Muzi
20 January 2000

"ANNA AND THE KING" star Chow Yun-Fat's wife saved his life after he bottomed out in a suicide attempt 17 years ago, and now he's hit it big in Hollywood.

Chow Yun-Fat quit school at age 17 and worked as a bellboy, postman and camera salesman before starting acting lessons in 1972.

Yun-Fat, 44, is winning raves as King Mongkut of Siam opposite Jodie Foster, and for many years he's been a heartthrob in Asian action pictures. But before meeting his wife of 13 years, Jasmine, the actor found his life spiraling downward as his career and love life bombed. In 1982, following years on Chinese television soap operas and a few action films, Yun-Fat was dating a beautiful Chinese actress. But the love affair collapsed, he drank household cleaners -- and found himself in a hospital where doctors worked furiously to save his life. "I was hopelessly in love," the star told an insider. Although physicians pulled him through, Chow's problems were far from over.

He soon met Hong Kong socialite Candice Yu, fell in love and tied the knot. But in just six months, the marriage ended and he was scrambling to find work. He felt defeated and depressed, but then in 1984 he met his wife Jasmine. They fell madly in love and were married in 1986.

A friend said, "Chow told me: 'After my bad experiences with love, I thought I'd never find the right woman. But Jasmine and I are soul mates.' " Thanks to her love and encouragement, Chow snapped out of his depression. She began handling his business affairs and helped get his career back on track. Chow got a second chance and hit it big. By 1988, he was starring in 12 films a year -- and now lives in a fabulous $9.5 million mansion in Hong Kong. The "Anna and the King" star confided to his friend: "I have money, fame and acclaim -- but I'd have none of this if it wasn't for my wife!"

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