In Memory of Uncle Tat: A Legacy That Lives On

Dedicated Actor, Humble Man

You may know Uncle Tat as a comedy actor and Stephen Chow's golden partner.
But did you know:
• Ng Man Tat won Best Supporting Actor at the 1991 Hong Kong Film Awards for "A Moment of Romance" - his only acting award
• When asked why all his supporting roles became classics, he replied: "I act every role as if I'm the lead"
• While filming "The Wandering Earth" at 65, he refused stunt doubles and completed demanding scenes while using oxygen
• Co-star Wu Jing tweeted: "When acting with Ng Man Tat, he didn't need scripts - he memorized everyone's lines"

On the last Saturday of February 2021, Hong Kong actor Ng Man Tat passed away after illness. Friend Tian Qiwen said he died peacefully. Stephen Chow expressed grief, saying he was "extremely saddened and still in disbelief."

Ng had mentioned wanting to make an autobiographical film - a tragicomedy reflecting on his life's ups and downs. While audiences associate "Ng Man Tat" with "Stephen Chow" and comedy, his real life journey included early fame, rock bottom, and ultimate redemption as cinema's greatest supporting actor.

These stories truly deserve to be preserved - for reflection, inspiration, and tribute.

Early Fame, Bright Future

Born in Xiamen in 1951, Ng moved to Hong Kong at 7. His struggling family lived in a 20sqm space, yet he recalls simple happiness.

Young Ng disliked school but loved movies, sneaking into theaters when he couldn't afford tickets. This early exposure sparked his acting dreams: "I envied actors - no office hours, just fame and Malaysia tours. It seemed so easy to become successful."

In 1973, despite family objections, Ng joined TVB's third acting class, becoming classmates with Chow Yun-fat and Adam Cheng.

His big break came in 1979 playing Hu Tiehua in "The Legendary Swordsman." The series' success made Ng an overnight star.

While known for cheerful roles, few remember Ng's heroic performances in wuxia dramas.

Decadence and Downfall

Sudden fame inflated young Ng's ego: "Every night people flattered me with fine liquor, beautiful women, and abalone fed to my mouth. I lived in a constant high," he recalled.

This lifestyle led to gambling addiction and massive debts. When he asked Chow Yun-fat and friends for help, they refused, hoping to teach him a lesson.

Contemplating suicide, Ng instead confronted creditors: "No money, just my life."

Mercifully, they allowed gradual repayment. "That humbled me. Though TVB demoted me to extras for years, this quiet period let me study veteran actors and rebuild."

By 1988, the 37-year-old finally cleared his debts.

Redemption: The Golden Supporting Actor

Ng's comeback coincided with meeting Stephen Chow. Their first uncredited collaboration was 1983's "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" - Ng as a traitor, Chow as an instantly-killed soldier.

Their official partnership began with 1988's "The Final Combat" and 1989's "He Came from Nowhere," displaying magical chemistry.

1990's "All for the Winner" launched their golden era, establishing "Stephen + Tat Gor" as Hong Kong cinema's dream team.

Throughout the 90s, they made 20+ films together, with Ng perfectly complementing Chow's leads: In "Hail the Judge," he's the magistrate's assistant; in "The King of Comedy," an undercover cop; in "A Chinese Odyssey," Pigsy to Chow's Monkey King; in "King of Beggars," Chow's illiterate father...

2001's "Shaolin Soccer" earned Chow Best Actor and Director at the Hong Kong Film Awards - unexpectedly becoming their final collaboration.

Their "mo lei tau" (nonsense) comedy brought countless laughs while achieving mutual greatness - one becoming the "King of Comedy," the other the "Gold Standard Supporting Actor." Their默契 reached telepathic levels: "Like worms in each other's stomachs," Ng said. "A glance told me his thoughts."

Some say the Film Awards owed Ng a Best Actor trophy. But hadn't Uncle Tat already transcended such titles in audiences' hearts?

Thank you for generations of laughter.
Thank you for showing us life's bittersweet flavors make peace most precious.