HONG KONG — Lau Siu-ming, a revered figure in Hong Kong’s entertainment industry and a pioneer of the city’s dance scene, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 94.
The cause of death of Lau – affectionately known as “Ming Sir” – has not been publicly announced. He had been in declining health in recent years, suffering from multiple ailments and requiring the use of a wheelchair.
Born in 1931 in Hong Kong, Lau was among the first Hong Kong dancers to pursue formal training in Europe. In the early 1960s, he received a scholarship to study at the Rosella Hightower School of Dance in Cannes, France, and later performed with the prestigious Brussels Ballet du XXe Siècle.
Returning to Hong Kong in 1967, he worked in dance education and choreography before transitioning to acting in 1979, making his film debut in Tsui Hark’s The Butterfly Murders.
Over the decades, he became a household name, appearing in numerous iconic productions. He is perhaps best remembered for his haunting performance as the androgynous Tree Demon Granny in the A Chinese Ghost Story film series (1987–1991).
His other notable roles included the villainous Yue Buqun in Swordsman (1990) and the virtuous Master Yideng in the TVB classic The Legend of the Condor Heroes (1983).
Expressing deep sorrow over the passing of Lau, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui paid tribute to Lau’s lifetime of contributions.
“Ming Sir devoted his life to dance and the performing arts. His talent and dedication will always be remembered. We deeply mourn his passing and pay the highest tribute to his outstanding artistic achievements,” Law said in a statement on Thursday.
She highlighted Lau’s pioneering role in dance and his “nuanced acting and versatile image,” which left a precious artistic legacy in Hong Kong’s film and television culture.
The secretary also noted his work promoting local cultural development, having founded dance and arts groups and served as an advisor on the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s Art Form Panel.
