Hong Kong’s entertainment industry gathered today, November 18, to pay final respects to veteran actor Benz Hui, 76, who passed away on October 28 following complications from cancer-related organ failure. The moving farewell ceremony, held at the Tai Wai Pofook Memorial Hall, saw an outpouring of affection from colleagues and fans, cementing the late star’s legacy as one of the most beloved figures in local cinema and television.
The memorial hall was adorned with a massive floral display—a testament to Hui’s esteemed position within the industry—and three distinct photographs capturing his life: a central portrait, a smiling image of the actor in a white suit, and an iconic still of his celebrated character, Foon Hei Gor, from the hit TVB series The Line Walker.
A Legacy Measured in Affection
Benz Hui, known for his signature warmth and versatility in character roles spanning decades, commanded profound respect across generations of actors. Tributes flooded in from titans of Asian cinema, including messages and wreaths from Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fat, Louis Koo, Charmaine Sheh, and Eric Tsang, among countless others who admired his dedication.
The ceremony featured video montages celebrating Hui’s illustrious career, highlighting his most memorable screen performances and award-winning moments. These visual narratives evoked deep emotion, underscoring the pervasive impact of his work on audiences across the region.
Hui is survived by his daughter, Charmaine Hui, 29, who made her first public statement since her father’s passing. Visibly struggling with grief, she thanked the community for their overwhelming support, revealing that the suddenness of his death still felt surreal.
“It was very sudden for everyone, and for us too—it still doesn’t feel real,” Charmaine said, her voice catching. “Seeing how loved my father was, I feel truly blessed and want to thank everyone who has reached out.”
Unwavering Sense of Duty Define Actor’s Character
When reflecting on her father’s character, Charmaine described a professional and personal life defined by unwavering responsibility and dedication. She recalled a particularly trying period during the filming of the 1980s drama Police Cadet ’84.
“Within a month, he lost my grandfather, grandmother, and uncle—yet he never troubled his colleagues or stopped working,” she recounted, tears welling up. “He kept going until he finished the job. That sense of responsibility, and all his other virtues, are things I’ll always remember.”
One poignant regret Charmaine expressed was the lack of time to truly repay her father’s lifelong care. When asked if she regretted that her father never got to hold a grandchild, she responded tearfully: “That’s definitely a regret. But my biggest regret is that I didn’t have enough time to be filial to him.”
The funeral rites are scheduled for today, followed by cremation.
Connecting the Legacy with Fans
In a move to honor his connection with fans, Charmaine confirmed that the family intends to keep her father’s social media pages active, ensuring fans have a space to revisit his work and share their memories.
Furthermore, she revealed a trove of unreleased, intimate video clips filmed during the actor’s final months. In recent times, the father-daughter duo had begun recording daily videos, a simple activity that became deeply meaningful.
“When I was young, dad was always busy working,” Charmaine smiled softly, recalling their recent filming sessions. “Being able to film with him now became such a precious memory—it felt like we made up for lost time.”
Once the immediacy of the funeral arrangements has passed, the family plans to organize and share this cherished, final footage with the public, allowing fans one last glimpse into the warmth and humor of the legendary Benz Hui. His lasting on-screen presence and profound personal impact will continue to resonate deeply within the world of Asian entertainment.