Legendary “Queen of Horror” Shih Ming Passes Away — A Look Back at Her Iconic Career, From Hollywood Ventures to Her 1970s Action Star Legacy

(Hong Kong, March 31) Veteran Hong Kong actress Shi Ming has passed away at the age of 74 after her condition suddenly deteriorated and she succumbed to pneumonia despite emergency treatment. Her decades-long career, marked by her distinctive mixed-heritage appearance and her widely discussed “spiritual sensitivity,” leaves behind a truly legendary legacy.

Born in 1951, Shi Ming enrolled in the fifth training class of Lai See Ying (RTV) in 1970. With her striking features and exotic aura, she quickly rose to fame and became one of the most recognizable mixed-heritage beauties in the entertainment industry at the time. She delivered memorable performances in classic productions, most notably as the Purple-Robed Dragon King in The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber and the Western Xia Princess in Reincarnated, cementing her status as a leading figure of her era.

Beyond her appearance, Shi Ming was also a skilled action actress. Gifted with strong athletic ability, she mastered horse riding, judo, and karate, and even made her way into Hollywood, appearing in the action film The Incredible Kung Fu Master (translated title of 神奇奪命針).

Her martial arts abilities earned international recognition. During Sylvester Stallone’s visit to Hong Kong to promote First Blood, Shi Ming was reportedly invited to serve as his personal bodyguard—a testament to her remarkable physical prowess.

However, Shi Ming was perhaps best known for her deep connection with the supernatural. She openly claimed to possess the ability to perceive the spirit world, often referred to as having a “third eye.” This led her to host the iconic paranormal television program Tales of the Supernatural, further solidifying her influence in the genre.

She also appeared in the well-known horror film series Troublesome Night and authored several books on supernatural topics, earning her the title of a “Queen of the Paranormal.” In her later years, she transitioned to stage acting and even performed alongside her eldest son, Lee Wing-hon.

Her passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a lasting impact on both the film industry and the supernatural genre.