Veteran Hong Kong actor Benz Hui, affectionately known as the “King of Supporting Actors”, passed away on October 28, 2025, at 2:30 a.m., due to multiple organ failure caused by cancer. He was 76 years old, just a week shy of his 77th birthday on November 4.
The news was confirmed by Hui’s family through his close friend and Hong Kong TV host Maria Luisa Leitão, who told the media that the family was deeply grateful for everyone’s concern and would release details of funeral arrangements at a later date.
Hospitalisation and Final Moments
According to Sing Tao Headline, Hui had been hospitalised in Hong Kong and was in critical condition on October 27. About 30 celebrities visited the beloved actor during his final days, including Michael Miu and Jaime Chik, Edwin Siu and Priscilla Wong, Raymond Wong and Kaka Mok, Bosco Wong, Dayo Wong, Au Yeung Tsan Wah, and Mak Cheung Ching.
Veteran actress Alice Fung, who visited Hui on the evening of October 27, shared that he was using an oxygen machine but was still conscious and able to hear her.
Hui’s goddaughter, actress Charmaine Sheh, cancelled a scheduled work trip to Beijing and flew from Macau to visit him. Sheh had worked with Hui on several hit dramas, including You’re Hired (2009) and Line Walker (2014–2020).
Chow Yun-Fat, Hui’s long-time friend and co-star in the classic TV series The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1979–1980), also visited him on October 28, dressed in black to pay his respects.
A Legendary Career Spanning Over Five Decades
Benz Hui’s acting career spanned more than 50 years, making him one of Hong Kong’s most respected and versatile performers. He starred in numerous TVB classics, including The Final Combat (1989) and Golden Faith (2001), and became known for bringing depth and warmth to supporting roles.
In 1999, Hui portrayed Chief Inspector Wong Kai Fat in Running Out of Time, alongside Andy Lau and Sean Lau, earning a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 2000 Hong Kong Film Awards.
He later showcased his comedic side in Love Undercover (2002), playing Fong Chung Sir, the superior of Miriam Yeung’s undercover cop character.
Hui won Best Supporting Actor at the 2013 TVB Awards Presentation for his performance in Bounty Lady.
However, his most iconic role came as Foon Hei Gor (Brother Foon Hei) in TVB’s hit crime series Line Walker. The role, depicting an undercover cop turned triad leader, resonated deeply with audiences and earned him the Most Popular Male Character award at the 2014 TVB Awards Presentation. Fans across Asia continued to affectionately call him by that character’s name for years afterward.
Roots and Early Life
Born into a prestigious family in Guangzhou, Hui’s lineage traced back to Xu Baiting, one of Guangzhou’s top salt merchants during the Qing Dynasty. His great-grandfather Xu Yingkui served as viceroy of Minzhe, governing modern-day Fujian, Zhejiang, and Taiwan, and was the godson of Empress Dowager Cixi. Hui’s grandaunt, Xu Guangping, was the partner of the renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun.
Hui moved to Hong Kong in 1958 and joined TVB’s first artiste training programme in 1971. His nickname “Benz” originated from his habit of driving a Mercedes-Benz to work early in his career — a rare sight among actors at the time.
Family Life and Years in Singapore
In 1992, Hui married Singaporean Angeli Lung, whom he met at a friends’ gathering. The couple welcomed their daughter Charmaine Hui in 1997, when Hui was 49.
Charmaine, now 28, married Singaporean banker Shane Sim and held wedding celebrations in Hong Kong (December 2023) and Singapore (January 2024).
After decades in showbiz, Hui relocated to Singapore with his family to enjoy semi-retirement, while still appearing occasionally on screen and connecting with fans online.
He remained active on social media, frequently sharing lighthearted moments on Xiaohongshu and appearing in videos posted by his daughter on her YouTube channel.
In June 2025, fans expressed concern when Hui appeared breathless in a video shot in Guangzhou. One of his last public appearances was during the Mid-Autumn Festival on October 6, when he appeared cheerful and relaxed in photos shared by his daughter on Instagram.
Remembering Benz Hui
Benz Hui leaves behind a legacy defined by humility, warmth, and remarkable versatility. From heartfelt comedic performances to unforgettable crime-drama portrayals, he touched generations of viewers across Hong Kong, mainland China, and Southeast Asia.
As tributes pour in from colleagues and fans, Hui will forever be remembered as a pillar of Hong Kong television and film — the beloved “Foon Hei Gor” whose presence illuminated every scene he was in.
