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| ‘TVB’s Go-To Villain’ Yau Piu Passes Away, Friends Confirm Final Moments. (Photo: Oriental) |
Hong Kong actor Yau Piu (游飚) has passed away at the age of 57 following a sudden brain haemorrhage, sending shockwaves through the Hong Kong entertainment industry. The former TVB actor, widely recognised for his villain roles including in the classic drama The Greed of Man, died at around 10pm on 23 February 2026, after spending days in a coma.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed on 24 February 2026 (Tuesday) by his close friend and fellow actor Wong Man Biu (黄文标). Speaking to local media, Wong revealed that Yau suddenly fell ill on 12 February while meeting a client at his office.
“He told us he felt extremely dizzy and unwell. Within minutes, he could barely respond,” Wong shared. “By the time the ambulance arrived, he was already semi-conscious.”
At the hospital, doctors diagnosed Yau with a brain haemorrhage, a condition caused by bleeding inside the brain due to ruptured blood vessels.
According to medical professionals, brain haemorrhages can occur suddenly and may be triggered by high blood pressure, aneurysms, or underlying vascular issues. In severe cases, the pressure caused by internal bleeding can quickly affect consciousness and vital brain functions.
Yau slipped into a coma shortly after admission and, despite medical efforts, never regained consciousness. He was pronounced dead just before 10pm on Monday night.
A family member reportedly said, “He fought quietly and bravely. We are grateful for the support from friends and fans during these painful days.” Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
Born in Xiamen, Fujian, Yau had Hong Kong roots and entered the entertainment world at just 15 years old, starting out as an extra. In 1989, he joined TVB’s third Artist Training Class and gradually built his career in television.
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| Oriental |
While he appeared in numerous dramas, Yau became especially known for portraying antagonists so convincingly that he earned the nickname “TVB’s Go-To Villain.” His sharp expressions and commanding screen presence made him a familiar face in Hong Kong households throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
After leaving TVB and spending a short period with Hong Kong Television Network, Yau pivoted to business. He founded an environmental engineering company specialising in formaldehyde removal, indoor anti-bacterial treatments, and hygiene product distribution.
His company reportedly thrived, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when public awareness around indoor air quality and sanitation surged.
Wong Man Biu added emotionally, “He reinvented himself successfully outside the industry. Not many actors manage to do that. He was hardworking, practical, and deeply devoted to his family.”
Yau is survived by his wife and daughter, who have requested privacy during this difficult time.
News of his passing quickly spread across social media, where fans and netizens expressed mixed yet heartfelt reactions.
Many longtime viewers shared clips of his classic villain scenes, praising his acting skills and saying he “made every drama more intense.” Others reflected on how sudden life can be, urging people to prioritise health checks.
Some fans wrote that although he often played antagonists on screen, interviews showed he was “soft-spoken and humble in real life.” Meanwhile, business contacts described him as “disciplined and forward-thinking,” highlighting how he successfully transitioned from television to entrepreneurship.
Yau Piu’s sudden brain haemorrhage serves as a reminder of how rapidly such medical emergencies can unfold, often with little warning. His passing marks the end of an era for viewers who grew up watching classic Hong Kong TV dramas.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones. If you grew up watching his performances or have a favourite Yau Piu drama moment, share your memories and thoughts. Let’s remember the man behind the screen and celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.