening years of her career. Despite her tour-de-force performance and an intriguing plot, the film opened to mixed reviews. Recalling the audience’s reaction, she later said: “I felt there was an ingrained sexism, at certain points, that came out in response to the film. Even now, it’s hard to put out a film like that into the world, something that focuses on female triumphs, female success…”

Apparently not in the least disheartened, her next silver screen outing, 2019’s The Aeronauts, saw Jones bring to life Amelia Rennes, a daredevil 19th-century hot air balloon pilot, renowned for reaching new heights against all odds. Generally well received, her performance (alongside Eddie Redmayne) even saw one critic proclaim claim: “The duo hand-in-hand elevates The Aeronauts from a flimsy action-adventure to something worth watching on the biggest possible screen.”

“Even now, it’s hard to put out a film like that into the world, something that focuses on female triumphs, female success…”

For her next outing, however, the actress seems to be taking a break from action-packed drama for more light-hearted fare in the form of The Last Letter from Your Lover, a romantic drama slated for release on 12 March this year. After that, the future seems less clear. While rumours abound that she may be reprising her role as Jyn Erso in yet another Star Wars outing, there is yet to be official confirmation of any such move. However, given the breadth of her talent and her steadily rising star, one thing is clear – we’ve not seen the last of Felicity Jones.

Five Must-Watch Felicity Jones Movies

Like Crazy (2011)

This immigrant love story starring Jones alongside then-fellow-up-and-comers Anton Yelchin and Jennifer Lawrence marked the actress’ first entree in the world of high profile cinema. The movie follows Anna (Jones), a British university student navigating the challenges of a long-distance relationship with her American beau.

The Theory of Everything (2014)

Her role as Jane Hawking, the wife of theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, saw her bring to life the woman’s struggles when it came to dealing with her husband’s simultaneous rise to scientific superstardom and his crippling battle with motor neurone disease. The Theory of Everything garnered a string of accolades, including a BAFTA nod and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for Jones.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

In this prequel to Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, the first instalment of the massively popular Star Wars franchise, Jones leads an all-star cast as Jyn Erso, a young rebel instrumental in stealing the plans of the Death Star, the evil Empire’s secret weapon. Taking more than US$1 billion worldwide, it stands as the 20th-highest-grossing movie of all time.

On the Basis of Sex (2018)

Continuing to bring empowering female roles to the big screen, this time she stars as trailblazing US Supreme Court judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This true-to-life biopic tracks Bader’s brilliant legal mind as she combats sexism and institutionalism early on in her groundbreaking career, before eventually becoming only the second woman ever to serve on the Supreme Court.

The Aeronauts (2019)

This film adaptation of the 2013 novel, Falling Upwards: How We Took to the Air by famed British author Richard Holmes sees Jones take on the role of a wealthy 19th-century young woman who, together with scientist James Glaisher (played by Eddie Redmayne, her The Theory of Everything co-star), mount an ambitious hot air balloon expedition. Laden with stunning visual effects and riveting, heart-stopping action, this is one movie that sure to have you on the edge of your seat.

February Events: Highlights for Hong Kong’s upcoming month

The Lunar New Year festivities are unsurprisingly the highlight of the month’s celebrations though beyond the Chinese New Year preparations, the month is also filled with plenty more activities to fill the calendar. From Gentle Yoga for Terrible Times to the Hong Kong Arts Festival and a virtual iteration of the International Fur & Fashion Fair, here’s our round-up of the February events to look out for in Hong Kong.

