Leslie Cheung Kwok-Wing, an iconic Hong Kong pop star, film actor, and singer, passed away on April 1, 2003 at the age of 46. Widely regarded as one of the most iconic Asian stars of the 1980s and 1990s, Cheung was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong, on September 12, 1956. He moved to the United States as a teenager to study at Chicago's Northwestern University, where he majored in psychology. Upon his return to Hong Kong in 1977, he joined the local music scene and released his first album, Winds of Change, in 1982. Cheung was best known for his role in the film Farewell My Concubine and for his role in the classic martial arts movie A Better Tomorrow, which was also produced by Hong Kong film legend John Woo. Over the course of his career, Cheung earned several awards including numerous Golden Horse Awards and the coveted Hong Kong Film Awards. Cheung is also remembered for his efforts to promote works of modern Chinese authors and artists. One of the most influential figures in Asian pop culture, Cheung's death at the age of 46 cut short a life full of art and joy. He will be fondly remembered by fans across the world.