4 things to know about late veteran Hong Kong actor Benz Hui

SINGAPORE – Hong Kong show business mourned the loss of prominent actor Benz Hui, who

died on Oct 28

from complications arising from cancer. He was 76.

Hui is survived by his Singaporean wife Angeli Lung and their daughter, Charmaine Hui.

Here are some facts about the late star. 

1. He’s a devoted father.

Hui was a doting father to daughter Charmaine, 28. He would shuttle between Hong Kong and Singapore as Charmaine was enrolled in a kindergarten here. 

Growing up, their bond remained tight, and their close-knit relationship is seen through both their social media accounts.

Hui is the main investor in Charmaine’s three F&B ventures – two Cafe Bakeaholic outlets and a Hong Kong-style eatery Juju, where he also helped out as service staff. 

He was also photographed by fans when he helped out at Charmaine’s kiosk at Ang Mo Kio hub in 2023, selling egg tarts and other pastries. 

Though the three eateries are now closed, Hui continued to be Charmaine’s food partner as depicted in his Instagram posts.

2. His legacy continues on social media. 

Hui’s presence lives on in the YouTube videos that he created with Charmaine on the channel Mad Workers. 

An online series titled My Father Is Seeking Joy premiered on Oct 5. The first episode had the father-daughter duo trying to cook a Hong Kong-style reunion dinner. 

The second episode, released on Oct 12, saw Hui making fun of Charmaine’s driving skills, joking that his life was in her hands since she had not driven in seven years. They also talked about how he got his name “Benz”. It came from his love of Mercedes-Benz cars, and he told Charmaine over a dim sum meal that he found them reliable and safe.

The Cantonese-language series is well-received due to the pair’s camaraderie. The second episode had more than 480,000 views.

3. His nickname is King of Supporting Actors

Hui joined Hong Kong broadcaster TVB’s inaugural Artist Training Class in 1971 and stayed in the industry for over 50 years. 

Though he is usually cast as the supporting actor, in an illustrious career that included 150 films and drama series, Hui’s versatility and charisma made him a well-respected and well-rounded performer. 

In TVB’s tribute to Hui in an Instagram post on Oct 28, the station thanked the actor for his contributions and outstanding acting skills. TVB praised his performance in dramas such as the Line Walker series (2014 to 2020), You’re Hired (2019), and To Get Unstuck In Time (2004).

4. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth.

According to Hong Kong publication The Standard, Hui hailed from a highly regarded family in Guangzhou, China, that is regarded as one of the city’s leading clans. 

His ancestors were Guangzhou’s leading salt merchants, and Hui’s grandfather Xu Yingkui, a 19th century Qing dynasty politician, was a godson of Empress Dowager Cixi.

The late actor’s extended family includes Chinese writer-politician Xu Guangping, wife of famed Chinese writer Lu Xun. 

Hui grew up in a comfortable environment, and the family relocated to Hong Kong in 1958.

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