Every Wednesday

Gentle Yoga for Terrible Times

A much needed meditative session for the stressed-out city folk, this virtual yoga session (organised by Los Angeles-based yogi instructor, Joyce Wu) could be just what you are looking for. Essentially, it promises that by practising simple and accessible breathing exercises, stretches and guided meditation, your mind and body will re-centre as the stress unwinds. Said to be both easy to access and relaxing, you can top up your inner peace reserves from the safety and comfort of your own living space on any Wednesday this month. Free admission. eventbrite.com

5-7 Feb

The 101st Hong Kong Wedding Fair

The Hong Kong Asia Exhibition Ltd is gearing up for its 101st wedding fair, the largest such event to be hosted in the city. The first of the organiser’s four annual fairs dedicated to local brides-to-be, the event will comprise more than 400 booths across eight themed zones. This time around, one of the highlights is said to be the Overseas Wedding and Honeymoon section, which will allow couples to plan ahead for a much deserved celebration in the location of their dreams once the pandemic has passed. From HK$20. Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. wedding-show.com.hk

Until 11 Feb

Rhapsody by Brenda Hong

Cheer Bell Gallery is setting great store by Rhapsody, a solo exhibition of the latest works by renowned ink artist Brenda Hong. Said to take its inspiration from a classic Chinese poem describing the creation of the Cosmos, the installation is divided into five individual stages – Rage, Furious, Serenade, Origin and Flourish. Utilising a stunning colour palette and delivered via an array of mixed media, it promises to treat attendees to an unparalleled celebration of the cosmos. Cheer Bell Gallery, 19-21 Wong Chuk Hang Rd, Wong Chuk Hang. cheerbell.com

7-12 Feb

Chinese New Year Flower Market

All but wholly synonymous with Chinese New Year celebrations, the annual Victoria Park Flower Market has long been an important occasion for Hongkongers as they get ready for the week-long celebration of the Lunar New Year. Promising an array of fresh, colourful flowers and fruits, booth-after-booth of trinkets, local snack and delicacies as well as novelty gifts, the Flower Market may well be the perfect place to prepare for the incoming Year of the Ox. Free entry, Victoria Park, Causeway Bay.

Until 23 Feb

The Stage Movements of Cantonese Opera

Focusing on the particular use of patterns and specific movements in Cantonese opera (including acting, martial arts and dancing), this event consists of two special talks related to the traditional stage movements across a variety of different roles. Among those presenting is Xie Xiaoyu, a specialist in dan (female roles), and Ng Lap-hei, a specialist in sheng (male roles). Both are hugely experienced performers and will introduce attendees to the formulaic movements and facial expressions used to convey stories and impart meaning. Seminar Hall, 2/ Fl, Xiqu Centre, and live-streaming. westkowloon.hk.

Throughout Feb

Online Masterclasses of 2020 Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival

In order to comply with the prevailing social distancing regulations and safety measurements occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic, the ever-popular Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival was obliged to reinvent itself as a solely online event last year. Following on from that, this year sees it continue to entertain and inform its virtual patrons via more than 30 online masterclasses, all taught by the city’s most prominent chefs / wine and spirits experts, all in the hopes of nurturing a new generation of masterchefs. masterclasses.discoverhongkong.com

24-28 Feb

Hong Kong International Fur & Fashion Fair

The Hong Kong International Fur & Fashion Fair returns this month, providing an unrivalled platform for fashion-forward fur lovers to source high quality fur, leather garments and accessories. Although the physical iteration of the fair has had to be postponed due to the pandemic, erminophiles will still be able to access its virtual incarnation this month, so there’s no excuse not to digitally dally among your pre-furred choices. hkff.org

27 Feb – 26 Mar

Hong Kong Arts Festival

The 49th Hong Kong Arts Festival kicks off its five-week run this month with the promise of the participation of close to 2,000 international artists, local talents, and performers. One of the biggest art events in the city, this year the festival will include much anticipated performances of the Beethoven 250 & Beyond celebrations, as well as programmes, workshops, and special screenings at the new K11 Art House. Whether classical piano, modern dance or something far more outré is your thing, chances are you’ll find something at the festival to enjoy. From HK$170. hk.artsfestival.org

12 Feb

Trans Lantau

It’s time to welcome back the Trans Lantau race, as impressive an exercise of endurance and athletic ability as you are likely to find within the +852 area code. Challenging runners to conquer the many hills and valleys of the city’s biggest island, it comprises a 100km race around some of the island’s most scenic spots, while also taking in some of its sharpest inclines, most notably the Lantau Peak. This year, unlike with previous races, organisers are stretching the event from just one intensive day into a more flexible three-month affair to minimise the number of runner participating at any one time. HK$380. Mui Wo, Lantau. translantau.com

