Gordon Lam (left) and Simon Yam (right) are among the celebrities who paid tribute to Kathy Chow. Photos: Gordon Lam/Weibo, Kathy Chow/Weibo, Simon Yam/Weibo
The entertainment industry in Asia is mourning the loss of beloved Hong Kong actress Kathy Chow Hoi Mei, who died on Dec 11.
Chow, who had reportedly been battling an autoimmune disease, died at 57 following the “unsuccessful treatment” of her illness.
In a statement, Hong Kong broadcaster TVB said the passing of Chow was a huge loss to the entertainment scene and extended its condolences to the bereaved family.
Former TVB star Gordon Lam expressed sadness upon learning of his friend’s sudden passing and recounted the pleasant experience working with Chow on the 1997 drama, Time Before Time.
“Our first collaboration was a success. At the time, she was considered a goddess in everyone’s eyes.
“We shared many good memories together ... She was a sister who loved to laugh,” Lam told Hong Kong media.
Hong Kong actor Simon Yam remembers Chow as a gentle person when he collaborated with her in the 1993 thriller Insanity.
In an interview, Yam said everyone on set would take good care of Chow as she would bruise easily.
Popular Taiwanese actor Darren Wang, who played Chow’s on-screen son in the 2019 movie The Rookies, uploaded a still of them together on his socials.
He also thanked the late actress for her contributions to Chinese-language films and television.
“We will always look up to you, our eternal goddess. Rest in peace. May you continue to be happy in another world, free from illness and pain,” he wrote.
On Weibo, Chinese movie star Fan Bingbing said she vividly remembers the memories of her collaboration with Chow on the 2014 drama, The Empress Of China.
“We spent 229 days filming and getting along with one another. I was very impressed by her professionalism.
“I felt (upset) after receiving news of her sudden passing. Rest in peace, Kathy,” she wrote.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong actress Carman Lee said she was shocked with the news of Chow’s death as she last saw her in October. She also posted a photo of them together on Weibo.
“I never thought that that would be the last time we saw each other. Rest in peace, my friend. May there be no pain in heaven,” she wrote.
Chow made her acting debut in 1985 and gained popularity for her roles in TVB dramas in the 1980s and 1990s.
She is best known for her performance as Zhou Zhiruo in the 1994 Taiwanese adaptation of The Heaven Sword And Dragon Saber.
