Hong Kong bids emotional farewell to beloved actor Benz Hui

Veteran actor Benz Hui Shiu-hung, the warm-hearted “Benz Hung” who delighted generations for over five decades, was farewelled today at a subdued wake in Tai Wai, three weeks after he passed away from organ failure caused by kidney cancer at the age of 80.

Hundreds of devoted fans began gathering early outside Tai Wai Pofook Memorial Hall, forming an orderly queue that snaked out of the building and onto the street long before the one-hour public visitation window opened from 4pm to 5pm. 

Many dressed in somber dark clothing, waiting patiently and quietly to pay their final respects to the star whose everyman charm made him a fixture in countless classic films and TVB dramas.

Tomorrow morning an intimate cremation ceremony, reserved for family and close friends, will begin at 11am, followed by the procession to Fu Shan Crematorium.

Despite the family’s earlier wish that friends donate to charity rather than send flowers, the entrance overflowed with a sea of floral tributes from industry peers, including Jessica Hsuan, Louis Koo, the Hong Kong Performing Artistes Guild, Candice Yu, Susanna Kwan, Philip Keung and his wife Anna Gam, Niki Chow, Chin Ka-lok, Carol Cheng, Daniel Wu, Kingdom Yuen, William So, Amy Fan, Andrew Chan, Joel Chan, Fennie Yuen, Stephanie Che, Daniel Lam, Kaman Kong, Ruco Chan and his wife Phoebe Sin, Albert Au, Myolie Wu, Maria Cordero, Raymond Lam, Li Lai-ha, and many others. 

Television host Luisa Maria Leitão was also present outside the hall, assisting with arrangements.