Lai-Zhen Yu (; 1915–2004) was a former Chinese actress and Cantonese opera singer from Hong Kong. Yu is credited with over 140 films.
Early life In 1923, Yu was born in Guangdong, China.
Career At age 16, Yu performed Cantonese opera. Yu performed Cantonese opera in the United States, South East Asia, and Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, Yu co-founded Guanghua Opera Troupe. In 1947, Yu crossed over as an actress in Hong Kong films. Yu first appeared in Cuckoo's Spirit in March, a 1947 Drama film directed by Hung Suk-Wan. In 1959, Yu co-founded Lishi Film Production Company. Yu is known for her role as the Headless Queen in Cantonese opera films. In 1968, Yu retired from the film industry.Yu planned to be back on stage for Lunar New Year, as encouraged by her husband. 29 December 1961 Wah Kiu Yat Po. ()
Yu's last film was The Plot, a 1967 Historical Drama film directed by Wong Hok-Sing. Yu is credited with over 140 films.
Repertoire The God's Story3 August 1953 Performance, seven days, Macau.() An Agnostic and Sagacious IntercessionGoogle book search 英雄碧血洗情仇 1954年7月5日 Emperor's Nocturnal Sacrifice (debut opposite Sun Ma Sze Tsang) The Crab Beauty (Fantasy) & and The ‘biographical notes' of YU Lai-zhen（1923–2004.3.4) PDF The Skeleton Tower under the Sea (Fantasy) &
Filmography Films This is a partial list of films. 1947 Cuckoo's Spirit in March 1951 A King Speaks His Heart 1959 The Maid Who led an Expedition to conquer the West (See Yang Paifeng) 1963 The Prince Becomes a Monk 1967 The Plot ( Teaching the Son to Slay the Emperor, Revenge of the Prince) - Cuckoo, Lau's wife
Personal life Yu's husband was Lee Siu-wan, a writer for films. Within the Cantonese Opera community, Lee was also part of the establishment. He explained at a press conference how applications of new performers for Barwo membership were blocked until weeks before their scheduled (1 July 1972) performances.The Kung Sheung Daily News, 18 May 1972, Page 10.
After retirement, Yu immigrated to Canada. On 4 March 2004, Yu died.
Discography CR-2063, Emperor's Nocturnal Sacrifice
References
External links HK Film Archive's "Morning Matinee" to feature diverse works of Yu Lai-Zhen Iconic Heroines in Cantonese Opera Films Chiu Lai Jan at hkcinemagic.com