Leslie Cheung’s 69th Heavenly Birthday: Daffy Shared Past Birthday Photos, ‘Gor Fans’ Gather to Mourn

Yesterday (the 12th) was the memorial birthday of legendary superstar Leslie Cheung (Gor Gor). His close friend Tang Hede (Daffy) uploaded photos of Gor Gor’s past birthday celebrations on social media and, as a “Gor fan,” sent well wishes: “Gor Gor, happy birthday!”

Even though Gor Gor has been gone for 22 years, his star still shines bright today, unforgettable to all. Every year on the anniversary of his passing and memorial birthday, large groups of fans gather to remember him. On the bustling Beijing Road in Guangzhou, “Gor fans” rented a giant outdoor screen, playing clips from Leslie’s classic films in tribute. Some fans left messages online: “I cried my eyes out... saw Leslie Cheung’s birthday in Guangzhou...” As for Hong Kong, memorial activities never go amiss — the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront was lined with bouquets and photos of Gor Gor, and many passersby stopped to pay their respects. Some netizens also uploaded old photos of Leslie, leaving messages such as, “After all the years, only his charm remains; wishing Gor Gor a happy 69th birthday.”

Chan Suk Fan (Mrs. Chan) and her son Chan Ka Ho, together with nearly 200 “Gor fans” from all over, including Macau, China, Japan, Korea, and Moscow, went to Po Fook Hill’s Po Chan Hall in Sha Tin to pay respects. “Gor fans” presented specially designed wreaths and bouquets, turning the place into a sea of flowers. Japanese “Gor fans” fold a thousand origami cranes every April and September; this time, they folded 912 vibrant red cranes to match Leslie’s birthday, paired with soft white moth orchids, expressing deep respect and remembrance. Mrs. Chan made a rainbow origami crane cake and decorated the background with pastel paper cranes, wishing Gor Gor peace and freedom in the distance. She also printed special commemorative cards of Leslie to hand out to “Gor fans,” jokingly asking everyone if they’re ready for the 70th birthday celebration next year. Many “Gor fans” hope that a commemorative event can be held next year, including the establishment of a permanent Leslie Cheung Memorial Hall or a bronze statue. Mrs. Chan is already actively preparing.