Helena Law is a Hong Kong actress dubbed the "Ghost Queen" due to her frequent appearances in supernatural films.

Law was born to a Chinese dad and half-Indian mother. She first started out in the film industry in 1939, casting in antagonistic roles during the black-and-white film era. In 1960, she took the stage name "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 Lan joined TVB and took part in numerous drama series. Here, she played a variety of different characters instead of only antagonistic roles. 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.

What really made Law Lan famous was during the Wuxia wave of the 1980s. She has been popularly cast in roles as a supernatural medium in over 36 Hong Kong horror movies despite the fact that she is a devoted Roman Catholic. From witches to evil grandmas, any role related to old ladies seems to be monopolized by her. Her performance as Lung Poh (old dragon lady) in the movie "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'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 emigrating to Canada.

(Source: Wikipedia, Zhihu) Edit Biography