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HONG KONG - Hong Kong movie legend Shek Kin passed away from kidney complications and heart failure on Thursday morning, reported the Hong Kong media. He was 96.
The Hong Kong entertainment industry mourned the death of Shek, who was not only famed for his villainous roles but was also among its first generation of martial arts stars.
Gregory So, Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, expressed regret at the loss. "Mr Shek's brilliant career in the performing arts industry started in the 1940s. Since then he devoted lifelong commitment to the industry. He played a villain role in the 'Wong Fei Hong' film series and had become one of the most recognisable faces of Hong Kong cinema," said So.
A character actor that played the villain role to perfection, Shek's performance was so convincing that he was once pelted with eggs upon his arrival in Singapore.
Shek started off as a make-up artist and worked his way up to be regarded as one of Hong Kong's top actors.
He launched his acting career by playing a spy in movie "Flower in a Sea of Blood" but it was his villain portrayal in the famous "Wong Fei Hong" series that made him a household name.
Together with another martial arts icon, the late Kwan Tak Hing who passed away 13 years ago, the pair collaborated in almost 80 "Wong Fei Hong" films.
"He is a complete actor who excels in any role and I fully respect him," the late Kwan said.
In a career spanning 50 years, Shek worked with most of Hong Kong famous artistes including Kwan, Bruce Lee (Enter the Dragon) and Chow Yun Fatt (A Better Tomorrow III).
Towards the later stages of his career, Shek shed his bad-guy image and also jumped over to the small screen and acted in several television dramas, including the famous Louis Cha's "Condor Trilogy".
Shek officially retired in 1993 at a ripe old age of 80. In 1996, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award by the Hong Kong Film Critics Association and was also awarded for his professional contributions by the Hong Kong Film Awards in 2003.
- CNA/fa
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