(Hong Kong, 3rd) Veteran Hong Kong actor Lau Siu-ming, affectionately known as Ming Sir, passed away on the 2nd at the age of 94. Throughout his long career, Lau was not only respected for his performances but was also known for guiding younger actors, including award-winning actress Charmaine Sheh.
During an earlier interview with Chan To-on on RTHK Radio 2’s Encore Alumni Association, Sheh named two people who had the greatest influence on her acting career — senior TVB executive Catherine Tsang and Lau Siu-ming.
Sheh described both as important mentors who provided invaluable guidance throughout her journey in the entertainment industry.
Speaking about Lau, Sheh recalled that his words were often filled with wisdom and that she could always learn something from their conversations.
One particularly memorable experience occurred when the two were travelling together in a car. During the entire journey, Lau used “water” as a metaphor to explain what he considered the highest level of acting.
He taught Sheh that a performance should flow naturally like water and adapt according to the character, environment and circumstances rather than remain restricted to a fixed approach.
Although the “philosophy of water” initially sounded abstract, Sheh said the lesson had a profound impact on her and became an acting principle that she continued to carry with her throughout her career.
Following Lau’s passing, the story has once again highlighted not only his achievements as a veteran performer but also the lasting influence he had on younger generations of actors.
