A life in films
Oct 8, 1927 – Born in Hong Kong 1945-49
– During high school years in Shanghai, Chow and friends produce a Sports Weekly magazine. Graduates with a BA in journalism from St John’s University in Shanghai. Returns to the city of his birth and begins life as a reporter at the Hong Kong Tiger Standard. 1951
– Joins Voice of America’s bureau in Hong Kong. 1958
– Leaves journalism after being recruited by Shaw Brothers Studio, initially working as the head of publicity before becoming a producer while overseeing the business at the Cathay studio group. 1970
– Chow decides to leave Shaw Brothers and with Leonard Ho Koon-cheung
— a friend from his days at St. John’s — sets up Golden Harvest. 1971
– Chow signs on Bruce Lee. Together they make The Big Boss. Lee becomes a star and begins a remarkable run of international successes for Golden Harvest.
1972
– Joins Lee on set in Rome to shoot The Way of the Dragon — a rare overseas venture by a Hong Kong film industry venture in those days. 1973
– Lee’s posthumous release, Enter the Dragon, the first Hong Kong-Hollywood co-production, becomes a massive global hit, grossing more than $90 million.
1976
– Michael Hui Koonman’s distinctly Hong Kong flavored satire The Private Eyes is a surprise hit in Japan, opening up a new market for local comedies. 1980
– Helps launch the international career of Jackie Chan with the US-set The Big Brawl. 1981
– Another massive international hit lands as Chow provides the funds needed to attract an array of international stars — including Burt Reynolds and Jackie Chan — for the wild romp The Cannonball Run. The film grosses around $100 million. 1990
– Raises eyebrows by producing the comic book-inspired action-comedy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The film grosses more than $200 million worldwide. 1995
– Chan’s Rumble in the Bronx cements the actor’s place as an international superstar. November 2007
– Chow sells his stake in Golden Harvest to businessman Wu Kebo, and retires as chairman. 2011
– Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at the Asian Film Awards. Nov 2,
2018 – Passes away in Hong Kong, aged 91.