Veteran Hong Kong actor Trinh Loi, a familiar face from numerous wuxia dramas, died on 25/3. His family announced his passing via an obituary on 12/4, with the funeral held on 13/4. The family requested privacy during this time, declining interviews and choosing not to release images from the funeral home.

Actor Trinh Loi. Photo: St Headline

While initial reports from outlets like HK01 and Hong Kong Commercial Daily stated Trinh Loi was born in 1944, making him 82 at the time of his death, his close friend, martial arts director Ngo Duc Xu, clarified that his true birth year was 1934. According to Ngo Duc Xu, the actor passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.

Trinh Loi began his career as an early disciple of renowned wuxia film director Truong Triet. During the 1960s and 1970s, he became one of the "five generals" at Shaw Brothers Studio in Hong Kong. He starred alongside fellow actors Vuong Vu, La Liet, Giai Nguyen, and Truong Duc in several notable films, including Doc Ti Dao and Bien Thanh Tam Hiep.

In the 1990s, Trinh Loi transitioned to television, featuring in many popular TVB productions. He took on memorable roles such as Qiu Qianren in The Condor Heroes 1995, Moc Cao Phong in Tieu Ngao Giang Ho 1996, O Lao Dai in Thien Long Bat Bo 1997, Vo Can Dao Nhan in Loc Dinh Ky 1998, and Dinh Van Thien in Vo Dang Truong Tam Phong. After the 2000s, Trinh Loi largely stepped away from acting and public entertainment events.

Despite his extensive filmography, many fans on wuxia film forums acknowledged that while they might not recall Trinh Loi's name, his character portrayals left a profound impact. Viewers shared their sentiments, with one writing, "Seeing his image immediately reminds me of The Condor Heroes; his acting made me imagine another world." Another fan commented, "The actors who appeared during my formative years are leaving one by one. May he rest in peace."

Nhu Anh (according to HK01)