白雪仙

白雪仙 (Bak Suet Sin), born Chan Suk Leung in 1928, is a legendary figure in Cantonese opera and Hong Kong’s cultural history. Hailing from a family of opera stars (her father was renowned performer Sit Kok Sin), she became a household name through her iconic partnership with Yam Kim Fai, her lifelong collaborator and fellow opera luminary. Together, they redefined Cantonese opera in the 1950s and 60s with classics like *帝女花* (The Princess Chang Ping) and *再世紅梅記* (The Reincarnation of the Red Plum), blending poetic storytelling with emotional depth. Their Sin Fung Ming Opera Troupe elevated the art form with lavish productions and innovative staging, earning them a devoted following.

Beyond the stage,白雪仙 transitioned into film, producing and starring in cinematic adaptations of their operas, ensuring their legacy reached new generations. Known for her elegance and dedication to preserving Cantonese culture, she received Hong Kong’s highest honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hong Kong Film Awards (1989). Though retired from performing, her influence endures—whether through timeless recordings like *分飛燕* or the enduring popularity of her tragic heroines. A true cultural guardian, she’s forever intertwined with the soul of Cantonese opera.