By Jesse Neo, PhDAug 7th, 2024
Michael Chow, born on 7 March 1939, is a British Chinese entrepreneur who runs the Mr Chow restaurant chain. More casually known as "M," he is also an interior designer, artist, and actor. Besides owning restaurants, he has been in movies, showcased his art in solo exhibitions, and done work as an architectural designer.
Chow started his first restaurant called Mr. Chow in London in the late 1960s. He offered fancy Chinese food along with elegant art and design, and people loved it.
He loves collecting art and has a great collection with works by famous artists like Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Keith Haring. You can see his love for art in the pieces showcased in his restaurants and private collections.
He's had a big influence on the fashion industry by working with famous designers like Marc Jacobs, Philippe Starck, and Vivienne Westwood. Chow's creative ideas and focus on small details have led to special and well-known fashion events.
Michael Chow believes in blending art, culture, and hospitality to make enriching experiences. He values aesthetics and creativity, always striving to make lasting memories for his customers.
Chow is known for being innovative, creative, and entrepreneurial. His famous restaurants, amazing art collections, and partnerships with top artists and designers have made him a trendsetter and a significant figure in many fields.
Early life and education
Michael Chow was born on March 7, 1939 in Shanghai, China. His father was a famous Peking Opera actor, and his mother was from a wealthy tea family. Chow has a sister, Tsai Chin, who is also in the entertainment industry. When he was 12, Chow went to a boarding school in the UK. Later, he studied at Saint Martin's School of Art and the Hammersmith School of Building and Architecture.
Career of Michael Chow
Chow was born in Shanghai. His father was one of China's most famous actors and a leading figure of Peking Opera. His mother, who was Catholic, named him Michael. His sister is an actress and a former Bond girl, Tsai Chin.
His mother came from a wealthy family whose fortune had been made in tea. He was sent to a British boarding school when he was 12 and spent his adolescence in Europe; after arriving in London in 1952, he was never able to speak to nor see his father again.
In 1956, Chow went to Saint Martin's School of Arts and the next year to Hammersmith School of Building and Architecture. He painted while also acting, with his work shown in galleries around London, such as the Institute of Contemporary Arts.
Chow and his friend Robin Sutherland started a hair salon called "Smith and Hawes" on Sloane Avenue in London. They later sold it to the well-known hairdresser Leonard of Grosvenor Square, and it became Leonard and Twiggy.
Chow then had an idea to start a restaurant that served Chinese food by Italian waiters, with a menu that British people could easily read. Sutherland supported his plan, raised funds, and accommodated six chefs from Hong Kong. Chow planned the restaurant with stylish green floor tiles and white walls, and Mr Chow launched in Knightsbridge, London in February 1968, offering Pekinese cuisine.
Chow purchased artwork by Allen Jones, Peter Blake, Patrick Caulfield, David Hockney, and Jim Dine for the walls. The art became as famous as the food. Later, he opened three more Mr Chow restaurants in London before buying out Sutherland and relocating to New York. His restaurant business has since grown to include locations in Las Vegas, Miami, New York City, and Beverly Hills.
Chow said his restaurants always aim to promote Chinese culture through food. He visits China twice a year and is impressed by the country's economic growth. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, he praised China as a great nation and complimented the Chinese people. Despite criticism from food critics, his restaurants have stayed popular for years by attracting celebrities with fancy dining and high prices.
Chow joined the 12-person board for Edythe and Eli Broad's modern art museum, The Broad, in downtown Los Angeles.
Chow started collecting furniture and modern art at a young age. He is well-known for his collection of portraits made by famous artists, depicting himself. Since the 1960s, he has created various architectural projects, such as his restaurants, Giorgio Armani stores in Beverly Hills and Las Vegas, and his residence in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles.
In 2011, Chow got back into painting because his friends, gallery owner Jeffrey Deitch and artist Julian Schnabel, cheered him on. In 2014, he had his first solo art show at Pearl Lam Galleries in Hong Kong. Then in 2016, he had a big solo exhibit at the Ullens Centre for Contemporary Art in Beijing dedicated to his father, Zhou Xinfang. And in 2023, a documentary was made about him.
Biography of Michael Chow
Michael Chow is not just known for being successful in Hollywood, but he's also made a name for himself with his talent and determination. With his charming personality and hard work, he has become a big name in the entertainment industry.
