Celebrities were lining up to bid farewell to the late Benz Hui, who passed away in late October.
The funeral, which was held on 17 November at the Po Fook Memorial Hall in Tai Wai, saw numerous colleagues and fellow actors, including goddaughter Charmaine Sheh, Dayo Wong, Michael Miu, Nick Cheung, and director Johnnie To.
The funeral was conducted according to Buddhist rites. The funeral hall was simply decorated, with a smiling portrait of Benz in the centre. In front of it were heart-shaped wreaths from his widow, daughter, and stepson, and next to them was a wreath from his goddaughter Charmaine Sheh, which read “My dear father, may you rest in peace, we will remember you forever.”
Several televisions in the funeral hall played clips of Benz’s past performances and awards.
Speaking to the media, Benz’s daughter, who is also named Charmaine, said, “I am proud to have such a father. He worked hard, was humble, kind-hearted, and genuinely cared for others. He taught me many life lessons… I will remember my father’s sense of responsibility and all his virtues, and I will live well.”
Michael Miu, who had known Benz for over 40 years, was heartbroken by the sudden passing and choked up as he recalled their many unforgettable moments together.
“I met him last year at his house for dinner. At the end of last month, I received a call from his wife and rushed to the hospital. He was already in a coma with a ventilator. I only found out about the seriousness of his condition that day. He kept his illness very secret. It was so sudden. I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye to him. It’s heartbreaking. He passed away the next morning,” he said.
On the other hand, Nick Cheung, who has worked with Benz in many dramas during his years in TVB, expressed, “When I moved from ATV to TVB, I worked with Benz the most during that time. He could help the lead actor in the scene and also knew how to steal the spotlight. It was really rare. He was cheerful and quick-witted. There was no pressure working with him. Actors like him are becoming increasingly rare.”
(Photo Source: Oriental Daily, MP Weekly)