Seventeen Years of Marriage and Still in Love: Why Michelle Reis Found Greater Happiness Than Rosamund Kwan?

A few days ago, Michelle Reis shared affectionate photos with her wealthy third-generation husband, Julian Hui, celebrating their 17th wedding anniversary. Netizens praised her glowing presence, calling her “still a goddess.”

Some have mocked her marriage—saying that while she truly married into a wealthy family, her life didn’t appear as extravagantly luxurious as imagined, and that her monthly allowance of 2 million HKD pales next to her reputation as “the most beautiful Miss Hong Kong.”

In truth, at 55, Michelle Reis is arguably the most fulfilled among Hong Kong actresses of her era—her husband is considerate, her son adorable, her life comfortable, and her beauty enduring.

Especially when compared with Rosamund Kwan—her longtime “rival in beauty”—Michelle’s life reveals a serenity and warmth that stands out.

1. Two Astonishing Beauties, Two Very Different Childhoods

Michelle Reis was born in 1970 into an ordinary Hong Kong family—a Portuguese father and a beautiful Shanghai-born mother.

Although her parents initially defied family objections to be together, financial hardship gradually eroded their affection. Eventually, her father left, disappearing entirely.

To survive, little Michelle began appearing in advertisements from the age of three. Ten years later, she was discovered by scouts and started working as a part-time model.

Rosamund Kwan, by contrast, grew up in the glittering world of fame.

Born in 1962 into a performing-arts family, her father was respected actor Kwan Shan and her mother was actress Cheung Bing Sai.

Their marriage was initially loving, but as Kwan Shan’s popularity grew, so did the scandals. The relationship fractured, and in 1975, Rosamund’s mother left for overseas. Rosamund stayed with her father, growing up amidst celebrities who affectionately nicknamed her “the porcelain doll.”

By age 14, she was already wearing heels and dating boys. At 19, she signed with a TV network and starred in “Love Story,” acting alongside Leslie Cheung and Max Mok.

But in 1980, she shocked the industry—she quickly married Wang Guojing, an older finance tycoon 18 years her senior, and left showbiz to be a full-time wife.

Their marriage didn’t last. His infidelity continued, and the two soon divorced.

Rosamund made a strong comeback, starring in roles that made her shine again, including “Prince Frog.” Yet many of her roles were ornamental, limiting her career development—though she never lacked suitors, often wealthy ones… including the married tycoon Ma Qingwei.

Ma, heir to a legendary business family, had married popular actress Chen Meiqi. Chen quit acting and focused on bearing a child for the family.

Then Rosamund entered the picture.

Rumors were everywhere—claims that Chen caught them meeting late at night, and that Rosamund would call the Ma household at midnight provoking:
“You’ll be dumped soon!”

Repeated emotional stress caused Chen Meiqi to lose both her baby and her ability to have children. Rosamund didn’t retreat—instead calling Chen a “hen that doesn’t lay eggs.”

These actions dramatically damaged her public reputation.

And when Ma divorced Chen in 1986, Rosamund didn’t end up with him anyway—leaving the saga a mystery.

2. Falling for the Same Man

While Rosamund’s personal life stirred controversy, 18-year-old Michelle Reis, with her mother’s support, entered the Miss Hong Kong Pageant—meeting her first boyfriend, Niki, along the way.

Niki—son of famed writer Ni Kuang and nephew of novelist Yi Shu—was a judge at the pageant. Legend says that when he first saw Michelle, he was stunned.

Michelle went on to win the crown and the title “Most Beautiful Miss Hong Kong,” launching her acting career. Her relationship with Niki eventually faded.

That same year, Michelle met the wealthy business magnate Joseph Lau—19 years her senior.

Lau had risen from nothing—with his first fortune earned thanks to his first wife, Bo Wing Kam, who mortgaged her family home to fund his business. As his empire exploded, so did his affairs—especially with two women: Michelle Reis and Rosamund Kwan.

Like many wealthy men courting actresses, Lau flooded Michelle with extravagant gifts—luxury homes, cars, jewelry. When she casually mentioned having no space for clothes, he purchased her a mansion.

In interviews, Michelle later said he once climbed 30 floors just to bring her dumplings.

