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Hong Kong light entertainment matriarch Lydia Sum (沈殿霞) passed away this morning at the Queen Mary hospital. She had been suffering from liver cancer and had been admitted to intensive care for treatment on several occasions, but finally lost her battle to the condition at the age of 60.
The death of Lydia has brought a feeling of sadness to Hong Kong and tributes have been pouring in from family, friends and fans since the news broke. People from Chinese communities throughout the world, who have all been touched in some way during Lydia's 47 year career, have joined the Hong Kong people in their mourning for a great loss to the entertainment industry and in passing on their condolences to her family, especially her daughter, Joyce Cheng (鄭欣宜).
Joyce was accompanied today by her manager Simon, who passed on her messages of thanks to the media for their concern. He said that Joyce was very upset, but has been resting through the day and will be releasing a tribute to her mother in her own words later on today.
Simon also mentioned that the funeral arrangements were being carried out on Joyce's behalf by the management company, but nothing has yet been confirmed.
Lydia worked at TVB for nearly four decades and as a mark of respect, a tribute programme was laid on this evening to allow her friends and colleagues to share their memories and celebrate her life.
She was most well known for being an MC at the station's many variety show programmes and worked on numerous occasions with co-host Eric Tsang (曾志偉), who broke down into uncontrollable tears as he spoke of his regret at not being able to meet with her on two occasions before she died. He said tearfully: "None of Lydia's good points will ever be found in me, because I am always late and lazy. She was always scolding me and only then did I really feel my existence."
Talking of how he will never be able to work alongside her on the stage again, Eric said emotionally: "I will suddenly find that I have lost someone that I really need beside me."
Another of Lydia's hosting partners Carol Cheng (鄭裕玲) remembered Lydia's direct personality and said: "When she was in hospital, I sent her a text message to say we wanted to visit her. She replied that she was feeling unwell and she would have to waste her strength to be hospitable if we visited so she said that it would be better if we visited when she felt better."
Carol felt comforted after hearing the reports from family that Lydia died very peacefully. She said that perhaps this was a welcome relief for her after the painful battle and the hospital visits that she had endured over the last year. She also urged the press to give Joyce some space and time to overcome this sensitive time.
Patrick Tse (謝賢) referred to Lydia as "like a sister" and said that she was a good friend who has now departed him, so he was naturally very upset.
Another of Lydia's close friends Nancy Sit (薛家燕) was also very emotional, but said that she was too shocked to even cry. She said: "Lydia has been fighting against her illness for so long, so this must have been something of a release for her, but she must be missing her dearest daughter Joyce. I feel uncomfortable about not being able to see her before she died." She also said that Lydia had warned her about her own health and not to work too hard and added that Lydia's death was a great loss to the world of film and television.
Jackie Chan (成龍) paused for a moment before he expressed his shock at hearing the news of Lydia's death on the radio. He said that her passing was a great loss to Hong Kong's society, movie industry and even the whole of China. Although he had not seen her for several years, he had called her to pass on his well wishes and said that she was amazingly strong. He also offered words of encouragement to Joyce and hoped for everyone in joining together to support her.
TVB executive Virginia Lok (樂易玲) said that as soon as they heard the news of Lydia's death, the company had rearranged the schedules to show many of her shows as a tribute to her work.
Virginia also expressed sorrow and grief on behalf of the station's artistes and staff, who will all miss the presence of their liveliest colleague. "Lydia has grown up with us all and from a young age and I loved watching her on Enjoy Yourself Tonight <歡樂今宵>. She always showed a huge commitment to her work and held a very professional attitude all the time."
As she remembered the times when she worked with Lydia, Virginia could not hold back her tears and said: "She often asked why we were always working and not going to eat. I remember that she would always take us and Catherine Tsang (曾勵珍) to eat and chat. They were very happy times.
"I also remember the last show that Lydia did for TVB before she had her operation. She knew then that she was suffering from illness but she kept it a secret from us and insisted on working, taking part in the blessing ceremony and all the rehearsals. At the time, she held my hand and told me to take care of my health. Lydia gave so much for everyone, for the company for TVB and always made sure that it was the happiest and most perfect performance."
Virginia said that she has been keeping in close contact with Joyce and praised her strength and courage during the difficult times.
The Hong Kong public have also been mourning the loss of Lydia. A man in his fifties sighed: "It is such a shame, she should be really enjoying her life at that age." He added that he will always remember her smiling face as a variety show host.
A lady in her thirties was also quite sad about the news and expressed her concern for Joyce: "She will always be the 'happy fruit' in the heart of Hong Kong's people. Her laughter always made me feel very happy. When I heard the news of her death, I immediately thought about her daughter because I feel so sorry for her. Showbusiness is such a complex arena and now she has to face it alone."
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