Liu Kai Chi Passes Away from Stomach Cancer
Diagnosed with stomach cancer last December, 66-year-old Hong Kong actor Liu Kai Chi (廖啟智) passed away on March 28. Last week, the actor remained positive in facing his illness despite being hospitalized for an emergency procedure. A hardworking but always modest actor, Liu Kai Chi’s legacy will continue to live on through his contributions to the Hong Kong television and film industry.
After graduating from TVB’s 8th Artiste Training Class in 1979, Liu Kai Chi worked at TVB for over three decades before filming with other TV stations. He starred in HKTV dramas The Borderline <警界線> and The Election <選戰>, and also ViuTV’s Limited Education <教束>.
Receiving deserved recognition in the film industry, Liu Kai Chi won Best Supporting Actor at the Hong Kong Film Awards in 1993 and 2009 for his performances in Cageman <籠民> and Beast Stalker <証人>.
His Last Wish
Passionate about the performing arts, Liu Kai Chi worked extensively to help young actors and newcomers. He became a lecturer at the Hong Kong Baptist University in 2010. He read many books about acting theories and wanted to share his diverse experiences with his students. Unlike traditional lecturers, Liu Kai Chi would often interact with his students outside the classroom in order to improve communication.
He also helped raise funds for the university’s “Greenlight Project,” an initiative to help youths with filming their first movie. Although Liu Kai Chi had intentions of taking part in a film by the university graduates, he had to decline due to his deteriorating health. His good friend, actor/director Tin Kai Man (田啟文) promised to fulfill Liu Kai Chi’s last wish in guiding his students and seeing the film project to completion.
Was Not Afraid of Death
Liu Kai Chi’s wife, Barbara Chan (陳敏兒), who met and fell in love with the actor at TVB’s 8th Artiste Training Class, is grieving over his death but believes he is now at a better place. The couple had three sons, but their 6-year-old son died of leukemia in 2006. Their son’s heartbreaking death dealt a deep blow on the couple and took years to heal, but they emerged as a stronger family afterward.
Due to experiencing the painful loss of his son and his Christian faith, Liu Kai Chi was not afraid of death despite his battle with stomach cancer. “There are always flaws in life. Don’t be afraid to face suffering. After experiencing it, life is then complete. Even if it is suffering, God must have his good intentions. I’m not afraid of a short life. Even if I die tomorrow, I don’t mind. Death is painful, but I am not afraid,” the actor said.
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