HONG KONG: Renowned female action star Cheng Pei-pei, a pioneering figure in Hong Kong cinema, died in the United States at the age of 78 due to illness, her agency announced on Friday (July 19).
According to reports, her brain and body will be donated for scientific research in accordance with her wishes.
According to her agency, the American-Chinese actress died peacefully on Wednesday, surrounded by loved ones.
Reports revealed that Cheng had been suffering from a rare nervous system disorder for which there is currently no effective cure.
The renowned actress had specified that she wished to donate her brain for medical research.
To respect her last wishes, her body will also be donated to the University of Hong Kong for study.
Known for her chivalric female roles, Cheng was regarded as the first female martial arts performer in Hong Kong cinema.
Born in Shanghai in 1946, she moved to Hong Kong in her youth and embarked on a dazzling career, which lasted for around six decades.
Among her numerous acclaimed roles, her performance in the Hong Kong comedy film Flirting Scholar alongside Stephen Chow Sing-chi and Gong Li helped her ascend to the heights of her career.
Her standout performance in the Oscar-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon earned her the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2001.
In 2018, Cheng received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Huading Awards, one of the most prestigious performing arts honors on the Chinese mainland.
In her late 60s in 2014, Cheng appeared on a mainland variety show, endearing herself to younger audiences with her warmth, kindness, and willingness to help others.
Her death has prompted an outpouring of mourning online, with many of the actors she had collaborated with also expressing their sorrow and regret.
In tribute to Cheng, Hong Kong's local broadcaster Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) will air her iconic film Flirting Scholar on Saturday evening.- China daily/ANN
