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| Farewell to a Comedy Legend: Stanley Fung Passes Away at 81 in Taiwan, Just Days After Benz Hui |
Veteran Hong Kong actor, comedian, and filmmaker Stanley Fung Sui-fan (冯淬帆) has passed away in Taiwan at the age of 81. The sad news broke in the early hours of 1st November 2025, announced by New Taipei City councillor Tsai Shu-chun, and quickly confirmed by several Taiwanese media outlets.
Fung was one of the defining faces of Hong Kong’s golden film era — a sharp-tongued comedian, a respected director, and a man whose humour shaped generations of viewers.
Fans across Asia are mourning what feels like the end of an era, coming just three days after the death of his close friend Benz Hui.
A Golden-Age Legend
Stanley Fung began his entertainment journey in 1968, debuting as a TVB leading man before finding fame in cinema through the “Five Lucky Stars” series — Hong Kong’s legendary action-comedy ensemble that dominated box offices in the 1980s.
As the quick-witted “Rawhide / Rhino Skin”, Fung brought cheeky humour, impeccable timing, and boundless energy to the screen.
His films like The Romancing Star and Winners and Sinners remain cult classics that defined a generation of slapstick and camaraderie in Hong Kong cinema.
Beyond acting, Stanley Fung proved a man of many talents — writing, directing, and producing.
Between 1967 and the early 2000s, he amassed over 135 acting credits, directed 10 films, and wrote or produced several others.
His 1974 directorial debut, The Looks of Hong Kong, hinted at his knack for blending everyday absurdities with heartfelt storytelling.
Honest, Unfiltered, and Fiercely Independent
Despite his reputation as a comedian, Stanley Fung wasn’t afraid to speak bluntly.
In later years, he expressed disappointment at what he saw as a decline in comedy standards, taking public jabs at certain filmmakers — including a well-known feud with Wong Jing.
Off-screen, Stanley Fung lived a quiet, solitary life. He never married and had no children.
After suffering financial setbacks from poor investments, he relocated to Taiwan in 1989 and became a Taiwanese citizen in 1996.
He occasionally appeared on local talk shows and was known for his conservative political stance and straightforward opinions on cross-strait relations.
His Final Words — A Bittersweet Goodbye
In a touching post just days before his death, Fung mourned the loss of Benz Hui, writing:
“But I’m older than you, and I’m sick and frail, breathing with difficulty... Ah, my dear brother, wait for me on the other side. Your foolish older brother will join you soon!”
What many took as a poetic farewell to his friend has now become heartbreakingly prophetic.
Stanley Fung Cause of Death
According to close contacts, Stanley Fung had long battled respiratory illnesses.
Earlier in 2025, he suffered from pneumonia and was repeatedly hospitalised.
He reportedly relied on oxygen support in his final months. On October 31, his condition deteriorated, and he passed away peacefully in hospital due to respiratory failure related to chronic pulmonary complications.
As fans and industry peers pour in tributes online, many reflect on how Fung’s passing — just days after Benz Hui — symbolises the fading light of Hong Kong’s cinematic golden age, where laughter, loyalty, and brotherhood ruled the silver screen.
Source: ChinaTimes