Gigi Lai Turns 51, Shares Pics Of Rarely Seen Parents And Brother

Former Hong Kong actress Gigi Lai turned 51 last Saturday (Oct 1) and she took to Weibo the next day to gush about the occasion.

“Thank you everyone for your love and support, it has really warmed my heart," wrote Gigi. "My birthday wish every year is for all those around me, especially my beloved family, to be healthy. My greatest present is that everyone lives safely and happily. I’m thankful that I have the company of those that I love every year, and I am able to spend time with those who I cherish."

Gigi also shared pics she took with her parents and her younger brother Stephen Lai, all three of whom are rarely seen on social media. 

And of course, Gigi, whose age-defying beauty has made many headlines, looked gorgeous in the photos, so much so it's hard to believe that she's now in her 50s.

Gigi grew up privileged — she is the granddaughter of first-generation Hong Kong filmmaker Lai Man-Wai and actress Lim Cho Cho. Sadly, her family was saddled with financial problems early on in her life. 

Her father suffered from meningitis, and lost the ability to work and support the family. As such, her family had to move to a "poorer neighbourhood" in Hong Kong. There, they lived in a house where they had to share a communal toilet with their neighbours.

Gigi gave up her studies and entered showbiz at just 14 to support her family. When she joined TVB, she quickly rose the ranks to become one the broadcaster's most popular actresses thanks to her roles in dramas like War and Beauty (2004) and The Dance of Passion (2006).

In 2007, Gigi’s younger brother, who was a dermatologist, was nearly killed when a taxi crashed into the cab he was in. He was flung out of the vehicle and was in a coma for three months. The accident left him wheelchair-bound.

It was reported that Gigi left showbiz in 2008, after shooting The Gem of Life (2009), to care for her brother and to take over his skincare clinic business.

That same year, Gigi tied the knot with billionaire Patrick Ma and the couple now have three daughters together.

Photos: Gigi Lai/ Weibo

You can catch Gigi in War and Beauty on meWATCH, or watch episode one below.