Veteran performer who blazed trails in both dance and acting leaves behind a legacy spanning seven decades
Lau Siu-ming, the pioneering dancer and character actor who became one of Hong Kong’s most revered entertainment figures, died Tuesday at age 94, fellow entertainer Ting Yu confirmed. Lau passed away at approximately 6 p.m., according to Ting.
Known affectionately as “Ming Sir,” Lau spent his final years out of the public eye due to mobility issues that required him to use a wheelchair. His death marks the end of an era for Hong Kong’s performing arts community, where he was celebrated as a founding figure in both classical dance and on-screen entertainment.
From Ballet Pioneer to Screen Legend
Lau’s career defied easy categorization. He began as a dance pioneer, studying in France and becoming the first Hong Kong dancer to perform as a lead on an international theater stage. Upon returning to Hong Kong, he created the city’s first full-length ballet production, “Love of the Sea,” and founded the Hong Kong Experimental Musical Theatre.
In the 1970s, Lau joined a major television network as head of its dance department. He also co-founded the Hong Kong Ballet Association and the Hong Kong Dance Federation, institutions that continue to shape the city’s dance landscape today.
His transition to acting came in 1979 when director Tsui Hark cast him in the wuxia film “The Butterfly Murders.” The role launched a prolific screen career that would span more than four decades.
Iconic Roles That Defined a Generation
Lau’s most memorable performance came in the 1987 fantasy classic “A Chinese Ghost Story,” where he played the androgynous and sinister tree demon known as “Lao Lao.” The role became a cultural touchstone, showcasing his ability to blend theatricality with menace.
His television work proved equally influential. Lau appeared in beloved series including “The Breaking Point,” “The Shell Game,” and “The Legend of the Condor Heroes,” earning respect across generations of viewers.
In 2013, Lau received two major honors: the TVB Anniversary Award for Outstanding Achievement and the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Medal of Honour. These accolades recognized his half-century of contributions to the arts.
Later Years and Final Farewell
After his wife’s death in 2012, Lau described losing his “most loyal fan” and largely withdrew from the spotlight. He appeared in the 2017 TVB series “Betting Hero” and made his final television appearance in 2020 with the ViuTV drama “The Gutter.”
In his final years, Lau lived quietly, visited regularly by younger actors including Anthony Wong, Lau Ching-wan, Francis Ng, and Cheung Tat-ming. A 2024 public appearance at a National Day reception showed him in a wheelchair, assisted by a caregiver.
During that rare interview, Lau candidly admitted he had seven health conditions and found even speaking required significant effort. “I’m afraid of too much concern from others,” he said, explaining why he had declined most work offers.
The Hong Kong arts community mourns a figure who bridged two worlds—classical dance and popular entertainment—leaving an indelible mark on both.
