Veteran Hong Kong actor Ng Man-tat underwent surgery for liver cancer two months ago and is currently undergoing chemotherapy, a close friend has disclosed.

Ng, 70, was said to have recently been seriously ill and was admitted to the oncology ward of a hospital in Hong Kong, local media reported. The news triggered widespread concern and outpouring of well-wishes for his recovery online from fans in China.

According to actor Tin Kai Man, a member of the Hong Kong Movie Production Executives Association and a friend of Ng's who is acting as a voluntary spokesperson about his condition, Ng was diagnosed with liver cancer late last year and had been receiving treatment in Macao. Ng then returned to Hong Kong to continue treatment.

"He is in no mood, and can't speak and so must communicate using his hands," Tin told local Hong Kong media on Feb. 22. "He is also weak from chemotherapy. I did not visit him in hospital as I'm afraid that I would be too emotional. I also do not want to disturb him."

Tin clarified that news of Ng being rushed to hospital on Feb. 20 was not true. However, he described how during a trip to the Chinese mainland to do a photoshoot for the poster of his new movie "Shaolin Temple: Legend of Debao," Ng had felt uncomfortable and so was transferred to Macao for further examination. During the checkup, it was discovered that Ng had a tumor. "Two months ago, he returned to Hong Kong for surgery and chemotherapy. He has been in hospital since then so this is not some sudden critical illness," said Tin.

Ng's friends said that they had originally kept the matter private so as to let Ng recuperate and not incur additional stress from media attention. "Having a tumor is always a serious matter, but Ng is not on his death bed and he's doing OK for now. Currently, the situation is not so grave."

Ng Man-tat is known for having played various classic roles in numerous Hong Kong and mainland films and TV series, including the mainland's sci-fi blockbuster "The Wandering Earth" and many popular comedies directed by and starring Stephen Chow, such as "King of Comedy."

Ng is regarded as being the golden supporting role for Chow and the duo's performances are so popular that the pair has provided many treasured memories to generations of fans. However, after Chow's "Shaolin Soccer" in 2001, the two never had the chance to collaborate again and grew estranged.

Ng has not ruled out working with Chow again, recently joking during a TV interview that: "There will always be opportunities [to work together again], as long as I have not died and he has not retired."

After hearing the news of Ng's illness, Tin said that Chow called him to check on his health. Tin added that Ng's wife has since arrived in Hong Kong from Malaysia, and his children have also made arrangements to return to be with him. For now, Ng has put his work on hold.

Earlier this month, a video went viral showing Ng clutching his chest during the aforementioned promotional poster photoshoot for "Shaolin Temple: Legend of Debao," sparking concerns about his health at the time. 

This was not the first instance of Ng having health problems. As early as 2000, the actor was diagnosed with diabetes and later rushed to the ICU following a heart attack triggered by viral infection in 2014. During his latest appearance on the Chinese reality show "Trump Card," Ng revealed that he "has not fully recovered" from his health scare in 2014 and said that he had felt like he may soon pass away.

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)