Chinese Actress Who Went from Earning $22 a Day to Hollywood Homes

The influence of Hong Kong director and actor Stephen Chow is tremendous.

The foreign media SETN reported on April 4 that Chinese actress Zhang Mei’e had appeared in just two films and bought two houses. According to the report, she made her screen debut at 61, catching the eye of Stephen Chow, known as the “Master of Hong Kong.” Despite her late debut, she gained attention for her excellent performance in “Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons” (2013).

Zhang also appeared in Stephen Chow’s film The Mermaid (2016). Chow’s team reportedly offered her the role.

Zhang’s career has flourished ever since, with offers from TV shows, movies, and entertainment programs. Notably, she earned just 150 yuan (approximately $23) a day before captivating director Stephen Chow and landing her acting debut.

Zhang’s success story extends beyond film. Her monthly salary has skyrocketed to tens of thousands of yuan, and she’s used her earnings to improve her lifestyle, even purchasing two houses on her own. People online showered her with praise, commenting things like “You’ve worked hard!” and “Luck is also a skill!” Others acknowledged her talent, saying, “Opportunities are created by oneself. Stephen Chow must have sent a love call since her acting was good in the first movie.” The overall sentiment was congratulations and admiration: “You’re really cool!”

Expectations are high for the diverse activities that Zhang and Chow will show in the future.

Despite their B-movie aesthetic, Stephen Chow’s films are celebrated for their unique worldview and comedic oddity. Since his solo directorial debut with Shaolin Soccer in 2001, he has helmed all his subsequent films, including the widely popular Kung Fu Hustle (2005).

Chow also has a deep connection with Korean actor Song Kang Ho. Chow was dubbed for Song’s role in the Cantonese version of Song’s first leading film, The Foul King (2000).

Photo= Movie “Journey to the West,” TV Report DB, Stephen Chow’s Social Media