Sharla Cheung Man was one of Hong Kong cinema’s most popular actresses in the early 1990s. A Shanghainese beauty with classic film-star looks, she focused on commercial dramas rather than art films and awards, leaving behind solid, unpretentious performances that have weathered well.

Here we look at a few of the highlights of Cheung’s 60-film career.

God of Gamblers (1989)

Cheung only had a small supporting role in the trendsetting Chow Yun-fat/Wong Jing gambling smash, but her cool glamour made her a star.

She had been noticed by the industry for her chirpy performance in the tasteless Faithfully Yours (1988) – a yuppie “comedy” about three friends trying to figure out who impregnated a woman after a blackout night of heavy drinking – which led to a contract with the powerful Win’s studio and the role in God of Gamblers.

Playing Jenny, the wife of Chow’s character, Cheung sets the tone for the rest of her career by refusing to be diminished by the male lead’s effortless charm. After a short introductory prelude, she makes a stunning entrance alongside Chow at a gambling club, her 1980s power hair ensuring she commands just as much attention.

The actress does not get many lines in the film, but audiences were impressed by her sophisticated looks. It was becoming fashionable for Hong Kong’s female stars to look girlie on screen – but Cheung was most definitely a grown woman here.