Hong Kong – Patrick Tse Yin, the iconic Hong Kong actor known for his suave demeanor and groundbreaking film career, passed away on July 20 at the age of 89. His death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, prompting heartfelt tributes from former spouses, co-stars, and fans around the world.
Tse, often affectionately called “Fourth Brother” or “Four哥” by colleagues, enjoyed a six-decade career that began in the 1950s. He rose to fame as a leading man in Cantonese cinema, starring in dozens of films, including the classic The Story of a Discharged Prisoner, which later inspired the hit film Infernal Affairs. Off-screen, Tse was equally famous for his romantic escapades, including two high-profile marriages that both ended in divorce.
Former Wife Mourns: ‘He Was My First Love’
Taiwanese actress Zhen Zhen, Tse’s first wife, broke down in tears upon learning of his death. The two married in 1974 but divorced three years later. Speaking to Taiwan media, a visibly distraught Zhen Zhen described Tse as her “first love” who always protected her.
“He was so good to me, so caring. He gave me a sense of security,” she said, her voice hoarse from crying. “Life is full of farewells. I will forever keep a special place for him in my heart.” Zhen Zhen expressed no regrets, adding that their time together was a lesson from God, teaching her not to compromise her own happiness.
Tse’s second marriage was to Deborah Lee, a former Miss Hong Kong pageant contestant and mother of his famous son, actor and singer Nicholas Tse. That union ended in 1995.
Industry Tributes Pour In
Hong Kong actress Louise Lee, who appeared alongside Tse in the classic TV drama The Legend of the Swordsman and the youth series Goodbye at Nineteen, posted a nostalgic clip of their collaboration on social media. “A true superstar, Four哥. Forever missed,” she wrote.
Actor Lam Ka-tung, who famously parodied Tse’s mannerisms in the TV series The Return of the Tricky Master, declined to comment extensively. “I’m sorry, I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to say too much at this stage,” he told reporters. “Let’s wait for the family to handle everything first.”
A Quiet Farewell and Questions About the Future
Sources indicate Tse’s funeral will be held privately. Fans have called for a public memorial service, while reports suggest his former daughter-in-law Cecilia Cheung has arranged for her sons – Tse’s grandsons, Lucas and Quintus – to return to Hong Kong from Shanghai ahead of schedule.
The passing of Patrick Tse marks the end of an era for Hong Kong cinema. A Cantonese opera-trained actor, he was among the first to bridge the gap between traditional stage performance and modern film. His role in the 1999 crime thriller The Mission was widely praised for its gritty realism, earning him a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the Hong Kong Film Awards.
Yet, for many, Tse will be remembered as the man who lived life on his own terms – both on screen and off. As one longtime fan wrote on social media: “He was the James Bond of Hong Kong. Charismatic, flawed, and unforgettable.”
Related Coverage:
- Patrick Tse’s Quiet Funeral: Fans Call for Public Tribute
- Cecilia Cheung Arranges for Sons to Return to Hong Kong