Perhaps believing his devotion was genuine, she tried to oust Bo Wing Kam and become “Mrs. Lau.”

In 1992, she phoned Bo—a recording later revealed—where Michelle infamously shouted nine consecutive vulgar insults.

Bo never forgave her, even declaring on her deathbed that Michelle must never enter her home—forever closing the door to becoming Mrs. Lau.

Interestingly, a few years earlier, Rosamund Kwan had made similar attempts to force out Chen Meiqi. One wonders if Michelle was following the “example” of her predecessor.

Around this time, Rosamund’s career soared thanks to iconic roles in “Once Upon a Time in China” and “Swordsman.”

Her portrayal of Thirteenth Aunt remains legendary—her beauty unforgettable. Even Andy Lau once said:
“Her beauty is almost impossible to surpass.”

While Michelle embodied a striking mixed-race allure—cool and intense—Rosamund exuded a softer, timeless Chinese elegance.

Two different breeds of beauty—destined to clash over the same man.

3. The Two Women Choose Different Futures

In 1992, Joseph Lau became enamored with Rosamund and ended his relationship with Michelle—reportedly paying her a large breakup settlement.

He then turned his attention fully to Rosamund, leading to the notorious “golf ball incident” the following year.

Yet throughout this period, he continued pursuing other women—Choi Siu-fun, Angie Ho, Yuen Kit-ying—leaving many labeled homewreckers by association.

In the end, the woman he married was not either Michelle or Rosamund—but a former paparazzi reporter: Gambi.

Even after breaking up, Lau gifted Michelle a mansion worth 20 million HKD in 1999.

Michelle then dated various high-profile men—including Leon Lai, tycoon Roland Chiu, and model Daniel Chan—but none lasted.

Her film career maintained visibility, but she often attracted attention mainly for her looks. Eventually, after filming “Sex & Zen” in 2003, she gradually withdrew from showbiz, shifting focus to marriage prospects.

Rosamund, enjoying her popularity as Thirteenth Aunt, transitioned to the mainland, signed with Huayi Brothers, and appeared in Feng Xiaogang’s “Big Shot’s Funeral.” She later starred with Wallace Huo in “Hairdresser,” taking on edgier roles.

But beauty fades, and new talents emerge—both women faced the inevitable evolution of the industry.

Michelle set her sights on wealthy businessman Albert Yeung, but his formidable wife, supported by overwhelming family assets, forced him back to the marriage—ending Michelle’s attempt.

In 2006, at age 36, Michelle met Julian Hui—the grandson of Hong Kong’s “King of Shipping.” Although he had previously dated several actresses and had been married to Pansy Ho, their marriage ended in 2008.

That same year, he married Michelle.

When people accused her of being a “serial homewrecker,” she replied calmly:

“Everyone has a past. I have a past. At this stage of life, if a man with zero history walked up to me, I don’t think I could relate to him—we wouldn’t share any life experience.”

Despite rumors that Michelle was not favored by the Hui family, she bravely took on the risks of late-age pregnancy and gave birth to their son in 2011.

Meanwhile, Julian transformed into a devoted husband—no scandals, no drama.

Rosamund, after parting ways with younger model Rigel Davis, again gravitated toward wealthy men—this time Taiwanese magnate Chen Taiming. Once again, he already had a wife and children.

The relationship lingered in ambiguity until Rosamund finally acknowledged it publicly. There were even rumors of a secret marriage—but after six years, she announced their breakup herself.

After two marriages, Rosamund admitted feeling “without a sense of belonging.” She remains open to future love, but also committed to independence.

In recent years, she has focused on entrepreneurship—launching a pajama brand, occasionally appearing on shows, living comfortably in her luxurious 150-million HKD home with her beloved dog.

Michelle, in contrast, embodies the lifestyle of a true society lady. Whenever she appears publicly, she is elegantly dressed, radiant beside her husband, causing netizens to exclaim: “She finally triumphed!”

She once said:

“My bottom line is: I cannot accept infidelity. I want a long-lasting relationship. I don’t need to compare myself to others.”

Perhaps it is precisely these beliefs that have allowed Michelle Reis to live more peacefully—and more happily—than Rosamund Kwan.

And all the past scandals, drama, and rivalries—have long since lost their importance.