Hong Kong star Patrick Tse passes away at 89

On July 20, Nicholas Tse and Jennifer Tse confirmed through social media posts that their father, Patrick Tse, had passed away at 89.

Stephen Chow also paid tribute on social media, writing:

"Raising a cup, with white eyes gazing toward the blue sky; as radiant as a jade tree standing in the wind. Best Actor Patrick Tse, may you rest in peace."

Patrick Tse starred as the villain Strong Hung (Qiang Xiong) in Stephen Chow's Shaolin Soccer.

Fans have been looking back on Patrick Tse's illustrious acting career, and an old story about how he once stood firmly behind Stephen Chow during the making of Shaolin Soccer has once again come into the spotlight.

When filming began in 2000, Shaolin Soccer had a tight production budget of just HK$10 million. 

Even so, Stephen Chow was determined to cast Patrick Tse as the film's main villain, Strong Hung (Qiang Xiong), and offered him a salary of HK$1 million.

However, Patrick Tse did not immediately accept the offer. According to reports, Stephen Chow later paid him another visit, this time accompanied by a close friend whom Patrick Tse greatly respected. Chow also showed him footage from the film paying tribute to Bruce Lee, including scenes featuring Chan Kwok Kwan, who had a striking resemblance to Bruce Lee.

After watching the footage, Patrick Tse was reportedly deeply impressed and decided to take on the role without accepting any payment.

Bruce Lee passed away on July 20, 1973, while Patrick Tse passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026. The fact that both men died on the same month and day has led countless film fans to lament that "two stars set on the same day."

Source: China News Network