The leak of Chow’s medical records caused outrage from large swathes of the mainland internet, who were furious about the leak, saying it “disrespected the privacy of the deceased”.
Chow was born and raised in Hong Kong and launched her acting career as a trainee with local broadcaster TVB. She rose to stardom by portraying Zhou Zhiruo in the famous adaptation of the martial arts novel The Heaven Sword And Dragon Saber by Louis Cha Leung-yung.
Her portrayal of Fang Xuening in the 1986 television series The Feud Of Two Brothers was an important role in a drama that landed in the top 10 of the Top 100 20th-century Chinese-language television series as voted by Singaporean television media.
In 2003, she relocated to Beijing, and her role alongside Fan Bingbing in The Empress Of China transformed her into a household name in mainland China.
In her death announcement, Chow’s studio wrote: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sister Hoi-mei due to illness on Dec 11, 2023. May there be no sickness in heaven, and may we meet again in the next life!”
Chow’s death has also elicited heartfelt condolences from the people who had known her during her life.
According to a document from the Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chow was found lying unresponsive on the floor at around 10am on Monday.
Taiwanese actor Steve Ma, who co-starred with Chow in The Heaven Sword And Dragon Saber, said: “I never thought we would meet again in such a situation … Hoi-mei, we will always love you.”
Chow’s ex-husband, Hong Kong actor Ray Lui, said: “So sudden! Hoi-mei, rest in peace. Thank you for bringing so much beauty to the world. May you continue to laugh in another world.”
On her 57th birthday on Dec 6, Chow posted a video and expressed gratitude for the years of support from her fans. Her sudden death five days later left followers in disbelief.
One fan reminisced: “I have been watching your dramas from the ages of 8 to 30. May you be happier in another world.”
Another said: “Farewell, Sister Hoi-mei. May you find a heaven free of pain and suffering.”
This article was first published on SCMP.