Hong Kong’s entertainment industry is mourning the loss of acting legend Patrick Tse.
His death was announced by his family on July 20, with reports stating that Tse passed away on July 16. He was 89.
One of the celebrities mourning Tse’s death is Cecilia Cheung, who was once married to Tse’s son, Nicholas Tse. Nicholas and Cheung were married from 2006 to 2011 and share two sons.
Cheung paid tribute to her former father-in-law by changing her profile picture across all her social media platforms – Instagram, Weibo, Douyin and Xiaohongshu – to black.
On her Instagram Stories, she shared a photo of a Jesus statue and a black-and-white video from a moving car set to mournful music, seemingly expressing her grief.
Patrick Tse always spoke fondly of the actress, even calling her a "good daughter-in-law" for continuing to care for his grandsons, Quintus and Lucas, after her divorce from Nicholas.
Tse once shared in a television interview that after Nicholas and Cheung secretly married in the Philippines in 2006, they went straight to his home upon returning to Hong Kong, where they knelt and served him tea – a traditional gesture of respect.
Martial arts superstar Jackie Chan also paid tribute to Tse – fondly known as Sei Gor (Fourth Brother) in the Hong Kong entertainment scene – on social media.
"Incredibly saddened to hear the news that Sei Gor has passed away. We've known each other for so long.
"When I was still a stuntman, he was already a big star. He always looked after me on set and we went through so many things together," Chan, 72, wrote.
"Thinking back on those days now, they are all unforgettable memories. Just as his son, Nic, said, his forever elegant and charming spirit will always remain in our hearts," the Rush Hour star continued.
Actress Charmaine Sheh also expressed her grief over Tse’s passing. She wrote a lengthy tribute to Tse, with whom she starred with in the 2017 TVB series Bet Her.
"I was lucky to have the opportunity to work with Sei Gor. He was a senior who was someone worth learning from. He was very dedicated and willing to share his experience with his juniors.
"He had high expectations for himself, but was also humorous and graceful," Sheh wrote, adding that Tse sent her a bouquet of flowers after filming wrapped and told her he was happy they had worked together.
"He was truly a warm-hearted gentleman. He will be forever remembered. RIP," Sheh concluded her post.
Hong Kong singer Charlene Choi posted several photos of herself with Tse, saying she would miss the actor.
"Thank you for all the joy you brought me and for sharing your life's wisdom. I will miss you forever," Choi said.
Actor-director Stephen Chow, who worked with Tse in Shaolin Soccer, also took to social media to pay his respects.
"May the best actor Patrick Tse rest in peace," Chow wrote in Chinese.
Tse enjoyed a career that spanned seven decades. In 2022, he came out of retirement to star in Time, playing a retired contract killer.
The role earned him the Best Actor prize at the Hong Kong Film Awards, making him the oldest recipient of the honour. He did not take on any further acting projects after that.
Hong Kong media reported that Tse died of pneumonia on July 16, and was cremated on the morning of July 21.
News outlet The Standard reported that Tse's family held a simple ceremony at the hospital mortuary instead of a funeral parlour wake, honouring the actor's wish for a low-key funeral.
