Brief Introduction of Benz Hui
Benz Hui Shiu-hung was a prolific and highly respected Hong Kong actor whose career spanned over five decades. Affectionately known as the “King of Supporting Actors,” Hui was a ubiquitous presence in Hong Kong’s film and television industry, appearing in over 165 films and numerous television series. Renowned for his versatility, he seamlessly transitioned between comedic and dramatic roles, often portraying memorable characters such as police officers, fathers, and triad bosses. His talent for bringing depth and humanity to every role, no matter the size, made him a beloved and enduring figure to audiences across Asia. Beyond his on-screen achievements, Hui was known for his down-to-earth personality and his deep devotion to his family, which further endeared him to the public. His career with Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) and his significant contributions to cinema have left an indelible mark on Hong Kong’s entertainment landscape.
Benz Hui Overview
| Full Name | Hui Shiu-hung |
| Date of Birth | November 4, 1948 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 76 (at time of death) |
| Birthplace | British Hong Kong |
| Profession | Actor |
| Husband/Wife | Angeli Lung Yin-yi (m. 1992) |
| Family | Wife: Angeli Lung, Daughter: Charmaine Hui, Son-in-law: Shane Sim, Stepson: Name not publicly disclosed. |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Information not publicly disclosed |
Early Life and Education of Benz Hui
Benz Hui Shiu-hung was born in British Hong Kong on November 4, 1948. He hailed from a remarkably prominent and influential family in Guangzhou, China. His great-grandfather, Xu Yingkui, was a high-ranking official during the late Qing Dynasty and a godson of the Empress Dowager Cixi. His family lineage also includes Xu Guangping, the partner of the celebrated modern Chinese writer Lu Xun, and Xu Chongzhi, a founder of the Whampoa Military Academy. His ancestors were among Guangzhou’s leading salt merchants, affording the family significant social standing and wealth. Despite this illustrious background, Hui often emphasized that he had to rely on his own efforts to build his career. In 1958, his family relocated back to Hong Kong. In 1971, his journey into the entertainment industry began when he enrolled in the first-ever artist training class offered by Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), becoming one of its inaugural graduates. This training laid the foundation for what would become a long and storied acting career. Prior to acting, Hui briefly worked at Commercial Radio Hong Kong.
Benz Hui’s Career
Benz Hui’s acting career, which spanned more than 50 years, was a testament to his enduring talent and work ethic. After graduating from TVB’s artist training program in 1971, he quickly established himself in the industry. He made his film debut in the 1972 film “Young People.” It was during his early years at the television station that he earned his distinctive nickname, “Benz.” As he was the first actor at the studio to drive a Mercedes-Benz to work, a symbol of his family’s comfortable background, colleagues began calling him “Benz,” a name that would stick with him throughout his life. Hui explained in later years that he switched to the luxury car brand for its reliability after other cars kept breaking down.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Hui became a staple in Hong Kong television, appearing in numerous classic TVB series such as “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” and the 1983 adaptation of “The Legend of the Condor Heroes.” While he was often cast in supporting roles, his performances were consistently memorable, earning him the affectionate title “King of Supporting Actors.” His filmography is extensive, with notable roles in classic dramas like “The Final Combat” (1989) and “Golden Faith” (2001). His versatility was a hallmark of his career; he could effortlessly play a bumbling police inspector, a loving father, or a menacing villain. One of his most acclaimed film roles was as Inspector Wong in the 1999 crime thriller “Running Out of Time,” which earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 19th Hong Kong Film Awards. He also gained significant recognition for his comedic role as Fong Chung Sir in the popular “Love Undercover” film series.
In the later stages of his career, Hui experienced a major resurgence with his role as “Foon Hei Gor” (Brother Foon Hei) in the 2014 TVB crime drama “Line Walker.” The character, a complex and charismatic undercover cop turned triad boss, became immensely popular with audiences. This role not only boosted his career to new heights but also became his most iconic persona, with fans affectionately calling him by the character’s name. The role won him the “Most Popular Male Character” award at the 2014 TVB Anniversary Awards. The previous year, in 2013, he had won the “Best Supporting Actor” award for his performance in the comedy series “Bounty Lady,” showcasing his range and continued relevance in the industry. Even after semi-retiring and spending more time in Singapore, Hui continued to take on acting projects, stating that the work brought him joy.
