Selena Lee Battles Autoimmune Disorder

Selena Lee (李施嬅) is back in the limelight with the broadcast of horror suspense drama Barrack O’Karma 2 <金宵大廈 2>. As the 41-year-old has recently been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, she has been resting at home for the past six months as contracting COVID-19 could have severe consequences.

Last September, Selena noticed her eyes were very sensitive and ended up getting surgery. When the surgery did not relieve her symptoms, she got multiple tests done before finally being diagnosed. She sympathized with Jada Pinkett-Smith as they are battling the same disorder, but the disease attacks Selena’s eyes rather than her hair. Due to steroid treatments, Selena’s immune system has severely weakened.

Although Selena’s output has been selective, her acting has been recognized internationally. In 2017, she won Best Actress at the European Cinematography Awards and Los Angeles Film Awards for her role in American short movie, Once More. After filming Barrack O’Karma, she decided to not renew her contract with TVB and signed with American agency Authentic Talent and Literary Management, which also manages Hollywood actress Brie Larson. In 2021, Selena filmed Canadian drama Blood and Water and portrayed a cold-blooded assassin.

Other than advancing her career, Selena’s love life has been smooth sailing as well. In 2021, she got engaged to gym owner and celebrity fitness trainer, Anson Cha (車崇健), after three years of dating. The couple met through friends and connected due to their love for hiking and exercise. Anson clients include: Aaron Kwok (郭富城), Chow Yun Fat (周潤發), Miriam Yeung (楊千嬅), Kenny Kwan (關智斌), and Francis Ng (吳鎮宇). Aside from his stellar reputation enables him to charge $2,000 Hong Kong dollars per hour, Anson also owns properties worth over HK$10 million.

Although Selena has been engaged for one year, the couple’s wedding date has not been set. She would still film for TVB if the script is suitable. Her return in Barrack O’Karma’s sequel is a pleasant surprise, as she had considered declining because of the pressure of the first installment’s immense success. However, the unique character and wonderful crew finally convinced Selena to star in the sequel. She also lends her voice to the drama’s subtheme song, “Love of 10,000 Years” <相愛萬年>, which she also composed.

“Love of 10,000 Years” by Selena Lee