Helena Law

Career

She started in the film industry in 1939, cast in antagonistic roles during the black and white film era. It was during this time that she took the stage name of "Law Lan" based on the advice of her boss because he said the name was reminiscent of Shanghai socialites (交際花), and this name better suited the type of roles that she played.

In 1971, Law joined TVB and took part in numerous drama series. Here, she played a variety of different characters instead of only being cast in antagonistic roles as she had previously. She also took part in the popular nightly variety show, Enjoy Yourself Tonight, which included skits, singing, dancing, and variety games, filmed in front of a live audience.

Law has also been cast as a spirit medium in more than 36 Hong Kong horror films. Law's performance as 四婆 (lit. fourth granny) in the film, Bullets Over Summer, garnered her the "Best Actress" award at the 19th Hong Kong Film Award in 2000, making her the oldest winner of this coveted award.

Law has starred in over 300 movies and television dramas throughout her career.

Personal life

Law's father died during World War II aged 34 after complications from opium withdrawals. She has been living alone since 1994 when her mother died, thus saving her from immigrating to Canada.

There is a fake rumour being disseminated online that Law's mother is of Indian heritage. On 30th June 2026 she appeared on Canton province's Pearl River Channel (珠江频道) entertainment interview and clarified that both her parents came from Shunde, Guangdong and are pure blooded Chinese. The interview was also aired on Chinese social media platform, WeChat. According to Law,her mother had emigrated to Indonesia at age 14. In the program, Law even shared the photos of both her parents.

Law is a devout Catholic. She is often asked about the contradiction of portraying characters such as Chinese mediums and exorcists helping to contact the deceased from the underworld as opposed to her Christian faith. Law said she has consulted the priest on this and was assured that she was just performing her role for her audience and as long as she remains faithful in Christ, then it should not matter.

Filmography

Film

The Kid (1950)

Story of the White-Haired Demon Girl (1959)

Les Belles (1961)

Young, Pregnant and Unmarried (1968)

Lucky Seven (1970)

The House of 72 Tenants (1972)

Police Woman (1973)

Games Gamblers Play (1974)

Aces Go Places 3 (1984)

The Greatest Lover (1988)

The Bride with White Hair 2 (1993)

Troublesome Night (1997)

Haunted Mansion (1998)

Troublesome Night 3 (1998)

Bullets Over Summer (1999)

Troublesome Night 5 (1999)

Troublesome Night 6 (1999)

Troublesome Night 7 (2000)

Troublesome Night 8 (2000)

Troublesome Night 9 (2001)

Troublesome Night 10 (2001)

Troublesome Night 11 (2001)

Troublesome Night 12 (2001)

Troublesome Night 13 (2002)

Troublesome Night 14 (2002)

Honours and awards

Medal of Honour (2002)

Hong Kong Film Critics Society Awards

Best Actress for Bullets Over Summer (2000)

Hong Kong Film Awards

Best Supporting Actress Nomination for Thou Shalt Not Swear (1994)

Best Supporting Actress Nomination for 13 July (1997)

Best Actress for Bullets Over Summer (2000)

Golden Bauhinia Awards

Best Supporting Actress for Bullets Over Summer (2000)

TVB Anniversary Awards

Life Achievement Award (2002)