Benz Hui Personal Life & Family
Benz Hui was a dedicated family man, a role he cherished above his acting career. He met his wife, Angeli Lung Yin-yi, a Singaporean, in the 1980s while he was in Singapore for work. They married in 1992 and built a life together, splitting their time between Hong Kong and Singapore. Hui became a permanent resident of Singapore and owned a substantial 4,000-square-foot home in Yishun. The couple had a daughter, Charmaine Hui, born in 1997 when Benz was 49. He was also a stepfather to Angeli’s son from a previous marriage. Hui was known to be an incredibly doting father to Charmaine. He would shuttle between Hong Kong and Singapore to be present during her early education in Singapore. Their close bond was evident to the public, frequently showcased on their social media accounts and their shared YouTube channel, “Mad Workers.” He was a major supporter of his daughter’s entrepreneurial ventures, investing significantly in her F&B businesses in Singapore, including two “Cafe Bakeaholic” outlets and a Hong Kong-style eatery called “Juju.” He wasn’t just a silent investor; he was often seen personally helping out at the cafes, waiting tables and greeting customers with his characteristic warmth and humility. In December 2023 and January 2024, he celebrated his daughter’s marriage to her Singaporean husband, Shane Sim, with wedding ceremonies in both Hong Kong and Singapore. Hui’s life was centered around his family, and he enjoyed a semi-retired lifestyle in his later years, enjoying the company of his loved ones.
Awards and Achievements of Benz Hui
- 2012: TVB Anniversary Awards – Outstanding Artiste Award
- 2013: TVB Anniversary Awards – Best Supporting Actor (for “Bounty Lady”)
- 2014: TVB Anniversary Awards – Most Popular Male Character (for “Line Walker”)
- 2000: Hong Kong Film Awards – Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (for “Running Out of Time”)
Benz Hui Net Worth and Income
An exact figure for Benz Hui’s net worth as of 2025 has not been publicly disclosed. However, it is widely acknowledged that he was substantially wealthy. His financial success came from a long and prosperous acting career spanning over fifty years in the lucrative Hong Kong entertainment industry. Furthermore, Hui came from a historically affluent family in Guangzhou, which provided him with a comfortable upbringing. His wealth was also evident in his investments and properties. He famously owned a 4,000-square-foot, multi-story bungalow in Yishun, Singapore, with renovations reportedly bringing the total cost to around S$4 million. He also invested heavily in his daughter Charmaine’s F&B businesses in Singapore. While a specific net worth number remains private, his lifestyle, properties, and business investments point to a significant level of financial accomplishment.
Legacy and Influence
Benz Hui leaves behind a powerful legacy as one of Hong Kong’s most beloved and respected character actors. For over five decades, he was a constant and reassuring presence on screen, defining the role of the quintessential supporting actor who often stole the show. His legacy is marked by his incredible versatility, with the ability to portray a wide spectrum of characters authentically, from lovable fathers to complex anti-heroes. The immense popularity of his “Foon Hei Gor” character in “Line Walker” late in his career cemented his status as a cultural icon, proving his ability to connect with audiences across generations. He demonstrated that there are no small roles, only great actors, and his dedication to his craft served as an inspiration for many younger performers. Beyond his professional achievements, Hui’s public image was that of a humble, kind, and devoted family man. His warmth and lack of airs, often seen helping at his daughter’s cafe, resonated deeply with the public. His passing was met with a massive outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues, a testament to the profound impact he had on Hong Kong cinema and the hearts of millions.
Interesting Facts about Benz Hui
- He came from a very distinguished family; his great-grandfather was a godson of Empress Dowager Cixi, and his grandaunt was the partner of famed writer Lu Xun.
- His famous nickname “Benz” originated because he was the first actor at his television studio to drive a Mercedes-Benz to work in the 1970s.
- He was a Singapore Permanent Resident and spent a significant amount of his later life in his large family home in Yishun, Singapore.
- He was a hands-on father and businessman, often seen personally waiting tables and assisting at his daughter’s cafes in Singapore.
- To help his daughter, who struggled with math in the Hong Kong education system, he and his wife opened a Singaporean-style tutoring school in Hong Kong.
Controversies
Benz Hui maintained a remarkably clean and positive public image throughout his extensive career. He was widely respected in the industry and beloved by the public, and there are no records of any significant public controversies associated with his name.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (@benz_hui) – Follower count not publicly available.
- Twitter – Not publicly available.
- YouTube (爆廠 MAD WORKERS, with his daughter Charmaine) – 13.7K subscribers.
Final Words about Benz Hui
Benz Hui’s passing on October 28, 2025, from complications arising from cancer, marked the end of an era for Hong Kong’s entertainment industry. He died peacefully at the age of 76, surrounded by family and friends who had rushed to his side. In his final years, despite reducing his acting commitments, he remained a vibrant presence, particularly through his heartwarming collaborations with his daughter Charmaine on their YouTube channel, where they shared glimpses of their close family life with the public. His legacy is not just in the more than 165 films and countless television hours he graced with his talent, but also in the warmth, humility, and dedication he exemplified. Remembered as the “King of Supporting Actors” and the unforgettable “Foon Hei Gor,” Benz Hui’s contributions to cinema and his example as a devoted family man will continue to be cherished and celebrated for many years to come. His final journey was met with an outpouring of love from across Asia, a fitting tribute to a man who brought joy to so many.
