HONG KONG — Award-winning actor Kent Cheng, 74, has once again been compelled to publicly refute persistent and false reports of his death, utilizing a video posted to mainland Chinese social media platforms this month to set the record straight. The veteran performer, known for his distinguished career spanning decades, addressed not only the baseless rumors but also the noticeable change in his physical appearance, attributing his significant weight loss to necessary health measures.
In the brief yet energetic video, a visibly leaner Cheng, dressed in activewear and sporting a salt-and-pepper beard, demonstrated his vitality with light movement. He wryly dismissed the circulating falsehoods, humorously referencing the grim news: “Am I in an alternate reality? It’s been 21 years [since the rumors started], haven’t I been declared dead yet?”
To provide irrefutable evidence of his temporal existence, the actor pointed to a newspaper he held, clearly displaying the current date. He then shifted to seriously dissecting the mix of truths and fictions surrounding his personal life and career.
Separating Fact from Fiction
Cheng confirmed the veracity of past financial struggles, acknowledging the widely reported incident where he had to sell assets to manage debt after a business venture failed. However, he strongly denied sensationalized claims that his family was forced to live in poverty for an extended period, labeling those accounts as false.
The actor offered a candid explanation for his dramatic weight reduction, confirming the claim that he is now much thinner. “The talk about me being drastically thin is true,” he stated. “I have reduced my weight from 270 catties down to 200 catties. As I age, my body can no longer bear such weight; it invites various illnesses. To achieve better health and feel lighter, weight loss was mandatory.”
He also addressed comments regarding his current appearance, specifically the beard that some suggested made him look fatigued. Cheng clarified that the facial hair was a professional requirement. “The beard that makes me look worn out? That’s correct, it’s for a role,” he explained. “Once the film is finished, I will shave it off and return to my original appearance.”
The Modern Challenge of Misinformation
Cheng used the opportunity to caution the public about the ease with which misinformation spreads in the digital age. He emphasized the necessity of critical thinking when consuming news, underscoring that not only “hearsay must never be trusted” but that even visually perceived information could be manipulated.
“Technology is highly advanced now; what you don’t expect is already being done,” Cheng warned, referencing deepfake technology and sophisticated digital fabrication. “We must strive for the truth and use our minds to analyze. Ultimately, the results, ladies and gentlemen, are for you to decide.”
This public clarification serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by high-profile figures in combating persistent, often malicious, online falsehoods. For fans, the message assures them of Cheng’s continued health and active career, despite the online noise. The incident highlights the growing responsibility of media consumers to verify information before sharing, a critical step in preserving the integrity of biographical facts in an era of rapid digital dissemination.