Veteran Hong Kong actor Hawick (Ai Wei), 66, has opened up about the profound grief and subsequent journey toward rebuilding his life following the death of his wife last May. During a candid interview with Commercial Radio’s Stardust Behind the Scenes, the actor shared his proactive approach to managing sorrow, maintaining professional engagements through northern Mainland China live-streaming, and confronting public criticism over his return to work.
Hawick’s resilience emerged from deep personal loss. His wife, Lisa, passed away after a severe infection, having previously battled polycystic kidney and liver disease. Despite the tragedy, the actor quickly pivoted from passive grieving to professional engagement, embracing new opportunities in the booming live e-commerce sector in the Mainland. His decision, however, drew scrutiny from some netizens, sparking his emotional reflection on the acceptable duration of public mourning.
Navigating Grief and Public Scrutiny
The actor articulated a poignant question about societal expectations surrounding loss: “Following the death of a family member, how long must one wait before they are ‘allowed’ to experience happiness?”
Hawick explained that he quickly forced a cognitive shift to avoid stagnation, recognizing the sheer volume of practical issues he was obligated to address. Given Lisa had not left a will (ping an zhi), he inherited the responsibility of managing her established watch store while simultaneously overseeing his own restaurant investments.
“My wife was highly distressed before she passed, leaving behind many unresolved issues,” Hawick shared. “I told myself I had to stay clear-headed and proactively move beyond the shadow.”
To maintain his mental and physical fortitude, the actor committed to daily physical activity, performing 100 push-ups even when unable to access a gym. Yet, when he posted clips of himself happily greeting customers at his restaurant, he faced criticism from online detractors.
“I find it extremely strange that some people chose to attack me after I simply shared moments of happiness,” he lamented. “How long are we expected to maintain a state of negativity after an unhappy event? Who decides the criteria for when one is entitled to be happy again?”
As a man who experienced deep marital unity and subsequent bereavement, Hawick emphasized that moving forward is a necessity—and a tribute: “The loved one who is gone would want you to be happy. You are not qualified to criticize me, because I need to approach my future challenges with a happy mindset.”
A Final Act of Love and Reunion
Hawick also recounted the touching support he received during Lisa’s final illness, especially the overwhelming response to his public appeal for a liver donation. He confirmed that over 20 individuals spontaneously offered to donate, moving him profoundly.
He reserved special thanks for screen legend Chow Yun-fat (Fa Gor), who visited Lisa in the hospital. “It was very rare and meaningful; Fa Gor was Lisa’s idol,” Hawick recalled. “My colleague arranged it in the morning, and Fa Gor arrived that afternoon. Lisa was already disoriented, but she seemed to recognize him. Fa Gor told her: ‘Get well soon, and take me out for a pineapple bun.’”
The actor also provided context on their relationship’s complex history. Hawick and Lisa met in 1991, married in 2002, and endured significant hardships together, including Hawick’s financial sacrifices for her medical treatments.
In 2020, they briefly separated before reconciling on the Mainland reality series, Goodbye Lover 2 in 2023. Hawick credited the show with inspiring their reunion, detailing a moment during a high-altitude challenge where Lisa, despite her ailments, persisted to demonstrate her unwavering love.
He shared an intensely personal memory from the show: while filming at a high altitude, Lisa suffered altitude sickness and fever. Hawick promised her he would never seek a divorce. Poignantly, he recounted: “I told her, ‘Don’t worry so much, we are not getting divorced!’ She immediately recovered from her fever. It was miraculous. After making that decision, I told myself I could never mention divorce again.”
Hawick’s story underscores a vital lesson for those experiencing loss: grief and new beginnings can coexist, and the path to emotional recovery is intensely personal and non-linear. Focusing on actionable duties and internal strength remains critical to enduring hardship.
