Grace Chang, Hong Kong screen icon and Mambo Girl star, dies at 93

Grace Chang, a celebrated Hong Kong singer and actress also known by her stage name Ge Lan, has passed away at the age of 93. News of her death was shared by Hong Kong cultural commentator Tang Siu Yu, sparking tributes from across the cultural community and among film fans.

Born in Shanghai in 1933, Chang relocated to Hong Kong with her father in the 1940s. Performing as Ge Lan, she launched her film career with Taishan Pictures, making her debut in the 1952 film "Seven Sisters." She later rose to prominence as a leading lady for the Cathay Organisation, appearing in more than 30 films over a decade.

Chang is particularly remembered for her roles in films such as "It Blossoms Again," "Mambo Girl," and "The Wild, Wild Rose." Her final screen appearance was in the 1964 film "The Story Of Three Loves," after which she retired from the entertainment industry. She married businessman Gao Fuquan in 1961.

Despite her retirement from acting, Chang's music maintained its appeal, reaching new audiences through its inclusion in various films. Her songs were featured in Taiwanese productions like "The Hole" (1998) and "The Wayward Cloud" (2005), the Malaysian film "Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang" (2008), and the Hollywood hit "Crazy Rich Asians" (2018). A short biography, "The Life Of Grace Chang," was published in 2025 chronicling her life and career. Chang made a public appearance around her 88th birthday in 2021, where veteran journalist Wong Man Ling shared photos with celebrities like Brigitte Lin, who described Chang as "the prettiest."

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Aunty Ge Lan is the prettiest.