Hey, did you know that Michael Chow used to be a chef before he became a famous actor? He gained experience and impressed customers with his delicious dishes at top restaurants worldwide.
Michael Chow is more than just an actor; he can speak many languages. He can switch between English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and even French with ease, showing how versatile and adaptable he is.
Michael Chow doesn't just act - he's also a talented painter and sculptor. You can see his artwork in top galleries worldwide. He's a truly creative artist.
Michael Chow is a well-known person in the entertainment world. His work in movies and TV has influenced other Asian actors and artists, encouraging younger talent.
Michael Chow has been recognized for his talent. He has won many awards and honors, proving that he is a worldwide superstar. His work has been praised at various film festivals and award shows around the world.
Michael Chow has worked with famous artists from various cultural backgrounds, blending different artistic styles that go beyond borders. These partnerships have resulted in innovative projects that challenge conventional creativity.
Michael Chow really believes in having different types of people and including them in the entertainment business. He uses his influence to support fair chances for artists from all walks of life.
Michael Chow has made many connections with important people in the industry during his career. These include fellow actors, directors, and producers, showing his talent and reputation.
Michael Chow isn't only an actor - he's also a skilled martial artist. He spent years practicing to improve his martial arts skills, bringing a realness to his action-filled roles.
Michael Chow is a fashion icon with great style. His red carpet looks and fashion choices have caught the eye of top designers, making him a trendsetter.
Michael Chow has appeared in exciting TV shows that have impressed viewers all over the world. His ability to play interesting and unforgettable roles has raised the bar in the business.
Michael Chow travels around the world to promote his work and has become a great ambassador of culture. He helps connect different nations and encourages a better understanding and appreciation of various art styles.
Michael Chow is really good at using different languages. This helps him talk to people from around the world. His performances in different languages have moved many different people.
Michael Chow has been lucky to work with some of the biggest directors in the movie business. From directors with big ideas to those who tell stories in new ways, their work together has created movies that will always be great.
Michael Chow has done amazing things in his career. He has achieved big things that will inspire future actors. His work has made a lasting mark on the history of movies.
Michael Chow is an inspiration to artists worldwide because of his talent, passion, and charitable work. His story shows the importance of hard work, commitment, and following your dreams.
Personal life
He has been married four times, first to Grace Coddington (1968-1969), then to Tina Chow (1972-1989) and third to Eva Chun Chow (1992-2017). His first three marriages ended in divorce and he has been married to Vanessa Rano since February 9, 2019.
Michael Chow has five kids: China Chow and Maximillian Chow with Tina Chow; Asia Chow with Eva Chun; Phoenix Chow and Skye Chow with Vanessa Rano. Maximillian runs the kitchen at the family restaurants.
Besides his success in the entertainment industry, Michael Chow is committed to making a good difference in society. He takes part in different charity initiatives, using his influence to help the community.
Michael Chow loves art and cares about the environment. He helps with conservation projects and talks about important issues.
Net worth of Michael Chow
Michael Chow is a Chinese-American actor, interior designer, and restaurant owner. He is worth $300 million. Michael Chow is famous for starting the fancy Mr Chow restaurant brand, which began in London, England in 1968.
Since that time, additional places have started, consisting of three eateries in London, and numerous stores in New York, Las Vegas, Miami, and Beverly Hills. As an actor, he has starred in movies like "The Savage Innocents," "Joanna," "Hammett," "Lethal Weapon 4," and the "Rush Hour" series.
In 1991, Michael and his wife Eva bought a property on South Mapleton Drive in Holmby Hills for $3.5 million, which is equal to about $6.5 million in today's money. It took them around seven years, finishing around 2000, to build a 30,000 square foot mansion based on the design of the Reina Sofia museum in Madrid.
Michael and Eva have a very impressive collection of modern art and furniture. They put the house up for sale in October 2018 for $78 million. The neighbors in the area include the Playboy Mansion, ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt, Jimmy Iovine, and Diddy.
In addition to his work in business and acting, Chow has had a successful career in painting and architecture. He has had many art shows in London and has personally designed all of his restaurants.
Chow also made the Giorgio Armani stores in Beverly Hills and Las Vegas, and his house in Los Angeles. In the 2010s, he displayed his work in Hong Kong and Beijing. Apart from his own creations, Chow collects modern art and furniture.
