A Tribute to Benz Hui Shiu Hung: The Gentleman of Hong Kong Television & Cinema

Zion X
Oct 30
6 min read

Updated: Oct 31

In the golden age of Hong Kong entertainment, few names carry as much warmth, respect, & enduring admiration as Benz Hui Shiu-Hung. For decades, he was a pillar of Hong Kong television & cinema—a consummate actor whose humility, consistency & versatility left an indelible mark on generations of audiences. More than just an entertainer, he became a symbol of professionalism & authenticity, embodying the quiet strength & relatable charm that defines the best of Hong Kong’s performing arts culture.

1. A Storied Career Rooted in Passion & Perseverance

Born in 1948, Benz Hui began his journey into acting during a time when the Hong Kong entertainment industry was blossoming with creativity & opportunity. He joined TVB in the early 1970s, where his natural charisma & grounded acting style quickly set him apart. Unlike many who pursued fame through glamour or controversy, he built his career steadily—one meaningful role at a time; earning the respect of his peers & the affection of audiences across Asia.

Throughout his extensive career, Hui portrayed a remarkable range of characters: from heroic mentors & devoted fathers to sharp-witted detectives & even cunning villains. His roles in beloved TVB dramas such as Line Walker (使徒行者), E.U. (學警狙擊), When Heaven Burns (天與地), & A Step into the Past (尋秦記) showcased his exceptional ability to bring depth & realism to every performance. Each character he played carried a sense of humanity—complex yet deeply relatable—reminding viewers of the nuances of real life.

2. A Gentleman On & Off Screen

Beyond his artistic achievements, what truly distinguished Benz Hui was his genuine personality & down-to-earth demeanor. Despite his fame, he never chased the spotlight. Colleagues & fans alike described him as humble, approachable & sincere—qualities that reflected not just a great actor, but a great human being.

In interviews, Hui often shared his philosophy on life & acting: that success is not measured by popularity, but by integrity & dedication to one’s craft. This belief guided his decades-long journey & inspired countless younger actors who saw him as both a mentor & a role model.

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3. His Legacy Beyond the Screen

In recent years, Hui gracefully transitioned into semi-retirement, spending more time with family & enjoying life in Singapore, where he maintained a quieter life away from constant media demands. Even away from the limelight, he continued to influence those who grew up watching his performances—his legacy living on through the countless stories & emotions he brought to life.

For fans, Benz Hui is not just a TVB veteran; he is a representation of Hong Kong’s golden era of storytelling—a reminder of the authenticity, heart & cultural depth that defined the entertainment of that generation.

Honouring a True Legend - Benz Hui Siu Hung in Dicey Business TVB Drama

4. Benz Hui Shiu-Hung in Dicey Business (賭場風雲): A Riveting Tale of Chance, Loyalty & Redemption

Among Benz Hui Shiu-Hung’s many acclaimed performances, one of his most memorable came from the 2006 TVB drama Dicey Business — a series that masterfully blended the glamour & grit of the casino world with the depth of human emotion & moral struggle. Set partly in the Philippines & Macau’s gaming circles, Dicey Business offered viewers an immersive look into the high-stakes environment of professional gambling, friendship & betrayal.

a. A Glimpse into the Story

The drama revolves around the life of Chai Foon Cheung (portrayed by Bobby Au-Yeung), a once-brilliant poker genius whose career & personal life collapse after a moment of recklessness. Years later, he tries to rebuild himself as a casino manager & mentor, only to cross paths again with his long-lost protégé Cheung (Sunny Chan) & his rival-turned-ally Long (played by Michael Miu).

Benz Hui Shiu-Hung played a key supporting role as a veteran insider in the casino world — a calm, wise figure whose loyalty & experience ground the younger gamblers amid the chaos. His performance was subtle yet powerful, embodying the quiet strength & worldly understanding of someone who has seen both the triumphs & tragedies that the gambling world brings.

b. The Casino Backdrop: Macau & the Philippines

Unlike many typical TVB dramas of its time, Dicey Business ventured into international settings, with portions of the story involving casinos in the Philippines & Macau — two of Asia’s most vibrant gaming hubs. The series depicted the intense atmosphere of the casino floor, the strategic games behind closed doors & the emotional stakes that mirror the risks of gambling itself.

These settings were not merely decorative; they reflected the cross-border dynamics of the Asian casino industry, where competition, loyalty & ambition collide. The Philippines, in particular, was portrayed as an emerging hotspot for casino operations — a place where characters sought fortune, redemption, or escape.

c. Poker as a Metaphor for Life

Poker, the central game featured in Dicey Business, was used not only as a thrilling visual motif but also as a profound metaphor for human decisions. Every move, bluff & fold represented deeper questions of trust, risk & destiny.

The drama showcased both Texas Hold’em & classic Hong Kong-style gambling, emphasizing skill over luck. Characters like Bobby Au-Yeung’s Chai Foon Cheung used mathematical precision, psychological reading & emotional control to outwit opponents — qualities mirrored in real-world professional poker.

Benz Hui’s character stood as the conscience of this world; reminding the younger gamblers that beyond cards & chips lay real consequences. His lines often carried moral weight, bridging the excitement of casino scenes with reflective lessons on greed, fate & friendship.

d. Themes of Brotherhood & Redemption

At its heart, Dicey Business was not just about gambling but about second chances. Every major character; from the disgraced poker prodigy to the ruthless casino bosses; grappled with the question of whether one can truly start over.

Through Benz Hui’s presence, the drama found its emotional compass. His portrayal added depth to scenes of reconciliation & reflection, grounding the story in humanity rather than spectacle. Viewers praised how his subtle expressions & composed demeanor elevated the drama’s tone, turning what could have been a straightforward gambling tale into a layered exploration of loyalty, regret & perseverance.

e. Lasting Impact & Legacy

Dicey Business became one of TVB’s signature dramas of the 2000s, widely acclaimed for its mature writing, stylish casino scenes & exceptional performances. It reignited interest in Hong Kong’s long tradition of gambling-themed dramas; a genre popularized by classics like The God of Gamblers & proved that such stories could be both thrilling & emotionally rich.

For Benz Hui Shiu-Hung, this series reaffirmed his reputation as an actor capable of elevating any production with nuance & authenticity. His character added wisdom & moral grounding amid the glamour & deceit of the casino world — a hallmark of his enduring artistry.

5. What Happened To Him Recently?

It was with deep sorrow that the entertainment industry & his many fans learned of Benz Hui’s passing on 28 October 2025. He died at the age of 76 at the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital at around 2:30 am, due to multiple organ failure caused by cancer.

Reports indicate that his health had been worsening in recent months. In June 2025, he was observed gasping for breath during a trip to his former home in Guangzhou. In August, while filming, he fainted due to high blood pressure. Then on 27 October, he was hospitalised in critical condition, with many of his industry colleagues—including the likes of Chow Yun‑fat; visiting him before he passed.

Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from across Asia. Fellow actors, directors & fans mourned his loss, reflecting on how he had touched not just the entertainment world but countless personal lives with his warmth & professionalism. His family, through close friend Maria Luisa Leitão, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support & indicated that funeral arrangements would be handled privately.

Honouring a True Legend - Benz Hui Siu Hung

6. Honouring a True Legend

This tribute celebrates Benz Hui Shiu-Hung not only for his achievements on screen but for the values he represented; professionalism, humility & artistic integrity. In an industry often driven by trends & fleeting fame, he stood as a timeless example of what it means to act with purpose, to work with passion & to live with dignity.

His contributions to Hong Kong cinema & television will continue to inspire for years to come, reminding us that true stars are not defined by their shine, but by their enduring light.