Alexander Lai Chit was born on the 11th December 1966, in Beijing, China, to an Indonesian Chinese father and mother of Hakka ancestry. He is now a Hong Kong singer and actor best known to the world under stage name Leon Lai, and also Lai Ming, which translates to “Dawn” in English. His career started in the mid- ‘80s.
Have you ever wondered how rich Leon Lai is, as of mid- 2017? According to authoritative sources, it has been estimated that Lai’s net worth is as high as $50 million, an amount earned through his successful career in the entertainment industry, as both a singer and actor.
Leon Lai Net Worth $50 Million
Born in Beijing, Leon migrated with his father Lai Xinsheng to Hong Kong amidst the Cultural Revolution in China. When Leon turned 15, he enrolled at Lewisham College in the United Kingdom, and three years later he returned to Hong Kong.
His first job was as a salesperson in one of many mobile phone companies in Hong Kong, but soon he participated in the TV talent show contest New Talent Signing Awards, in which he finished third, and as a result, he trained his singing with Dai Si Zong. He also signed a contract with Capital Artists, however, he didn’t release a single album for the record label, switching to Polygram with the help of Dai Si Zong.
Leon’s self-titled debut album came out in 1990, which achieved gold status and increased Leon’s net worth to a large degree, then released “Meet in the Rain” the same year. He stayed with Polygram until 1998, when he signed a contract with Sony Music Entertainment, and enjoyed success in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s with other Hong Kong singers, Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau and Aaron Kwok; they earned the name Cantopop Four Heavenly Kings. Aside from releasing a number of albums, he also collaborated with other artists, including Priscilla Chan, Alan Tam, Vivian Chow, and Jacky Cheung, among others, which also improved his wealth.
Leon also started pursuing an acting career in the late ’80s; firstly, he had minor roles in Hong Kong production films, such as the comedy “Mei nan zi” (1987), “Si qian jin” (1989), while in 1992 he starred in the horror “Wicked City”. He continued as a lead, this time in the action comedy “Legends of God of Gamblers” (1996), and romantic drama “Comrades: Almost a Love Story” (1996). Two years later, Leon starred in the romance “City of Glass”, while in 2003 he had the lead role in the action drama “Infernal Affairs 3” (2003). At the peak of both musical and acting career, nothing could stop Leon from landing leading roles in high-budget films, such as “Leaving Me, Loving You” (2004), “Seven Swords” (2005), and “Forever Enthralled” (2008), all of which added significantly to his net worth. He started the recent decade with the lead role in the action mystery “Fire of Conscience” (2010), and then in 2016 starred in the romantic drama “The Secret”, further increasing his wealth.
Leon has received numerous awards for both musical and acting achievements, including Favorite Male Artist, Top Composed Song, and Top Sales Male Artist, among many others.
Regarding his personal life, Leon was married to fashion model and actress Gaile Lai from 2008 until 2012.
Leon is also a well-known philanthropist; he has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 1994 and is a part of The Community Chest of Hong Kong. Furthermore, he contributes to the Cancer Research Foundation, among other involvements with charity organizations.