Think you know all about Colin Firth? It could be you’ve got him all wrong…

As one of Great Britain’s most well-known exports to Hollywood, 60-year-old Colin Firth has certainly enjoyed more than his fair share of the limelight. More than once over the course of his 35-year career – no short span in the gadfly showbiz world – he has found himself hitting the headlines. And not always in a good way. While, quite often, such coverage has been a hymn of praise to one of his thespianic tour de forces (most notably in The King’s Speech and A Single Man), sometimes it has been his oft-tempestuous personal life that has notched up the column inch. Most recently, this has seen the spotlight turned on his divorce from Livia Giuggioli after 22 years together and his nascent relationship with BBC newsreader Joanna Gosling.

Despite having spent quite so long under the public gaze, there are several aspects of the actor’s life that remain relatively little-know. Few, for instance, would guess that underneath his charming, quintessentially British gentleman-like façade lies a complex, multitalented individual whose interests go well beyond high-profile dramatic roles and actually extend to humanitarian work and a somewhat all-consuming love affair with guitars…

African Roots

The son of two academics, Firth and his siblings followed their parents around the world as they moved from post to post. Although he was born in the British county of Hampshire, he actually spent the first four years of his life in Nigeria, where his father, David Norman Lewis Firth, was serving as a government education officer. He then went on to spend one of the last of his pre-teen years in Missouri, before returning to England to complete his education.

Typecast as Darcy

Though he was very much part of the ’80s-era Brit Pack – a rabble-rousing group of aspirant UK actors that numbered Gary Oldman, Rupert Everett and Daniel Day-Lewis among its members – his big international break didn’t come until 1995, when he played the romantic lead, Mr Darcy, in a TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Recalling the role that changed his life, he says: “It was a major event in my career, certainly, but it created this image that restricted the kind of roles I was able to find subsequently. Looking good and strutting around is all very boring and I found I wanted to do other things as an actor.”

Stammer Pro

In a perhaps bizarre bit of typecasting, he has played a character with a stutter in three different productions. The most notable incidence was 2010’s The King’s Speech, where he starred as the faltering King George VI. Maintaining that playing stuttering characters, was actually something of a burden, he now says: “I had to learn to stammer. Then play someone trying desperately not to. It somehow put my left arm to sleep as I must have been locking something, pinching a nerve maybe. In the end, this semi-paralysis lasted three or four days.”

Award Winner

In addition to his Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Globe wins, his various other recognitions include a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, being appointed to the Order of the British Empire for his services to drama, and an honourary degree from the University of Winchester. If that wasn’t enough, Time magazine also designated him as one of 2011’s 100 most influential people.

Published Author

In 2000, he added writer to his impressive list of achievements, publishing his first short story – Speaking with the Angel. The piece appeared in a compendium edited by best-selling author Nick Hornby and helped to raise funds for the Treehouse Trust, a school for autistic children.

A Secret Neuroscientist?

Just over a decade later, in 2011, he revealed yet another hidden talent when he was cited as the co-author of a brain imaging study in Current Biology, a leading scientific journal. While he may not be a fully trained neuroscientist, he and BBC Radio 4 science correspondent Tom Fielden jointly commissioned and edited the study, which set out to prove a link between political leanings and structural differences in the brain.

Noted Humanitarian

Though the world mostly knows him for his onscreen work, he is also a highly-regarded humanitarian. This is down to his long-standing support for a variety of causes, including Survival International, an NGO that defends the rights of tribal peoples, the UK-based Refugee Council, which aims to support refugees and asylum seekers, as well as Oxfam, an organisation that aims to help alleviate global poverty.

Going Green

Buoyed by his work with Oxfam’s Make Trade Fair campaign, the actor later gathered a group of like-minded individuals for the launch of Eco, an eco-friendly West London shop. Not only does the store specialise in fair trade and eco-friendly products, it also gives advice on how to make spaces more energy efficient.

