Veteran Hong Kong actor Tse Yin passed away on 16/7, with his family honoring his final wish for a simple and private funeral. His son, actor Nicholas Tse, posted an obituary on 20/7, confirming that relatives had forgone a public wake or an altar at a funeral home, a departure from traditional Hong Kong customs. The cremation and burial rites were completed on 20/7.

Artist Tse Yin (1936-2026). Photo: Ifeng

Sources indicated that Tse Yin died from pneumonia, having spent his final days in a coma and receiving care in a hospital's intensive care unit. The actor had not appeared publicly for the past five years. In May, fans observed him in a wheelchair at a cafe. While some reports suggested he was suffering from an illness and had experienced a stroke, his family did not comment on his health.

Actress Deborah Lee, Tse Yin's ex-wife, along with their children Nicholas Tse and Jennifer Tse, handled the funeral arrangements. On the afternoon of 20/7, when seen leaving with her daughter, Ms. Lee declined interviews, simply clasping her hands and bowing her head before getting into a car. Relatives and friends respected Tse Yin's final wishes, allowing him to "depart peacefully and quietly".

Hundreds of actors posted tributes to the late performer. Stephen Chow wrote: "Raising a glass to the blue sky, his spirit shone like a jade tree in the wind. Actor Tse Yin, may you rest in peace." Tse Yin had a memorable role in *Shaolin Soccer*, directed by Stephen Chow. Despite it being a supporting part, his charismatic portrayal of a triad boss became a significant highlight of the film.

Tse Yin joined the entertainment industry in 1953, quickly gaining fame for his role as Long Tu, the "god of gamblers", in *King Of Gambler*. His extensive filmography also includes *Xiao Shiyi Lang*, *King of Kings*, *Heroes of the Ming Dynasty*, *The Legend of the Condor Heroes*, *The Flying Fox of Snowy Mountain*, *Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils*, and *Shaolin Soccer*. His last film was *Time* (2021), which explored the lives of the elderly. Following this production, Tse Yin made fewer public appearances at entertainment events.

Throughout his life, Tse Yin had several relationships and was married twice, to actresses Zhen Zhen and Deborah Lee. He and Deborah Lee divorced in 1995. Subsequently, he dated Coco, a model 49 years his junior; they separated in 2018.

Nhu Anh