TVB News World - Asian Entertainment News Daily

TVB veteran actor Chan Hung Lit suddenly passed away the day before yesterday during "Off Pedder" filming of a heart attack. The cast members wanted to respond to this tragic incident. TVB will be adding a contribution in recognition of Chan Hung Lit to the "TVB Anniversary Awards 2009" ceremony.

Chan Hung Lit has been in the acting industry for 40 years, having many great works. It was said that the TVB Anniversary Awards held on December 4th will have a special added to it in recognition of the veteran. Many Netizens felt that Chan Hung Lit should be commented on his contributions to the industry. On TVB's side, they expressed yesterday: "Thanks to all the audience who supports Lit Gor. TVB will consider this suggestion and will make the appropriate arrangements." It was also said that TVB is planning to give Chan Hung Lit the "Lifetime Achievement Award", however he was not in the nominations for that, therefore the chances are low.

Changes to "Off Pedder" Finale

"Off Pedder" finale was schedule to broadcast January 2010, the plot initially was planned for Chan Hung Lit's role as Yim Hei to take up the charges for his daughter (played by Florence Kwok) who had done illegal deeds in the company and to go to prison for her. The ending was set for him to come out of prison and to live happily ever after. However, because of Lit Gor's sudden death, it affected the storyline greatly. After discussion with the "Off Pedder" cast, changes have been decided. The producer of "Off Pedder" said yesterday: "Lit Gor have already participated in 10 episodes, so these episodes could be broadcast for approximately a month. TVB decided to arrange Lit Gor's role as Yim Hei to suddenly die of a heart attack, but there will not be a scene of him dying. There will only be implications by the other cast members that he has died. (The cast members having to bring up Chan Hung Lit's death again is too harsh on them?) I believe that TVB artistes are professionals, they will handle their work maturely. The scriptwriters having to write this scene is also hard on them, actually everyone is going through a tough time, but this arrangement won't affect the storyline too much. (Will there be worshipping of Lit Gor?) No! This time it is an accidental death, not a car accident. I don't want people to not feel well, so there is no plans for this arrangement."

Yesterday afternoon, Chan Hung Lit's family members arrived in Tseung Kwan O hospital to identify the body. At the room for the identification, the family members had on masks and did not respond to the questions asked by the Media. Mr. Chan's younger sister Tsui Sai Wing said: "I will not respond to any questions, just take the pictures and make way for us."

Virgina Lok offers assistance to the family

TVB Executive Virgina Lok said yesterday: "We have already contacted Mrs. Chan, we asked if they needed any help, but she did not have the mood to answer. (Do you know if Chan Hung Lit has any financial problems?) Mrs. Mona Fong is very concerned about this issue, we have already asked the Artistes Department if there is any assistance needed, but Mrs. Chan has not requested anything yet. Actually Chan Hung Lit has always had positive work and a good debut, he shouldn't have any financial trouble. (Provide counseling for TVB artistes?) Including me, everyone is in grief now. When Lit Gor was in the emergency room, many artistes were present, until now they're mood has still not recovered."

- It was said that Chan Hung Lit's body will be sent back to Taiwan for burial.
- The funeral plans have not been decided yet because there is still lots of documents to deal with.

Source: The Sun
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU