Hong Kong actress Kathy Chow has died on Monday (Dec 11), just days after celebrating her 57th birthday on Dec 6.

The news was announced by her studio via a Weibo post on Tuesday night, a day after rumours of her death exploded on social media.

The announcement reads: "We are saddened to announce that Kathy has left us on Dec 11, 2023 due to the unsuccessful medical treatment of her illness. May there be no diseases in heaven and that we would meet again in the next life.

"Dear Kathy, we hope that you would continue to be happy in the next world and your family is forever proud of you."

Rumours of her death started on Dec 11 evening when a netizen made a Weibo post, claiming that Kathy had died. The post, which has since been deleted, created a buzz on Weibo and shot to the top of the hot search list later that night.

Reporters from Sohu Entertainment contacted staff from Kathy's studio twice. When they called the first time, Kathy's staff allegedly hung up the phone. When they called the second time, a staff member claimed that they were busy and ended the call.

Sohu Entertainment reported that according to insiders, a friend of Kathy's contacted her the day before and did not find anything amiss. He also contacted Kathy after the rumours went viral, but she did not pick up her phone at the time of reporting.

Sina Entertainment also called Kathy's staff that night, but their calls were rejected as well.

Based on a report by Hong Kong publication ST Headline on Dec 11, other rumours surrounding her death followed soon after, claiming that Kathy may have had a lupus relapse. It was reported then that she had contracted the disease in 1998 and was forced to take a break from showbiz to recuperate, although Kathy herself had never responded to those rumours.

Kathy debuted in showbiz after participating in the Miss Hong Kong pageant in 1985. Over three decades, she was involved in many Hong Kong and China drama and film productions.

Some of her notable works included playing Connie Lee Wah in Looking Back in Anger (1989), Zhou Zhiruo in The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber (1994), Siu Fuyung in Time Before Time (1997) and Tuyao in The Ashes of Love (2018).

Kathy's last public appearance was at the 9th Ya'An Panda and Nature Film week in early November. She also last updated her Douyin profile on Dec 8.

After news of Kathy's death was announced yesterday, Hong Kong television broadcasting company TVB issued a statement: "TVB expresses deep regret and condolences to Kathy Chow's family. She had worked for TVB for many years and filmed many dramas. The death of a great performer is truly something that the audience will miss forever."

Kathy's ex-husband, actor Ray Lui, whom she was married to between 1988 and 1989, paid tribute to her in a Weibo post yesterday night.

He wrote: "It's so sudden! Kathy, farewell. I can't stay calm for a long time after hearing this news. Thank you for bringing so much beauty to this world. May you continue to laugh in the next world. Condolences to her family members and hope they will take care of their health."

Many other Hong Kong celebrities also offered their condolences to Kathy. Actor Eddie Cheung, also known as Cheung Siu Fai, told ST Headline yesterday: "She is the actress I have worked with the most. I am really sad and heartbroken."

Actor Gordon Lam told the publication: "After hearing the news of her death, my heart is really uncomfortable and unhappy… She was a hearty sister who loved to laugh… My deepest condolences and may Kathy rest in peace."

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yeo.shuhui@asiaone.com

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