RIP Richard Ng

 

Veteran actor Richard Ng, who rose to fame in 1970s Hong Kong comedies, dies at age 83

Ng had been suffering health problems for years, telling media in 2021 he had undergone heart surgery

He made name for himself on television show The Hui Brothers and later starred in The Pilferers’ Progress, directed by John Woo 

South China Morning Post

By Edith Lin

April 10, 2023

 

Veteran Hong Kong actor Richard Ng Yiu-hon, who starred in some of the city’s most popular comedies throughout the 1970s and 1980s, died on Sunday at age 83, according to an industry representative.

Tenky Tien Kai-man, spokesman for the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers, told the Post on Monday that Ng’s family had confirmed the actor’s death and asked for privacy during the difficult time.

“He filmed numerous comedies and brought laughter to Hongkongers of our generation,” Tien said. “He lies in many people’s memory.”

Instantly recognisable by his prominent square jaw, Ng made his name as one of the city’s top comedic performers alongside other celebrities in the 1970s, including martial arts legend Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung Kam-bo, and went on to star in more than 100 films.

But he was also “passionate” about nurturing the younger generation, Tien said, noting the veteran actor had appeared for free in projects by filmmakers just starting out in the business.

Ng disclosed in 2019 that he had been suffering kidney problems and had to undergo peritoneal dialysis daily. But he insisted he would carry on with acting.

“If the schedule fits, I can still film movies,” he told the media. “I won’t lose interest in filming because of this problem. Filming is the joy of my life.”

In 2021, he revealed he had undergone recent heart surgery.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Ng moved at age 15 to the United Kingdom, where he attended school and entered a dentistry programme, but he soon switched to studying film. His first role was in a British television soap drama.

Ng returned to the city in 1970 to help care for his family and he eventually joined the local television industry. He made guest appearances on The Hui Brothers, a show hosted by comedian Michael Hui Koon-man and his brother Sam Hui Koon-kit, a singer-songwriter.

Ng continued working with the Hui brothers, playing a policeman in Michael Hui Koon-man’s comedy The Private Eyes in 1976, which centred on a private detective agency.

A year later, Ng starred in The Pilferers’ Progress along with one of Hui’s other brothers, Ricky Hui Koon-ying, as two thieves fighting over stolen diamonds. The film, directed by John Woo, was the most successful movie of 1977, earning more than HK$5 million.

Ng also starred and produced the second-biggest hit that year, Winner Takes All. He continued to star in local blockbusters in the 1980s, including the Pom Pom series, which featured veteran actor and producer John Sham Kin-Fun.

He took part in TV productions in Singapore during the 1990s and 2000s, including the popular sitcom Under One Roof, in which he played a protective father. He had a small role in the 2003 Hollywood film Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life, posing as a buyer.

Ng’s final performance was in Where The Wind Blows, in which he played the father of the lead actress, Du Juan. The film, which starred Aaron Kwok Fu-shing and Tony Leung Chiu-wai, opened the Hong Kong International Film Festival last year.

Tributes to the actor began pouring in as news of his death spread.

Eric Tsang Chi-wai, general manager of the free-to-air TV station TVB and who co-starred with Ng in Winners and Sinners, said Ng was “one of a kind” in the world of comedy films.

“He was very good at using body movement to do gag acts,” he said. “But he would not overdo it or use too many exaggerated actions.

“One cannot overstate his contributions to the local film industry and he will be missed forever.”

Director Philip Yung Tsz-kwong described Ng as optimistic and cheerful, and recalled he lent his vintage cigarette tins for props in the movie.

“He did not take advantage of his seniority. He thought a lot of stuff could be settled by humour,” Yung said, adding the veteran actor would often tell jokes on set.

Comedic actor Stanley Fung Shui-fan, who filmed 1983’s Winners and Sinners with Ng and emigrated to Taiwan 30 years ago, called the news of Ng’s death saddening. In a Facebook post, he described the actor as his “rare friend”.

Director Hui said Ng was “always optimistic”.

“He was a gifted comedian and had a good sense of humour,” he said. “It is a pity that Hong Kong has lost a very outstanding comedian.”

Ng is survived by his wife and four children, including actor Carl Ng Ka-lung, 47.

NG, Richard

Born: 12/17/1939, Guangdong, China

Died: 4/9/2023, Hong Kong, China

 

Richard Ng’s westerns – actor:

Millionaires’ Express – 1986 (Han)

Once Upon a Time in China – 1997 (Uncle Han)