Chulachak Chakrabongse Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Songs, Albums, Ethnicity

Hugo, whose full name is Hugo Chakrabongse Levy, is a Thai-British/Thai-American singer, songwriter, and actor whose fusion of roots, rock, and Americana has earned him international recognition.

He is especially known for his bluegrass reinterpretation of Jay-Z’s “99 Problems,” which brought him broader attention beyond genre boundaries.

Profile

• Full name: Hugo Chula Alexander Levy (also known by his Thai name Chulachak Chakrabongse)
• Stage name: Hugo
• Date of birth: 6 August 1981
• Age: 44 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: London, England
• Nationalities: British, Thai (dual or mixed)
• Profession: Singer, songwriter, actor
• Parents: Father: Allen Levy; Mother: Narisa Chakrabongse
• Siblings: He has a younger brother, Dominic Puwasawat Chakrabongse (born 22 May 1991)
• Spouse: Tassanawalai Ongartitthichai (married 2009)
• Children: Two
• Relationship status: Married
• Ethnicity: Mixed — English, Scottish, Russian, Ukrainian, and Thai ancestry via his maternal line
• Net worth: USD 31.5 million

Early Life and Education

Hugo Chula Alexander Levy was born in London on 6 August 1981 to Allen Levy (a British father) and Mom Rajawongse Narisa Chakrabongse (a Thai mother with royal lineage).

He spent portions of his early life in London until age 17, then moved to Bangkok (Thailand) in 1999. He also spent significant time later in New York (Hell’s Kitchen area) as part of his musical development.

On his maternal side, Hugo is descended from the Thai royal family. His maternal grandfather was Prince Chula Chakrabongse, the son of Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath (himself a son of King Rama V).

This line makes Hugo a direct descendant (great-great grandson) of King Rama V. Through this lineage, he’s a distant cousin of the present Thai monarch Vajiralongkorn (King Rama X).

During adolescence, he formed and fronted the Thai rock band Siplor, releasing four studio albums. Some of their works were banned from radio in Thailand due to controversial content.

Personal Life

In 2009, Hugo married his longtime partner, Tassanawalai Ongartitthichai. The couple have two children, though their names and birthdates are not broadly disclosed.

Hugo has spoken in interviews about his approach to relationships, creative work, and personal boundaries, often framing his life around the interplay of art and connection.

Career

Hugo’s career is characterized by cross-genre experimentation, combining roots, Americana, blues, country, rock, and Thai pop sensibilities.

After returning to Thailand in 1999, he became active in the Thai entertainment industry: modeling, TV presenting, acting in Thai soap operas (lakorn), and performing in music. He acted in at least seven Thai soap operas.

While in the U.S., he composed and contributed to songwriting efforts. One of his notable songwriting credits is “Disappear,” which was featured on Beyoncé’s album I Am… Sasha Fierce (2008).

His breakout reimagining was a bluegrass version of Jay-Z’s “99 Problems,” which drew media attention for its genre-transcending approach.

He signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. His debut studio album, Old Tyme Religion, was released on 10 May 2011. He followed with Deep in the Long Grass (2014) and ดำสนิท (2017), blending English and Thai, as well as exploring thematic and sonic diversity.

In 2020 he released an EP Lacuna with tracks like “Call of the Void,” “The Deals We Make,” and more.

His music has been licensed for film and television placements:

• “99 Problems” (his version) appeared in No Strings Attached (2011), Fright Night (2011), and the pilot of The Blacklist.
• “Bread & Butter” was used in promos for Castle and appeared in Entourage.

Net Worth

Hugo’s net worth is estimated at USD 31.5 million. His income source includes, album/music sales, digital downloads, streaming royalties, publishing and songwriting royalties.

Social Media

• Instagram: @hugolek

Discography

Studio Albums:

• Old Tyme Religion (2011)
• Deep in the Long Grass (2014)
• ดำสนิท (2017)

EPs:

• Lacuna (2020)