Guitar Fetishist

In something of a more quirky bent, his love of guitars manifests itself in a somewhat surprisingly visceral fashion. Acknowledging this, he says: “I sort of fetishise them as objects. I just think they’re beautiful. I play just as an excuse to hold one, something I could probably do for hours, just as something to cuddle.”

Everyday Intrigues

Firth has gone on the record claiming his favourite projects are those that illuminate the struggles of everyday life. In particular, he enjoys roles that reflect the ‘violence, hysteria, fear, paranoia, weakness, cowardice that everybody lives with”. While such emotionally-wrought story lines often crop up on the award-winning actor’s CV, his oeuvre actually runs the gamut from gritty dramas to rom-coms and period pieces, with five of his performances standing out as particularly memorable.

FIVE MUST-WATCH COLIN FIRTH PERFORMANCES

1. Pride & Prejudice (1995)

It was this TV adaptation of Jane Austen’s much-loved novel that first launched Firth onto the world stage. His portrayal of the male romantic lead, Mr Darcy, received widespread acclaim and continues to stir the hearts of women the world over.

2. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

This iconic rom-com starring Firth, alongside fellow Brit actors Renee Zellweger and Hugh Grant, gained a cult following and grossed US$280 million worldwide, before spawning two sequels.

3. A Single Man (2009)

It was his portrayal as a homosexual British professor living in ’60s Los Angeles, struggling to deal with the death of his long-time partner, that saw Firth take his first Academy Award and a Golden Globe or two.

4. The King’s Speech (2010)

Perhaps the most critically acclaimed and widely known work in the actor’s oeuvre, The King’s Speech, a true-to-life biopic documenting British King George VI’s battle with a life-long speech impediment. It was this role that saw Firth pick up countless acting accolades.

5. Mamma Mia! (2008, 2018)

Flexing his singing talents, Firth joined a star-studded cast in this fun yet heartfelt movie adaptation of the beloved Abba-inspired musical as Harry Bright, a British banker and one of the protagonist’s three possible fathers.

New Netflix shows to binge in 2021

The New Year has rolled in but with social distancing measure still firmly in place, what can you do with all that free time? Binging on some of the hottest new shows perhaps? From a romantic period-piece with a modern twist to a glamorous reality show of rich Asians in LA, these are the Netflix original series to binge on this month.

Bridgerton

Insanely popular Netflix original series Bridgerton has been viewed by more than 63 million households in less than a month. Set against the backdrop of Regency-era England, the story follows Daphne Bridgerton as she navigates the world of high society London, matchmaking and courtship, and fortuitously falls in love with the Duke of Hastings. Based on the best-selling romance novels by Julia Quinn, producer and successful Grey’s Anatomy show runner, Shonda Rhimes can be credited for the modern twists and smart quips added to make the show so enjoyable.

Room 2806: The Accusation

In 2011, a sexual assault case made headlines across the globe. The charge made by a New York hotel maid was against Dominique Strauss-Kahn, also known as DSK, then head of the International monetary Fund (IMF) and a favoured French presidential candidate. The case involved three months of investigation, lawsuits and court hearings which international media followed every step of the way creating one of the most biggest controversy of sexual assault that led to his eventual resignation from the IMF and presidential election.

The Queen’s Gambit

The Queen’s Gambit is a gripping coming-of-age story of an orphaned prodigal-chess player, Beth Harmon, set in 1960s. The show follows her rise to stardom at a young age and also tracks her struggles with substance abuse. Though the show is comprised of well-written characters, it is the charm and elegance of its female lead, played by Ann Taylor-Joy, that arguably carried the show to fame. The limited-series is a peek into the lesser-known competitive world of chess, though you don’t have to like chess to enjoy this show.

