Loletta Lee opens up about family estrangement — reveals the truth behind her past marriage and broken ties

(Hong Kong, March 29) Veteran Hong Kong actress Loletta Lee, now 60, has spent over four decades in the entertainment industry, with her personal life often under public scrutiny. In a recent interview with media veteran Wong Man-ling on Quick Shot Man Mirror, she candidly addressed how her past relationships were often described as “beauty and the beast,” saying, “Sometimes it’s just a moment of attraction—and you dive right in.”

Reflecting on her rise to fame in the early 1990s through the film Crazy Love, which cemented her status as a sex symbol, Lee admitted frankly that her decision to take on such roles was driven by financial needs. She explained that she wanted to support her brother’s education in Canada and improve her family’s living conditions, ultimately encouraged by producer Clifton Ko to take the leap.

However, after the passing of her parents, her family ties weakened. “Without them, it no longer felt like home. My brother emigrated, I rarely see my sister—work is now what brings me joy,” she shared.

Lee debuted at 17 as part of the “Happy Girls” group, known for her innocent, girl-next-door image. In 1993, she broke away from that persona by starring in Category III films, achieving major box office success and earning a reputation for blending purity with sensuality. She later stepped away from such roles after filming Sex and Zen II in 1996.

On relationships, Lee emphasized that she is not materialistic, despite being pursued by wealthy suitors. She described her romantic experiences as “unusual,” including rekindling past relationships after many years—most notably with lyricist Poon Yuen-leung. She recalled him once asking, “Can you love me a little more?”—a moment that made her question her own suitability for relationships.

Looking back, she expressed a philosophical outlook on life: “After falling a few times, you stop feeling the pain as much and learn not to hold on too tightly.” Speaking about her marriage to former husband Hui Yuen, she admitted they were not compatible, describing him as overly calculating.

As for her daughter Hui Yee-wing, who recently announced her engagement, Lee shared heartfelt gratitude: “She brings me so much happiness. It’s not about her repaying me—I’m the one who should thank her for giving me such a beautiful experience.”