Renowned Hong Kong martial arts star Norman Chui Siu-keung, has passed away. He was 73.
His death was confirmed by fellow actor and long-time friend Tin Kai-man, who also serves as a spokesman for the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers.
As reported by the South China Morning Post, Tin said that Chui passed away on Sept 1 in Beijing after battling oesophageal cancer.
“I was told that he died of oesophageal cancer. He had not told others he had such a problem and most of his friends in Hong Kong did not know about it.
“We do not know how long he suffered from it,” said Tin. “It’s very sad."
Tragically, Chui's wife, who was about 30 years younger than him, also passed away shortly after handling her husband's funeral arrangements.
She reportedly died of a heart attack.
"I was also told his wife died shortly after Chui’s funeral arrangements. Possibly Chui’s death left her in pain and depression,” added Tin.
8days also reported that the couple had a daughter and a son, and this year would have marked their 20th wedding anniversary.
Before settling in Beijing and marrying his third wife, who was a Chinese dancer, Chui had gone through two divorces.
Chui was best known for his roles in The Sword Of The Third Young Master and the Reincarnated series in the late 1970s.
His other notable projects include playing a samurai in the 1983 film Duel To The Death, and a villain in Stephen Chow’s 1992 film King Of Beggars.