Bling Empire

For those who have been waiting for another Asian representation of the glamorous lifestyle that the film Crazy Rich Asians brought to the big screen, look no further than Bling Empire. Scheduled to release on 15th January, this reality show will give the notorious Kardashians a run for their money. A backstage pass to the fabulous parties and drama-filled lifestyle of the wildly wealthy young Asians of LA is sure to entertain and as the series follows four billionaire and social media sensations: Jamie Xie, Christine Chiu, Kevin Kreider and Kane Lim.

New generation steals the spotlight in Gafencu’s 2020 Power List 300

Our exclusive 2020 Gafencu Power List 300 encompasses a who’s-who of Hong Kong power players, including these four latest additions…

Lam, Eleanor

Media Asia, Assistant Vice-President

Daughter of Peter Lam, chairman of Lai Sun Development, and sister of fellow socialite Emily Lam-Ho, Eleanor is a stalwart of Hong Kong’s social scene. Turning her love of beauty into a career, the Instagram star can often be seen partnering with make-up brands like Dior and La Prairie. Her keen understanding of the entertainment industry also serves her well as Assistant Vice-President at Media Asia, the entertainment business owned by her father.

Liang Sai-cheong, Francis

The Spectre Group, Director

Son of shipping magnate David Liang Chong-hou, Francis Liang Sai-cheong is a director of The Spectre Group, and is the grandson of the late Liang Yuen-cheong, who served as a director of Hang Seng Bank and a vice chairman of property developer New World Development. The younger Liang was educated at Huron University in Ontario, Canada.

Chau-Kuok, Chelsea

SW1 Projects, Founder

Daughter of Justin Chau (owner and principal of investment company KRC Projects) and Reina Chau, Chelsea is a graduate of Stanford University as well as the Gemmological Institute of America. Having apparently inherited her entrepreneurial streak from her parents, she has founded her own jewellery company, SW1 Projects. Chelsea and her husband, Justin Kuok – a scion of the Shangri-La Group Kuoks – are blessed with two young sons.

Yim, Carmen

Life in Motion, Founder and Global Marketing Director

The stylish daughter of Stanley Yim, owner of electronic goods manufacturer SAS Dragon Holdings, Carmen Yim is a Director of Capital Markets at Knight Frank. The London School of Economics Graduate also founded Life in Motion, a company that utilises cutting-edge LED technology with modern designs to help maintain a sanitary home. A keen believer in giving back, she is also a member of the Youth Entrepreneur Committee of the HKBU Foundation.

January Events: Highlights for Hong Kong’s upcoming month

Kick off the New Year in style by trying your hand at everything from online botanical painting classes to taking in a Brahms requiem. If retail therapy is more your thing, visit the upcoming Discovery Bay Chinese New Year Market. Read on for more events to look forward to in Hong Kong this January…

Jan 7

A Feminist’s guide to Botany: Online Botanical Painting Session

Step into the magical world of botany and try pairing your green fingers with a brush in an online water painting class dedicated to exploring the history of iconic female artists in the botanical field. The workshop will be led by the London Drawing Group, an all-female art and teaching collective that promises to deliver engaging art classes you can enjoy right in the comfort of your own home. The attendance fee, meanwhile, is on an eminently reasonable “pay what you can” basis.

Details: londondrawinggroup.com

Jing Kewen: Cloudless

Until Jan 11

Jing Kewen, a leading proponent of the Chinese avant-garde movement, is to present a selection of works he created over the course of 20 years in the first exhibition of his art to be hosted by Massimo De Carlo. The chosen pieces are said to highlight his evolution as an artist, including many deemed to be pivotal expressions of his unique vision during the period when his oeuvre was most influenced by post-modernism and globalisation.

Details: Massimo De Carlo, Central. massimodecarlo.com

Cantonese opera young talent

Until Feb 6
With the aim of breathing new life into one of the city’s few homegrown artforms, the Chinese Artist Association of Hong Kong is to stage over 100 Cantonese opera performances and related outreach activities at the Yau Ma Tei Theatre. It is hoped this will help nurture new talents via a programme intended to pass on the art of Cantonese opera to a new generation.

