Hong Kong actor and producer Wong Cho-lam headlined a major anniversary concert for the Artists’ Home [藝人之家] yesterday, marking the organization’s 40th year, where he expressed relief and gratitude after the event successfully filled all seats while acknowledging the community’s swift response to a recent tragedy. The “Universal Joy Starry Night” gala, held on the evening of May 23, reportedly distributed over a thousand tickets to individuals impacted by the devastating Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire, including affected residents, firefighters, and paramedics, showcasing the entertainment community’s dedication to social responsibility.
Wong, known for his work in comedy and variety television, revealed that initial concerns about low attendance quickly vanished as the venue reached full capacity. Reflecting on the logistical success, he joked about avoiding “bankruptcy” from an empty house, but quickly shifted focus to the deeper purpose of the evening: community support.
Tribute to Tragedy Victims and Community Support
A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to honoring the victims and heroes of the recent residential fire. Wong publicly thanked the community and various organizations for their immense support following the loss of a personal friend in the blaze. He specifically acknowledged the assistance provided in arranging funeral details, underscoring the solidarity within the performing arts circle and the broader society during difficult times.
The use of the celebrity gala as a platform for altruism highlighted the enduring mission of the Artists’ Home, an organization dedicated to fostering positive values and offering support within the entertainment industry and beyond its immediate sphere.
Future of “Fuk Luk Sau” and Industry Dynamics
During the event, Wong also addressed the recent professional departure of his close friend and long-time collaborator, Louis Yuen Siu-cheung, from Commercial Radio. Wong acknowledged that the entertainment industry was experiencing a collective sense of loss regarding Yuen’s radio tenure, but assured fans that the versatile performer remained highly active with other projects.
Emphasizing Yuen’s enduring reputation as a source of joy—a “happy fruit” [開心果] to his colleagues—Wong firmly stated his belief that the popular comedy trio “Fuk Luk Sau” (comprising himself, Louis Yuen, and Johnson Lee Sze-chit) would inevitably reunite for future performances. The group is renowned for their sketch comedy and expert impersonations.
Wong humorously warned against career stagnation, specifically referencing their trademark skill. “He can stop singing [literally, ‘seal the microphone’], but he cannot stop impersonating,” Wong quipped, highlighting the unique skill set that defines their collaborative success. “Otherwise, what would Johnson Lee and I do?” This lighthearted exchange reinforced the strong bond and continuous professional synergy among the three comedic stars, promising fans future collaborations despite individual career shifts.
The successful 40th-anniversary celebration underscored the resilience and community focus of the Artists’ Home, demonstrating how large-scale entertainment events can effectively double as powerful platforms for immediate social intervention and gratitude toward critical public services.
