Hong Kong actor Chow Chung passed away today (July 4) at the age of 92, following a battle with pneumonia.
A cherished figure in the Hong Kong entertainment industry, Chow contributed extensively to both film and television – not just as an actor, but also as a key member of the South China Film Industry Workers Union, where he served as chairman for three consecutive years.
He made his film debut in 1955 with the historical drama Broken Zither Bower, directed by Yeung Kung Leung, and went on to star in more than 85 films.
After many supporting roles, he eventually took on leading parts in movies such as Lady Bond (1966) and its sequel Return Of Lady Bond the same year.
As the Cantonese film industry declined in the 1980s, Chow stepped away from the screen and took on work as a movie theatre manager and in duty-free retail, according to Sin Chew.
However, in 1998, he made a full-time return to acting by joining TVB, where he appeared in numerous hit dramas including At The Threshold Of An Era, Moonlight Resonance, In The Eye Of The Beholder, Yes, Sir. Sorry, Sir! and Heart Of Greed.
In 2016, he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at TVB’s Anniversary Gala.
Sin Chew highlighted a 2021 article where Chow spoke candidly about death: “I’ve acted for 60 years and died many times on screen. Death is most fair – it comes for everyone, rich or poor… Just because you don’t talk about it doesn’t mean it won’t come.”
He had expressed his hope to pass peacefully, ideally after enjoying his favourite meal. His final wish was for his ashes to be scattered in a garden, so he could nourish the earth and leave behind a legacy of love.
