The Timeless Beauty of Carmen Lee
Hong Kong actress Carmen Lee, best known for her iconic roles as Xiao Long Nu and Wang Yuyan, earned the nickname “Fairy Sister” due to her ethereal grace and beauty. In late August, the 58-year-old star captivated fans once again by reuniting with her “The Return of the Condor Heroes” (1995) co-star, Louis Koo. The reunion, shared widely on Douyin, saw tens of thousands of viewers expressing admiration for Lee’s radiant appearance, prompting fans to revisit her memorable roles both on-screen and off during the 1990s.
At the event, Louis Koo playfully remarked, “I’ve waited 29 years to share the stage with you again,” to which Carmen Lee quipped, “And it took you this long to open the car door? I thought I’d be sleeping in there forever!” This moment sparked a wave of nostalgia among fans, who began sharing photos of Lee during her early years as “Gugu” in “The Return of the Condor Heroes.”
In consonance with HK01, Carmen Lee was the seventh of ten children in her family. Known for her beauty from a young age, she was affectionately called “Seventh Fairy” by her neighbors. Growing up in a large family, she helped her parents with handmade crafts to sell. Despite her household responsibilities, Lee excelled academically, often ranking at the top of her class. At 19, she chose to work instead of pursuing a university education and was hired as a flight attendant. A few months later, she began modeling for advertisements.
Lee’s acting career began in 1990, and within five years, she became a household name across Asia with her portrayal of Xiaolongnü in “The Return of the Condor Heroes.” Mtime praised her for embodying the character’s serene and otherworldly qualities, closely matching Jin Yong’s description in the novel. Nearly 30 years later, her portrayal of Xiaolongnü remains deeply etched in the memories of many viewers.
In 1997, Lee took on the role of Wang Yuyan in “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.” Harper’s Bazaar noted that her “fairy-like” beauty, combined with a hint of cool detachment, made her performance in these wuxia dramas mesmerizing, turning her into the “dream girl” of an entire generation.
Alongside her acting career, Carmen Lee also worked as a photo model, frequently appearing in magazines and campaigns for various brands.
In her 2021 memoir, Lee revealed that for over a decade after her film debut, her life revolved around scripts, with getting enough sleep being a rare luxury. In 2005, she began dating businessman Kwok Ying Chuen and took a break from acting at his request. She returned to the entertainment industry in 2012 after their breakup.
HK01 noted that Carmen Lee’s face complements a variety of hairstyles, giving her a sweet charm, especially with short hair. Even in her 30s, she remained a captivating presence, with Sohu describing her as one of Hong Kong’s “unforgettable” stars due to the lasting impression she left on audiences.
In recent years, Carmen Lee has been active in the entertainment industry, taking on roles as both an actress and a producer. She also creates fitness and beauty tutorial videos. At the end of August, she released a short film titled “Evening Rose,” further showcasing her versatility and enduring appeal.
