Hong Kong entertainment icon Lai Pak-tak, a celebrated lyricist and actor best known for his role as “Uncle Leopard” on the long-running TVB sitcom Come Home Love: Lo and Behold, has died at the age of 76, his close friend Chung Chi-kwong confirmed.
Chung told local media that Lai had been living in a nursing home since early this year. In March, he suffered a stroke while at the facility and was subsequently bedridden. By the time of his 76th birthday in mid-May, he had become completely unresponsive. Lai died on Thursday, July 5.
A titan of Hong Kong’s music and television industries, Lai wrote lyrics for hundreds of Cantopop hits over a career spanning five decades. He collaborated with stars such as Sam Hui and Roman Tam, crafting memorable verses that became part of the city’s cultural fabric. In later years, he found a new generation of fans through his comedic acting, particularly his portrayal of the gruff but lovable “Uncle Leopard” on Come Home Love, a role that endeared him to nightly audiences.
After leaving TVB in 2023, Lai pivoted to digital media, co-hosting the YouTube channel series Gau Chap Secret (玖噏秘笈) with Chung. Despite mounting health troubles, he remained dedicated to his craft. According to Chung, Lai’s final recording session for the show took place on March 9. The channel posted his last video on June 11, in which he and Chung discussed World Cup teams and players. In that segment, Lai praised the quality of recent women’s football and confidently predicted Spain would win the tournament — a forecast that proved accurate. Though his complexion appeared darker than usual, he spoke with strong energy and seemed in good spirits.
Lai’s health had been declining for years. He had previously disclosed that he suffered from anemia, diabetes, and abnormal kidney function indicators. In one alarming episode, a severe bout of influenza triggered respiratory failure, requiring intensive care unit treatment and emergency resuscitation. An April episode of his YouTube show captured a visibly thinner Lai with sunken cheeks. With characteristic humor, he joked about his weight loss, recounting an embarrassing incident where his waistband kept slipping loose because his trousers no longer fit.
A Life in Music and Comedy
Born in 1948, Lai started his career writing lyrics during Hong Kong’s golden age of Cantopop in the 1970s and 1980s. His poetic yet accessible style earned him a reputation as one of the industry’s most versatile wordsmiths. In the 2000s, he transitioned to acting, bringing a natural comedic timing that made him a staple of TVB’s sitcom lineup.
Broader Impact and Legacy
Lai’s death marks the end of an era for Hong Kong popular culture. He bridged the worlds of music and television, leaving behind a vast lyrical catalogue and a beloved on-screen persona. For fans, his final YouTube appearance stands as a testament to his enduring passion: even as his body weakened, his mind remained sharp, and his love for entertaining never wavered.
Related reading: For those interested in Lai’s lyrical work, his collaborations with Sam Hui on albums such as The Private Eye remain classics of the genre. Fans of his acting can revisit Come Home Love episodes featuring “Uncle Leopard” on streaming platforms.
