92-year-old Zheng Lei Passes Away; Qiu Qianren Becomes a Dying Echo

Zheng Lei (original name Zheng Hongrong) held a memorial service on the 12th at a Hong Kong funeral parlor. It is reported that he passed away on March 25. He was the first-generation disciple of renowned director Chang Cheh and, alongside Jimmy Wang Yu, Luo Lie, Zhang Yi, and Xie Yuan, was known as one of the “Shaw Brothers' Five Tigers.” Later, he played many supporting roles in TVB, with his most memorable performance as “Qiu Qianren” in the Louis Koo version of The Return of the Condor Heroes. Having faded from the entertainment industry for many years, there was a mistaken report of his death two years ago, but this time he has truly bid farewell to the world, marking a loss for Hong Kong drama fans.

His shrine in Hong Kong was simply decorated, featuring a photo of him as a young man participating in bodybuilding competitions for friends and family to remember him by. His son Zheng Zibin and daughter Zheng Jiabao were present to handle funeral arrangements but politely declined to be photographed or interviewed. Wreaths from relatives and friends filled the hall, but no members of the entertainment industry were seen. The funeral is scheduled for the morning of the 13th.

According to sources, Zheng Lei was born in 1944, making him 82 this year, but his close friend and action choreographer Wu Yushu stated that he was actually 10 years older than reported. He passed away of natural causes, not suffering from any illness, and left this world peacefully. Zheng Lei came from a bodybuilding background, with a strong physique. He entered the film industry in 1965, initially acting in the Shaw Brothers' The Tiger Boy. He later starred in many wuxia films, such as One-Armed Swordsman and The Magnificent Trio. He began acting in Hong Kong dramas in 1975, switching from RTV to TVB, with performances in works such as The Legendary Fok, Chen Zhen, and Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.

In November last year, Wu Yushu shared a recent photo of Zheng Lei. Although he appeared to have aged considerably, with white hair and beard and most of his teeth gone, he still looked energetic and smiled at the camera.

News sources: Apple Online News, Sing Tao Daily, on.cc