Legendary Hong Kong Actor Kenneth Tsang Passes at 87
It’s truly a sad day for the Hong Kong film and TV community. Kenneth Tsang, the veteran actor known for his compelling performances in TVB dramas, has quietly slipped away, leaving fans and colleagues in shock.
How the news unfolded
- On Monday, April 25, Kenneth flew from Singapore back to Hong Kong and checked into a quarantine hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui.
- He underwent an ART test the following day and got a negative result.
- An early morning health‑ministerial inspector tried to see him but was met with silence.
- At 12:14 pm a hotel staffer opened the door to find him unconscious. Paramedics rushed in and confirmed the tragedy.
- Police are now vetting the circumstances behind his death.
Family reaction in a moment of grief
- Chiao Chiao, his wife and 79‑year‑old Taiwanese actress, was called by reporters. Her daughter‑in‑law answered, describing Chiao’s emotions as “awkward yet steady.”
- Ken’s close friend Bowie Wu was stunned by the sudden news, shouting, “It can’t be real. Even if the media says it, I can’t wrap my head around it!”
- His ex‑wife, Barbara Tang, mentioned that Ken had called his daughter over late night chest pains, and her son‑in‑law sent medicine and food to the hotel, though it’s unclear whether it reached Ken.
- Ken’s daughter realized something was wrong when he missed her calls, prompting her to contact hotel staff for checks.
Remembering the career that made him a household name
From the iconic The Teochew Family (1995) to the heartfelt Heart of the Family (1996) and the action-packed The Unbeatables II and The New Adventures Of Wisely (1998), Kenneth left an indelible mark on Hong Kong television.
And a lighthearted bit of trivia
There’s a quirky anecdote about Anne Kok—yes, she once did not love Kenneth for a head smacking that happened on set, proving that even the greatest actors can bring unexpected drama into daily life.
Ken’s legacy will burn bright in the hearts of viewers who’ve watched him bring characters to life over decades. His sudden passing leaves a wave of sorrow, but the stories he told will forever resonate in the industry that adored him.
