Farewell to Hong Kong’s Legendary Maestro
Mr. Raymond Chow Man-wai – the man whose very name conjures images of martial arts mastery and the indelible icon Bruce Lee – has peacefully taken his final bow at the age of 91.
The “Godfather” Who Made Hong Kong Shine
- When Bruce Lee stepped onto the stage of Enjoy Yourself Tonight in the 1970s, Raymond Chow had already been weaving the magic that would catapult the kung‑fu legend onto the world stage.
- Long‑time friend and TV pioneer Robert Chua tells us that Chow’s passing is a colossal loss to the film sector: “He brought Bruce to the world and, in turn, Hong Kong to the world.”
- Chua paints Chow as a quietly charismatic man—soft spoken yet fiercely passionate—who had a knack for spotting talent and nurturing it with gentle guidance.
From Reporters to Movie Mogul
Born in 1927, Chow’s journey began as a newspaper reporter before he transitioned into radio and TV production, setting the stage for his future empire.
In 1959, he joined the Shaw Brothers and later carved out a pivotal role within Run Run Shaw’s media kingdom.
1970 marked a turning point: with Leonard Ho Koon‑cheung, Chow founded Golden Harvest. The studio became the launchpad for classics such as Fist of Fury, Police Story and The Private Eyes, earning accolades worldwide.
Mentoring Legends
- From actors like Jackie Chan, the Hui Brothers, and Sammo Hung to directors like John Woo, Chow was a mentor who knew how to turn raw talent into stardom.
Honors and Retirement
- In 1998, the government honored Chow with the Gold Bauhinia Star for his distinguished service to the community.
- By 2007, he sold his Golden Harvest shares and announced his retirement at age 81.
- Thomas Hong Kong Film Awards graced him with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.
This tribute was originally brought to you by The Straits Times. For a deeper dive into Mr. Chow’s dramatic legacy, you’ll need the proper clearance.
