Well-known Hong Kong movie star Ricky Fung (Fung Chui-fan) has reportedly passed away on October 31, at the age of 81. In his later years, he settled in Linkou, New Taipei, Taiwan. Local councilor Tsai Shu-chun announced Fung's death via social media in the early hours of the 1st, shocking and saddening his fans. Many left messages reminiscing about his classic line 'Banana ni ge Bala,' and wished him a peaceful journey.
Fung Chui-fan, known as the 'King of Comedy' and the 'Godfather of Humor,' also worked as a director. His representative works include playing 'Rhino Skin' in the 'Lucky Stars' series, 'Liu Dingjian' in the 'Chasing Girls' series, as well as 'Ngau Tau Fan' in the 'Best Partners' series. The phrase 'Banana ni ge Bala' became his signature catchphrase.
Fung had been living in Taiwan for 39 years. In March of this year, he revealed in a post that he was hospitalized for a second bout of pneumonia, and at one point, he had difficulty breathing and urgently left a final message. He was discharged after two months but admitted that he was not fully recovered, as his blood oxygen levels were still low and he relied on an oxygen machine for daily life. 'Though it's inconvenient, old age is something you just have to accept,' he wrote, 'but I'll do my best.'
Just four days ago, he had posted a tribute to his friend Ha Yu (Hui Siu-hung) who had recently passed away. He expressed sorrow that Ha Yu had left ahead of him, with a hint of melancholy: 'That's life. Although our friendship spanned half a century, we spent half of those years living apart and haven't seen each other in a long, long time. Ultimately, we must part one day. But as I'm older and gravely ill, hanging on by a thread, "Worthy younger brother, wait for me there, this foolish brother will follow soon."' Unexpectedly, his words became a premonition. Netizens commented, 'Sigh, truly reunited now, rest in peace,' and 'How did it really become a prediction?! Farewell, big brother Fung, rest in peace.' #
News source: Apple News Network