Hong Kong veteran actor Benz Hui Shiu-hung has died at the age of 76 after suffering cancer-related organ failure, his family confirmed on Tuesday morning (Oct 28).
Hui passed away peacefully at 2.30am, surrounded by family and close friends. His death came a day after reports that he had been critically ill, prompting several celebrities — including Bosco Wong, Michael Miu and his wife Jaime Chik, Bobby Au-yeung, Charmaine Sheh, Raymond Lam, and Ron Ng — to rush to the hospital to see him.
(Read more: Benz Hui reportedly critically ill, celebs rush to hospital)
The family thanked friends and fans for their concern and condolences, adding that funeral arrangements are being made and details will be announced later.
Benz Hui moved to Hong Kong with his family in 1958 and enrolled in TVB’s first Artist Training Class, becoming one of its inaugural students. In his early career, he was often seen driving his Benz to work, earning him the nickname “Benz Hung.”
Hui came from a prominent family in Guangzhou, historically regarded as one of the city’s leading clans. His ancestors included Xu Baiting, head of Guangzhou’s four major salt merchants, and his grandfather, Xu Yingkui, was a godson of Empress Dowager Cixi. Hui’s extended family also includes Xu Guangping, wife of famed Chinese writer Lu Xun. The family was well-off, allowing Hui a comfortable upbringing.
Hui married Angeli Lung in 1992 and had a daughter, Charmaine Hui, while also raising his stepson from Lung’s previous marriage. The family had substantial wealth, including investments in Hong Kong and Singapore.
