HK star Andy Lau's father dies

Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau (right) would occasionally bring his parents along for events. Photo: Sunshine Wei Lu/Weibo

Hong Kong artiste Andy Lau's father, Lau Lai, has passed away. He was said to be 89.

In a statement written in Chinese on Thursday (Nov 23), Andy’s official fan club, Andy World Club, announced that Lau Lai died peacefully on Nov 20 surrounded by his family.

The statement was met with an outpouring of condolences from devoted fans. The website also switched its interface to greyscale in honour of the late Lau Lai.

Andy confirmed the news via his agency and said that he is currently dealing with his father’s posthumous affairs. The 62-year-old also thanked his fans for their concern during this challenging time.

Andy, the fourth of six siblings, is known for his filial piety. Despite his busy schedule, the actor would spare ten days each year to take his parents on a holiday.

The Infernal Affairs (2002) star would also take his parents out for walks during his spare time and bring them along for events. He reportedly arranged for his parents in a mansion in Kadoorie Hill, Hong Kong too.

Andy once mentioned that his father is the person he respects most.

It is said that the actor once bought a barbecue pork shop for his father’s birthday as the latter enjoyed eating char siew. Andy also wrote a song titled Big Child for him on Fathers Day.

Lau Lai used to serve as a firefighter when he was younger and later opened a snack shop to support his family. Andy – who was around five years old at the time – would often help his father out at the store, Sin Chew Daily reported.

The publication added that Lau Lai and Andy were last photographed together in public in 2021. The elder Lau appeared to be in good spirits then.

Lau Lai suffered from bladder cancer in 2003 but recovered after surgically removing the tumour. He was reportedly hospitalised for some time prior to his death.