Actress and radio DJ Vernetta Lopez, who played his daughter in 'Under One Roof', shared photos on Instagram. Photo: Vernetta Lopez/Instagram
Beloved Singaporean comedian, actor and foodie Moses Lim died of ischaemic heart disease, said a spokesperson for the Lim family.
The spokesperson, whom The Straits Times understands to be a family friend, said Lim died peacefully on Feb 11 at the age of 75.
Lim, who had heart surgery in 2018, previously revealed in an interview that he was diagnosed with slow pulse rate in 2022 and had declined to get a pacemaker. Ischaemic heart disease is a condition caused by the hardening and narrowing of the arteries.
News of Lim’s death prompted an outpouring of grief from the Singapore entertainment scene. The bilingual star was known for series like Channel 5 sitcom Under One Roof (1995 to 2003) and Channel 8 sketch show Comedy Nite (1990 to 2000 and 2003 to 2004).
At the wake held at Church of the Good Shepherd on Feb 13, a photo of Lim with his arms wide open and a smile on his face stood at the entrance. There were flower wreaths from celebrity couple Fann Wong and Christopher Lee, actor Mark Lee, Jalan Besar GRC MP Denise Phua, actor-director Jack Neo and veteran radio host Qiu Shengyang.
Neo and actor Henry Thia were among the first of Lim’s celebrity friends to pay their respects in person. Neo, 65, who had worked with Lim on Comedy Nite, spent about an hour at the wake, which is not open to the public.
He told ST as he was leaving the church that he was shocked, and unaware that Lim was suffering from ill health.
“He was a great scene partner and we cultivated great chemistry over the years.
“There was a time when we were performing onstage for an external engagement and he rolled offstage because he walked backwards, missed a step and fell off. We were all in shock, but thankfully the stage was not high up. It’s a memory that made us laugh every time it was brought up,” he recalled fondly.
Neo called Lim an old friend whom he had known for 40 years.
He last met Lim at a radio interview in 2024, and had invited Lim to the premiere of his latest movie, I Want To Be Boss, in January. Lim had agreed to, but eventually did not show up due to a bad flu.
“He really seemed to be in good spirits, so this is very sudden,” said Neo.
Stars who have paid tribute to Lim on social media include fellow Comedy Nite cast member Lee, 56, who posted a clip of Lim’s performances on Instagram Stories and wrote: “I will forever remember you.”
Actress and radio DJ Vernetta Lopez, 51, who played his daughter in Under One Roof, wrote on Instagram: “Your stories, your smile, your passion for life always brought cheer to every room you entered. And thank you for the constant comforting, calming and positive effect you always brought to set. You taught me common sense and compassion, and we are going to miss your infectious laughter and happy demeanour.”
The Lim family thanked the public for the outpouring of love and condolences shown to the late entertainer, but said they would like to keep his wake private.
In a Facebook post made on Lim’s page on Feb 12, the family wrote: “Your kind messages and memories of our beloved Moses have been a source of comfort during this difficult time. It means the world to us to know how much he meant to Singapore.
“The wake and funeral will be a private event for family and close friends only. We kindly ask for your understanding and respect for our privacy during this time of mourning. Perhaps the best way to honour his memory is through the joy and laughter he brought to all our lives through his work.” – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
