Kathy Chow Passes Away at Age of 57
One of the biggest stars in the 1990s, former TVB actress Kathy Chow (周海媚), 57, passed away on December 11. She had fainted in her home and was rushed to the hospital, but she was unable to be resuscitated.
Competing in Miss Hong Kong 1985, Kathy signed with TVB and debuted in The Yang’s Saga <楊家將>. Some of her most popular dramas in the 80s and 90s included: The Feud of Two Brothers <流氓大亨>, Looking Back in Anger <義不容情>, The Breaking Point <今生無悔>, Time Before Time <大鬧廣昌隆> and Secret of the Heart <天地豪情>. After leaving TVB, Kathy filmed several ATV series. Her iconic role as Zhou Zhiruo in the Taiwanese adaptation of Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre <倚天屠龍記> cemented her stardom in China. In 2014, she filmed The Empress of China <武媚娘傳奇> with Fan Bingbing (范冰冰). Even after reducing her dramatic roles in recent years, her appearance on variety shows maintained her recognition levels in China.
Several leaks of Kathy’s death surfaced and became a trending topic on Weibo the night before. At the time, director Frankie Chan (陳勳奇) denied her passing and stated Kathy was only in the hospital receiving treatment. Actor Tin Kai Man (田啟文) also stated Kathy was simply in the hospital to treat her lupus condition. The duo’s statements added confusion to the real status of Kathy’s condition.
Many Grieve for Kathy’s Passing
Yesterday, Kathy’s agency officially confirmed the actress’ death. Shortly afterwards, Kathy’s mother shared a photo of a beautiful Kathy holding a sunflower. She wrote, “My beloved Kathy, I hope you’ll continue to find happiness in another world. Your family is proud of you!”
Many were in disbelief over Kathy’s passing. She had updated her Weibo with photos of her playing with her dog on her birthday just last week. Two months ago, she was invited to film Chinese program, The Popular Movies – Greater Bay Area Concert 2023 <2023大灣區音樂匯>. Her sudden passing made it very difficult for loved ones and fans to accept.
Upon hearing the news of Kathy’s death, her ex-husband Ray Lui (呂良偉) was shocked and could not pacify his emotions for a lengthy time. He wrote on social media, “Thank you for bringing so much beauty to the world. I hope you will continue to smile in another world.”
Former costar Gordon Lam (林家棟) grieved, “I was so unhappy after hearing the news. Our first collaboration was very successful and I remember she was our goddess at that time. We had so much fun working on Time Before Time and there were so many good memories. Just a few years ago, we both accepted an interview on Luisa Maria Leitao’s (黎芷珊) show, Telling Maria <最佳拍檔> and we even kept in touch afterwards. I hope Kathy can rest in peace. Condolences to her family.”
In October, Kathy had worked together with Angie Chiu (趙雅芝), Carmen Lee (李若彤), and Benny Chan (陳浩民). “This is so sudden, she was still fine the last time we worked together. It’s such a shame. Life is so unpredictable – we need to treasure those around us. Condolences to her family,” Benny said. Angie also responded, “This is too sudden. I hope she rests in peace.”
This article is written by Su for JayneStars.com.
Thank you @Jayne. I really miss this beautiful and graceful actress. I am still in shock as she is not much older then me… as a child I use to think someone over 30yrs is old…now at my 50s, I still dont feel old. Her death definitely took me by surprise.
Im kind of in disbelief! Im a fan since the breaking point. Weird that her death date is on leon lai’s birthday. May she rest in peace and find happiness 🙁
Oh, was it on his birthday. I dont follow him.
Sad to hear for her death. A part of my childhood. Thank you for the tribute article.
RIP Kathy
Kind-hearted beauties should never die. Grew up watching Kathy in many series such as ‘Looking back in Anger’ and when she was at peak beauty in ‘Breaking Point’. Also her ruthless performance in Taiwan’s ‘Heaven’s Sword Dragon’s sabre’. ‘Plain Love’ and ‘Time before time’ are also classics.
i was totally shocked and sad. Might she rests in peace without anymore suffering
I grew up watching her too. May she rest in peace.
i am still sad and can’t believe she left us. This news of her death brought me a weird feeling like when i heard leslie cheung died. It is so sudden