Actress Barbara Chan Passes

The widow of late actor Liu Kai-chi (廖啟智), former artiste Barbara Chan Man-yee (陳敏兒), passed away on June 12, at the age of 65, her family confirmed.

Demise of Son and Husband Dealt Blows

Her sons, Liu Man-chit (廖文哲) and Liu Man-shun (廖文信), announced the news on June 12, stating that their mother passed away peacefully from illness that morning at Prince of Wales Hospital, with her family by her side. The family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff for their attentive care. Although they are deeply reluctant to part with her, they take comfort in knowing that she is now resting in her heavenly home.

They also thanked friends from all walks of life for their remembrance, concern and care. In accordance with Barbara’s wishes, the funeral service will be held privately and in a low-key manner, open only to relatives, close friends and family members.

Barbara Chan was one of TVB’s leading fadan actresses in the eighties and one of the rare artistes who acted and hosted equally well. She and husband, veteran actor Liu Kai-chi, had three sons together. After the birth of their eldest son, Liu Man-chit, she gradually faded from the limelight to focus on caring for her husband and children, devoting herself to family life.

After her youngest son, Liu Man-lok (廖文諾), lost his battle with leukemia in 2006, she was said to have fallen to the brink of depression. In 2021, Liu Kai-chi passed away from stomach cancer, bringing her another devastating loss of a loved one. The model couple, who were classmates in TVB’s 8th artiste training class – alongside Andy Lau (刘德华),Tony Leung Ka Fai (梁家辉), Jaime Chik (戚美珍) — had spent a good 34 years of their lives together.

Devoting Herself to Healing Others 

Last October, Chan revealed that she was suffering from a chronic illness, and her health had deteriorated rapidly. She had also been admitted to hospital for emergency surgery in June last year, after which she became noticeably thinner. Fortunately, her condition later stabilized and she gradually recovered.

At the start of this year, during the Lunar New Year period, she even gathered with celebrity friends for a reunion meal and appeared to be in good spirits. The sudden news of her passing therefore came as a shock to many, leaving friends and fans deeply saddened. 

Barbara had already held a living farewell ceremony two years ago. At the time, she revealed, “I am actually a chronic illness patient, my health has become increasingly poor over the past two years. Last year, I saw many relatives and friends pass away one after another. Life is impermanent…since we cannot predict the future, we should cherish the present…and reduce the regrets that come with separation,” The actress had used her own life experiences to help others, such as holding workshops on spirituality and death education after her husband’s passing.

Following news of her passing, the former TVB star’s close friend Yvonne Lam (林漪娸) said in an interview that she was deeply saddened: “Man-yee liked to keep a low profile. May she rest in peace and return to her heavenly home. It would not be appropriate to say too much. Let her family make the proper arrangements for the funeral service.”

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