According to SCMP, Hong Kong (China) had never seen anyone referred to as a “sex symbol” until Amy Yip emerged in the late 1980s.
In 1988, a wave of films classified for adults hit the screens. These films blended 18+ content with violent themes. Upon release, they quickly garnered the admiration of a diverse audience due to their novelty.
At that time, Amy Yip decided to leave her job at ATV television to focus on producing adult films.
Amy Yip is considered the symbol of 18+ films in Hong Kong. Image: SCMP.
The Rise of a Hot Icon
Amy Yip is closely associated with films such as Erotic Ghost Story, Robotrix, and Sex and Zen—classics in the genre. These works intertwined eroticism with humor, representing a significant shift in adult entertainment. During this era, Amy Yip was hailed as Hong Kong’s “sex bomb.” It wasn’t until after Amy Yip’s emergence that the spotlight began to shift.
It’s easy to see why Amy Yip achieved such success. According to experts, her voluptuous figure was a key factor that helped her become the face of 18+ films.
Amy Yip was known for her impressive 36-inch bust that drew attention to her physical attributes. Notably, she earned substantial income within just two years. Her net worth reportedly included a luxury car valued at 1.7 million HKD, a Mercedes-Benz 190E.
Amy Yip had to contend with relentless paparazzi during her rise to fame. At this time, media outlets were eager to capture images that would showcase Amy Yip’s beauty.
Her stunning figure was a crucial element in helping Amy Yip gain fame quickly. Image: SCMP.
Amy Yip soon became a recurring figure in Chinese-language magazines, gracing the covers of several major publications with increasing frequency.
Sharing with Post, Amy Yip stated: “I always wanted to stand out, especially in the entertainment industry. Since I was 15, I wanted to draw attention to myself on the streets. If I went out and people looked at me, I felt like it was a wonderful day. If not, I would look in the mirror and feel like I was losing my charm.”
The actress admitted she doesn’t shy away when others gaze at her because she believes that when someone pays attention to her, it signifies she is captivating.
“If they say something that offends me, I would just ignore it. It won’t ruin my day,” she shared.
Strict Guidelines on Personal Exposure
Amy Yip clearly understood the importance of maintaining her appearance in relation to her career success. Therefore, she purchased insurance for her assets.
According to Post, Amy Yip became the first Chinese actress to sign an insurance contract ensuring that her worth was preserved, as she deemed her body more important than her livelihood.
Particularly, Amy Yip purchased a policy valued at 250,000 USD for her breasts.
Unlike other third-rate Hong Kong actresses who often expose themselves during filming, Amy Yip has a strict rule against revealing her body before the camera. To date, there has been no film where Amy Yip has openly displayed her intimate parts.
To achieve this, intimate scenes featuring Amy Yip are often filmed from behind to ensure no nudity is shown. Additionally, she frequently wears skin-colored adhesive tape or modest outfits to accentuate her curves while maintaining discretion. This practice also increases audience intrigue toward her.
Amy Yip purchased 250,000 USD insurance for her breasts. Image: SCMP.
“I will never allow myself to get too exposed. I want to keep everyone captivated. When they see me in a bikini, they won’t feel indifferent. It will be a step towards my career if I do it right. Not only that, if I completely undress, I might face difficulties finding someone who appreciates me for more than my looks. It would be hard for me to secure a relationship,” she expressed.
Despite her fame, Amy Yip faced numerous challenges throughout her career. She encountered various difficulties with production companies when they pressured her to accept lower pay than her worth.
Along with that, Amy Yip was not fortunate in her love life. She once had a romance with the manager of a bank in Hong Kong in 1988, but the relationship ended in 1991 due to a scandal involving a USD 2 million money transfer from the bank to Amy Yip’s account to meet her financial needs. Not only that, the man also requested her to move to a lower-class apartment to help support Amy Yip.
Amy Yip faced challenges in the industry during the 1991 wave of 18+ film stars. Image: SCMP.
By the end of 1991, a plethora of 18+ film stars emerged and became a trend. A few years later, Amy Yip’s prominence diminished as new stars took the scene. Many remarked that she could not compete with these newer, more daring actresses who were willing to go all out before the cameras. As a result, Amy Yip found herself relegated to the background.
According to SCMP
