Stephen Chow, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Hong Kong
- Last updated on
Hot news
- Breaking Up January 3, 2026
- Love January 7, 2026
- Rumor Central January 2026
According to a reliable source, King of Comedy Stephen Chow is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the actor's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.
UPDATE 11/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not Chow for Person of the Year?
The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 63-year-old actor, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Chow so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the actor have already been named ‘ Of The Year’ by some major newspapers and even ‘Hong Kong Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Hong Kong (Stephen Chow's hometown).
Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year
A representative for the actor was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:
“#ChowPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 10 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Stephen has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 10 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Stephen Chow?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 10 Jan 2026
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Stephen Chow?
Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.
Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?
© 2026 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).
Stephen Chow: Recent News
- Breaking news January 10, 2026
- Babies January 9, 2026
- Hot January 10, 2026
Celebrity Central