She started in the film industry in 1939, cast in antagonistic roles during the black and white film era. It was during this time that she took the stage name of "Law Lan" based on the advice of her boss because he said the name was reminiscent of Shanghai socialites (交際花), and this name better suited the type of roles that she played.[3]
In 1971, Law Lan joined TVB and took part in numerous drama series. Here, she played a variety of different characters instead of only being cast in antagonistic roles as she had previously. She also took part in the popular nightly variety show, Enjoy Yourself Tonight, which included skits, singing, dancing, and variety games, filmed in front of a live audience.
As well, Law Lan has been popularly cast playing roles as a supernatural medium in over 36 Hong Kong horror movies, despite the fact that she is a devout Roman Catholic. It was her performance as 四婆 (which is fourth granny literally) in the movie, Bullets Over Summer, which garnered her the "Best Actress" award at the 19th Hong Kong Film Award in 2000, making her the oldest winner of this coveted award.[4]
Personal life
Law's father died during World War II aged 34 after complications from opium withdrawals. She has been living alone since 1994 when her Indian mother died, thus saving her from immigrating to Canada.[citation needed]
^"【愛上我的衰神】羅蘭演惡嫲嫲背後超洋蔥 演繹嫲孫情大騷影后級演技" [Hello Missfortune: Law Lan plays an "evil" grandma, showing superb acting skills]. Hong Kong Economic Times (in Chinese). 31 December 2021. Archived from the original on 1 May 2022. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
