Hong Kong actress Kathy Chow passes away at 57 after battling illness

HONG KONG: Hong Kong actress Kathy Chow Hoi Mei (周海媚), celebrated for her enthralling performances in television dramas, passed away at the age of 57 on Monday (11 Dec).

On Tuesday night, her studio officially confirmed her passing after an unsuccessful battle with her illness.

Initially, rumours circulated on Weibo regarding her passing on Monday.

Several Chinese media outlets attempted to verify the news with Chow’s team, but they either received no response or were turned away.

Amidst the speculation, many friends and fans of Ms Chow suspected the news might be false. Close acquaintances even countered the claims, suggesting that while she had been revived, she remained in a coma.

Chinese screenwriter Tan Fei took a stand, dismissing the rumours and emphasizing Chow’s well-being, urging against the spread of misinformation.

Additionally, a former TVB political reporter asserted that Chow was still undergoing treatment at the hospital.

At 9:39 PM on Tuesday, Ms Chow’s studio officially confirmed the news of her passing.

The message wrote: “We sadly inform everyone: Ms Kathy Chow left us on 11 December 2023, due to an incurable illness.”

In an accompanying message reportedly penned by Ms Chow’s mother and family, it expressed: “Dearest Hoi Mei, we wish for your continued happiness in another realm; our family holds you in high regard.”

Chow, a former Miss Hong Kong contestant in 1985, transitioned into a celebrated leading actress during the late 1980s and 1990s, earning acclaim through various TVB roles.

With her captivating pixie face and relatable charm, Chow debuted as an actress in 1985, gaining immense popularity for her role as Zhou Zhiruo (周芷若) in the 1994 TVB drama, “The Heaven Sword And Dragon Sabre (倚天屠龙记),” adapted from the martial arts novel by the late novelist Louis Cha.

In 2003, she moved to Beijing, diversifying her career by participating in numerous drama series and reality TV shows while sporadically appearing in TVB productions.

Celebrating her 57th birthday on 6 Dec, Chow expressed heartfelt gratitude to her Douyin (China’s TikTok equivalent) followers for their unwavering love and support over the years, wishing them health, safety, and happiness.

On 8 Dec, her Douyin account showcased a series of nostalgic photos from her previous roles, engaging followers with the question, “Which drama do you recognize me from?”