HONG KONG — Patrick Tse Yin, the iconic Hong Kong actor known to generations as “Four哥” (Brother Four), has died at the age of 89. The news of his passing last month emerged as his daughter, actress Jennifer Tse, and fellow screen legends marked what would have been his 90th birthday on July 9 with heartfelt public tributes.
In an emotional social media post, Jennifer Tse shared a series of photographs capturing tender moments with her father. “Happy birthday, Dad. I really, truly miss you… We all really, truly miss you,” she wrote. “Saying goodbye to you was the hardest thing I have ever done. But I hope you are happy and free now. I believe that wherever you are, it must be so bright and beautiful that wearing sunglasses all the time makes perfect sense.”
She added, “Thank you for being my father, and for shaping who I am today. Rest in peace, Dad. I will always love you.”
The tribute underscores the deep bond between the actor and his daughter, who has largely stayed out of the public eye in recent years. Patrick Tse, a towering figure in Hong Kong cinema for more than six decades, was also the father of superstar Nicholas Tse.
Separately, Golden Horse Award-winning actress Chen Chiu-hsia shared a rare archival photo of herself with Tse and his ex-wife, Deborah Lee. Chen, now 66, recalled that when she first entered the film industry, Tse was already a household name. Although their careers never crossed on set — Chen spent much of her early work in Taiwan — she remembered him vividly.
“The most unforgettable memory is from the classic TV series The Shell Game,” Chen wrote. “The character Luo Sihai, played by Four哥, took the Chinese-speaking world by storm.”
She reflected on the passage of time with visible sorrow. “One by one, friends leave us. This is Heaven’s arrangement. I hope he rests well. I am grateful that we once knew each other.”
Born in 1933 in Shanghai, Patrick Tse rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s, starring in over 100 films. He became a defining figure of Cantonese cinema, later transitioning to television where his role in the 1980 gambling drama The Shell Game cemented his legendary status. He remained active in the industry until his later years, winning a best actor award at the Hong Kong Film Awards in 2011 for his role in Echoes of the Rainbow.
A Life in the Spotlight
Beyond his professional achievements, Tse’s personal life often made headlines. His marriage to Deborah Lee produced two children, Nicholas and Jennifer, both of whom became actors. His death marks the end of an era for Hong Kong entertainment, where he was revered as a pioneer of style and charisma.
Industry colleagues and fans have flooded social media with memories. Many recall his trademark sunglasses and suave demeanor, which became synonymous with his public persona.
Broader Impact
Patrick Tse’s passing closes a chapter on one of the most storied careers in Asian cinema. For younger audiences, his legacy lives on through his sons and the lasting influence of the films and TV series that defined an era. As the entertainment community mourns, his daughter’s words offer a poignant reminder of the private man behind the legend: a father loved and deeply missed.
