Cantonese opera singer Yam Bing-yee dies at 91

Yam Bing-yee built up a respectable filmography, appearing in more than 150 movies. Photos: Weibo

Cantonese opera singer Yam Bing-yee - also known as Ren Bing'er - died peacefully in her sleep at home on Saturday morning (May 21) at the age of 91.

Yam was the younger cousin of renowned Cantonese opera actress Yam Kim-fai, also known as Ren Jiahui. She started studying Cantonese opera under her illustrious cousin at the age of 11.

In her teens, she began acting in Hongkong films including The Pitiless Sword (1964) and Frolicking With A Pretty Maid In The Wineshop (1952) .

Yam made quite an impression on screen - earning the nickname, The Queen of Second Lead Actresses. She built up a respectable filmography, appearing in more than 150 movies.

She was also a member of the famous Xianfengming Opera Troupe founded by her cousin and another opera legend Bai Xuexian in 1956.

In recognition of her long career in Cantonese opera,she was awarded the 2011 Award for Outstanding Contribution in Arts by the Hong Kong Arts Development Awards. – The Straits Times/Asia News Network