Filepix pix of Tiffany Leong
SINGAPORE: After Malaysia-born actress Tiffany Leong died from cancer at age 30 on Dec 28, fellow stars have been paying tribute to her online.
News reports say she was admitted to a hospital in Kuala Lumpur on Christmas Eve, after suffering a relapse.
On Dec 26, her family posted on her official Facebook page that many friends and family members had visited her in hospital to wish her well.
Several friends overseas had also called to ask about her condition.
Her family described Leong as "an independent girl who was always happy to help others".
"Even when she was little, she was well-behaved, sensible and very cheerful."
Formerly from Mediacorp, Leong was nominated as among the Top 10 most popular female artists at the 2011 Star Awards.
Mediacorp Studios Malaysia described Leong on its Facebook page as a "very good, very approachable actress".
"Hope everything is well with you in heaven. We will always love you."
Local actress Ann Kok wrote on Weibo: "In my eyes, you will always be a smart, beautiful, cheerful little princess."
Industry veteran Xiang Yun posted on Facebook: "She was young, knowledgeable, talented, beautiful, humble, kind, hardworking, had many good points... I will always remember gentle you."
Local actors Yao Wenlong and Zheng Ge Ping, and former actor Zen Chong, posted photos of themselves with Leong on Instagram.
Chong's caption read: "No matter where you are, you will still be the Tiffany we all love... Goodbye my friend."
Yao's caption read: "Hope that in heaven, you can be a healthy and happy angel. Miss you forever."
Zheng, who played the father of Leong's character in the 2011 drama Code Of Honour, wrote: "I am very sad! She was such an elegant and lovely girl."
Leong was a successful host and model in Malaysia before crossing over to star in Singapore TV shows.
Her first TV drama was 2006's The Beginning, a co-production between Singapore and Malaysia, where she had a cameo performance.
She later appeared in the 2008 drama La Femme, and played the lead character in the 2010 drama Priceless Wonder.
In 2013, she was diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome, a hereditary disorder that can lead to the development of malignant tumours.
As part of her treatment, about 60 per cent of her liver was removed, Malaysia newspaper Oriental Daily reported.
Leong returned to filming early this year, but was forced to stop again after an infection.
Her family has asked for time and space to sort out her funeral arrangements. - The Straits Times/Asia News Network
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