If you had millions of dollars under your name, what do you plan to do with it after you pass on?

Some people would’ve given it to their family and friends while others, like Warren Buffet and Bill Gates, intend to give it all to charity.

One of the people who will follow in that line of philanthropists is one of the most sought-after Hong Kong stars.

Iconic Chinese actor Chow Yun-fat pledged to donate over $700 million dollars to charity.

Last 2018, Chow surprised movie fans around the world after he revealed that he won’t be leaving anything behind when he passes on.

The ever-charismatic star and his wife have established a charity and plan on supporting different causes because they think it’s only right to do so.

“The money’s not mine. I’m only keeping it safe for the time being.” Chow said when asked for the reason why.

Chow Yun-fat earned much of his wealth through his successful acting career.

But life wasn’t always this abundant. He was born in Lamma Island, Hong Kong to a cleaning lady and a tanker worker. They don’t have electricity in their house. Chow often helps her mother sell jell and tea pudding before working on the fields in the afternoon.

He also helped his parents when he was a teenager by doing odd jobs like being a bellboy, cab driver, and even a camera salesman.

His life changed after answering a casting call after college.

He began to become a soap opera staple. His big break came after the series “The Bund”. After teaming up with John Woo, his career was catapulted to new heights.

He starred in iconic Hong Kong films like A Better Tomorrow, and City on Fire. His Hollywood debut was a bit rocky but he made his mark nonetheless.

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He became known in Western cinema through his roles in Anna and the King, Curse of the Golden Flower, Pirates of the Caribbean, and his most remarkable role as Li Mubai in Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Despite his success, the star is known to live a really modest life.

He was known affectionately as “Brother Fat”. He is said to enjoy and frequent Hong Kong’s street food stalls. While others take private jets, he takes public transportation regularly. He is also seen lining up for his own movie.

He is also said to spend around $100 on himself monthly which puts him in stark contrast with his counterparts.

In a famous anecdote, Chow is also believed to have owned a Nokia phone for 17 years. He finally got a smartphone some years before but only because his Nokia stopped working.

He might be famous, but he kept himself grounded.

Instead of spending money on material things, Chow often uses his free time hiking or jogging. When spotted at these events, he happily poses with fans for photos.

“My dream is to be a happy and normal person,” he said in an interview. “The hardest thing in life is not about how much money you earn, but how to keep a peaceful mindset and live the rest of your life in a simple and carefree manner.”

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Beyond his charismatic presence on and off the camera, we fully understand why people still call him “the King of Cool”.

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Source: YouTube – JoBlo Originals, Forbes, PEOPLE, Instagram – @russelwong