Remembering Stanley Fung, Benz Hui and Iconic Hong Kong Actors We Lost in 2025

This past week brought profound sorrow to Hong Kong’s entertainment realm as we said goodbye to two esteemed figures whose contributions significantly shaped the golden era of Hong Kong cinema and television.

On October 28, Benz Hui, aged 76, tragically passed away due to multiple organ failure brought on by kidney cancer.

The news of veteran actor and director Stanley Fung’s death, at the age of 81, was shared on November 1 by New Taipei City Councilwoman Tsai Shu-chun via social media.

Fung, celebrated for his comedic performances in films like the Lucky Stars series and The Best Partners, had informed his fans in May that he had been hospitalized for an extended period.

Following Hui’s death, Fung penned an emotional tribute, revealing his own terminal illness and expressing a heartfelt wish to reunite with his friend.

Critical details regarding Hui’s illness emerged on October 27, leading more than 30 of his peers—including Dayo Wong, Bosco Wong, Charmaine Sheh, and Raymond Lam—to rush to the hospital to pay their respects.

Sadly, he passed away at 2:30 AM the following day.

With an impressive career spanning 54 years, Hui was one of the most celebrated actors in Hong Kong. He appeared in numerous iconic films and dramas.

His memorable roles include “Fong Chung Sir” from the Young And Dangerous franchise and “Foon Hei Gor,” known as “Happy Brother,” in TVB’s Line Walker series. Off-screen, his warmth and professionalism earned him a cherished place in the hearts of many.

In 2025, we mourned the loss of several other iconic veteran stars. From the early trailblazers of Cantonese cinema to familiar TVB faces, these individuals dedicated their lives to storytelling and left indelible legacies that continue to influence Hong Kong’s cultural landscape. Let’s reflect on their significant contributions.

YU MING (俞明)

Cantonese film comedy legend Yu Ming celebrated his 100th birthday earlier this year but sadly passed away in his sleep on February 4. Following a bout of pneumonia during the Lunar New Year holidays, his health deteriorated.

Beginning his career in the 1940s, he gained prominence in the 1970s by joining the variety show Enjoy Yourself Tonight, famously Hong Kong’s longest-running live show, which aired for 27 years.

He officially retired in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and entertainment.

KU FENG (谷峰)

Better known by his real name, Chan Sze-man, Ku Feng passed away at his home on March 27, aged 95. His death was announced in April by fellow actor Barry Chan.

Ku Feng participated in numerous revered productions, including The New One-Armed Swordsman (1971) and Flying Guillotine 2 (1978). His notable role as “Chang Wai’s father” in Stephen Chow’s 1994 comedy Hail The Judge remains memorable.

Known as a prolific supporting actor, Ku Feng retired in 2013 after a long and storied career.

SUNNY FANG (方刚)

Known as Fong Kong, Sunny Fang passed away on May 30 at the age of 78.

He made his debut in 1968, gaining recognition for his fierce demeanor and villainous roles, especially the ruthless “Cheng Sai-fung” in the 1997 TVB drama The Challenge Of Life.

After departing the Hong Kong entertainment scene in the 1990s, he chose to lead a quieter life in mainland China.

SUET NAY (雪妮) & TANG CHIA (唐佳)

Renowned as a “martial arts heroine,” Hung Suet Nei, better known as Suet Nay, along with her husband, esteemed martial arts choreographer Tang Chia, represented one of the industry’s quintessential couples.

Tragically, Tang Chia fell to his death in Jordan, Hong Kong, on June 23 at the age of 88. His emotional distress over Suet Nay’s struggle with pancreatic cancer was reportedly overwhelming. He had expressed a wish to “leave together” with her to their son.

Just ten days later, on July 3, Suet Nay passed away in the hospital at the age of 77. The grieving family held a joint funeral to celebrate their eternal bond.

This beloved veteran actor, cherished as TVB’s “go-to grandpa,” passed away from pneumonia on July 4 at the age of 92. Chow Chung’s acting career began in the 1950s, leading him to stardom in the 1960s. He was featured in numerous classics, including The Tears Of Ah Chen (1960) and Dragon And Phoenix Sword (1961).

His heartfelt presence continued to resonate in the hearts of many into the 2008 series Moonlight Resonance, where he played the loving “Gong Gong” aka grandpa, and he officially retired in 2020.

LAI SUEN (黎宣)

Beloved actress Lai Suen, 93, who was the aunt of former TVB actress Gigi Lai, passed away on August 28.

Born into a revered family of performing artists, Lai Suen had a vibrant career in the film industry in the 1950s before transitioning to TVB later in life.

She starred in memorable dramas such as The Greed Of Man (1992) and A Kindred Spirit (1995-1999) before retiring after her last role in Only You in 2011, enjoying a peaceful life thereafter with her husband.