Details: HK$100 Up at Yau Ma Tei Theatre. hkbarwoymt.com

A taste for life: The collection and connoisseurship of Mr Low Chuck-tiew

Until Feb 24
Xubaizhai is presenting a fine selection of highly acclaimed Chinese paintings and calligraphy works from the archives of the late connoisseur of the fine arts, Low Chuck-tiew. In all, the collection is said to showcase some 40 iconic works collected over a 50-year period, which both capture the zeitgeist and reflect the rarefied taste of their former owner. The selection is also accompanied by the personal story behind the acquisition of each work, providing an illuminating journey into the heart of art connoisseurship.

Details: Free admission at Xubaizhai Gallery of Chinese Painting and Calligraphy. hk.art.museum

Brahms: The German Requiem

Jan 9
A piece that will move and comfort the grieving heart, The German Requiemis the longest work composed by Deutschland’s own Johannes Brahms. Said to be a tribute to his mother and inspired by the music of Bach, this seven-movement piece will be performed by the Hong Kong Youth Choir under the lead of Christopher Cheng.

Details: HK$180 Up at Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. up.hkphil.org.

Discovery Bay Chinese New Year Market

Jan 12
Ring in the Chinese New Year with a little retail therapy while getting ahead with your preparations for the lunar celebration. As a special edition of the ever-vibrant and lively Discovery Bay Sunday Market, the Discovery Bay Chinese New Year Market is aiming to spoil shoppers with an array of fare from dozens of artisan vendors, all selling handmade crafts and ethically-produced items from local creators.

Details: Free admission at Discovery Bay Main Plaza. handmadehongkong.com

The Impossible Trial: A Musical

Jan 24 – 31
The Impossible Trial (previously known as The Great Pretender) assembles some of Hong Kong’s leading creators and performers in the revival of this classic fable of greed, justice and redemption, all in a contemporary context in an innovative musical theatre format. Commissioned by Freespace, and co-presented and co-produced by HKRep and Freespace, the performance is said to tell a timeless tale with considerable relevance to modern day Hong Kong.

Details: HK$180 Up at Hong Kong Cultural Centre. westkowloon.hk

Exclusive online dating apps for the rich and fabulous

Does it sometimes feel like Cupid has gone off on a long vacation or perhaps he just hasn’t found the right person for you? Worry not, dating apps are the modern-day matchmakers that make navigating the dating scene an efficient and effective process, one that attracts many young singles, according to a research published on Pew Research Centre. But with so many options available, how are Hong Kong’s eligible bachelors and bachelorettes going to cut through the meaningless connections to find their soulmate? Well, perhaps these super exclusive dating apps might help, but only if you meet their entry requirements…

Raya
An online community for the rich and famous, this dating app’s process involves an algorithm and a strong global committee filled with hundreds of individuals of varying backgrounds that determines the suitability of any potential app user. It’s been said that getting an invitation to this members-only online society from an existing member would improve chances of your application being approved, as does being a creative or an expert in a particular professional field. And if it is, landing a spot in this exclusive community might grant you a chance to go on a virtual date with the likes of Cara Delevigne or Channing Tatum.

Luxy
A dating platform for only the wealthiest love-seekers, this app analyses and approves applicants only after checking their income and tax returns, all to ensure that the community consists of only the most affluent and eligible bachelors and bachelorettes, removing the risks of coming across scammers and catfishes. Cutting to the chase and saving time on meaningless first dates, the app connects members to a pool of society’s most successful CEOs, lawyers, doctors, athletes and investors. According to the the promotional literature, 41 percent of members are worth at least US$1 million.

The Inner Circle
For individuals serious about finding their happily ever after, this app offers you the opportunity to build genuine connections. Say goodbye to the endless swiping and bland digital chats, because this online network lets users share their values, interests and their idea of a perfect date, putting personality ahead in the matchmaking experience. The registration process is as simple as registering your Facebook or LinkedIn account, which simultaneously allows the company verify all applicants’ identities and avoid unauthentic profiles from joining the community. Inner Circle also lets you meet your match at the various members-only singles events and party nights hosted around the world — providing a safe space for genuine romantics to come together and find love.