Ricky Hui
Ricky Hui Kwun-ying (3 August 1946 – 8 November 2011) was a Hong Kong actor, comedian, and singer renowned for his contributions to Cantonese cinema as part of the influential Hui Brothers trio with his elder siblings Michael Hui and Sam Hui.[1] Born in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, he moved to Hong Kong with his family in 1950 and became a pivotal figure in the city's entertainment industry during the 1970s and 1980s, often portraying timid yet endearing everyman characters in satirical comedies that critiqued everyday life and social issues.[2] Hui's death from a heart attack at age 65 marked the end of an era for Hong Kong comedy, leaving a legacy of over 60 films that helped popularize local humor and boost the box office for Golden Harvest productions.[1] Hui's early career began after completing secondary school, when he joined Agence France-Presse as a correspondent in 1967, but his passion for performance led him to enroll in the Shaw Brothers and TVB actors' training program in 1971.[2] He debuted in films with Shaw Brothers, appearing in titles like The Generation Gap (1973) and Rivals of Kung Fu (1974), before transitioning to Golden Harvest, where he collaborated extensively with his brothers on breakthrough comedies such as The Private Eyes (1976), The Contract (1978), and Security Unlimited (1981).[2] These films, directed primarily by Michael Hui, achieved massive commercial success and established the Hui Brothers as giants of Hong Kong cinema, blending slapstick humor with sharp social commentary on urban living and economic struggles.[3][2] In addition to acting, Hui showcased his musical talents as a singer, contributing songs to film soundtracks and performing in variety shows, though his on-screen persona often overshadowed his vocal work.[4] He starred in lead roles in later hits like From Riches to Rags (1980), Chicken and Duck Talk (1988), and Mr. Coconut (1989), while also venturing into horror-comedy genres with memorable supporting parts in Mr. Vampire (1985) and The Haunted Cop Shop (1987).[2] By the 2000s, his appearances became sporadic, with final credits in Super Model (2004) and Forever Yours (2004), reflecting a shift toward retirement amid health challenges.[2] The Hui Brothers' collaborative films, including Front Page (1990), not only entertained millions but also paved the way for subsequent generations of Hong Kong comedians.[5]Early life and education
Family background
Ricky Hui was born on August 3, 1946, in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.[2] He was the third of five children in the Hui family, with brothers including Michael, the eldest and a future filmmaker and actor, and Sam, a singer and actor, along with two younger siblings.[1] His father worked as a violinist, while his mother was a housewife with a strong appreciation for Cantonese opera, fostering an artistic atmosphere in the household.[6] In 1950, amid political unrest following the establishment of the People's Republic of China, the family relocated to Hong Kong as refugees.[2] Upon arrival, they lived in a modest squatter's hut in Diamond Hill, emblematic of the challenges faced by post-war immigrants in the territory.[1] The family later moved to public housing in So Uk Estate, continuing to navigate socioeconomic hardships during Ricky's formative years.[1] This environment of resilience and creativity later influenced the Hui brothers' collaborations in Hong Kong's entertainment industry.[1]Schooling and early jobs
Ricky Hui received his secondary education in Hong Kong and chose not to attend university, unlike his brothers Michael and Sam who both pursued higher studies in sociology and social sciences, respectively.[1] After completing secondary school, Hui joined Agence France-Presse (AFP) as a correspondent and interpreter in Hong Kong in 1967, drawing on his multilingual abilities, including French, to cover local news for the international wire service.[2] This role provided him with early professional experience in media, though it was distinct from the entertainment field he would later enter. Hui's passion for entertainment was influenced by his family's musical inclinations—his father was a violinist and his mother enjoyed Cantonese opera—along with the vibrant local film industry during Hong Kong's post-war cultural boom.[6] In 1971, he enrolled in the inaugural actors' training program co-organized by Shaw Brothers Studio and Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), securing a contract upon completion and beginning his professional transition into acting.[2]Career
Music career
Ricky Hui began his music career in the early 1970s by composing songs for his brother Sam Hui, which were successfully performed and contributed to Sam's rising popularity in Cantopop.[7] In return, Sam composed numerous hits for Ricky's recordings, fostering a collaborative dynamic within the family.[7] Ricky launched his solo career in 1977 with the album Fook Haak Wong (復黑王), which included original Cantonese songs blending romantic ballads and light-hearted narratives. He frequently recorded theme songs for Hui Brothers film productions, such as "Faat Cin Hon" (發錢寒) for the 1977 comedy of the same name, integrating music with the brothers' cinematic ventures. Over the 1970s and 1980s, Ricky released at least seven albums, featuring lyrics that often mixed comedy, romance, and subtle social commentary on everyday [Hong Kong](/page/Hong Kong) life, as seen in tracks like "Chin Jok Gung Nei" (蝦妹共你) and "Wu Ching Yeh Lung Fung" (無情夜冷風).[6][8] These works highlighted his versatile vocal style within the burgeoning Cantopop scene, though they remained overshadowed by his familial acting collaborations.[9] After the 1980s, Ricky's musical releases tapered off as he prioritized acting, but he continued occasional performances alongside his brothers, including guest appearances in Sam's concerts.[6]Acting career
Ricky Hui began his acting career in 1972 with the Shaw Brothers Studio, debuting in minor supporting roles that often featured comedic elements. His first film appearance was as a Hsia soldier in The 14 Amazons, followed by small parts in The Warlord and The Iron Bodyguard (1973), where he played roles such as a policeman or thief, typically in ensemble martial arts or period dramas.[10][7][11] These early credits from 1972 to 1976 established him in Hong Kong cinema, though he remained in supporting capacities without leading parts.[10] In 1974, Hui transitioned to Golden Harvest, marking a pivotal shift toward comedic collaborations with his brothers, Michael and Samuel. His breakthrough came in Games Gamblers Play, where he portrayed a beachside gambler, helping launch the Hui Brothers' signature satirical style that critiqued everyday Hong Kong life through humor.[10][12] This film propelled the trio into prominence, with Hui's roles evolving in subsequent Golden Harvest productions like The Last Message (1975), where he appeared briefly as a skating waiter, and The Private Eyes (1976), in which he played the timid assistant Puffy to Michael Hui's detective.[13][14] These performances highlighted Hui's knack for physical comedy and ensemble dynamics.[10] Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Hui solidified his reputation in Cantonese cinema's resurgence, amassing over 60 film credits during his peak popularity. He frequently embodied mild-mannered, soft-spoken everyman characters—often bumbling sidekicks or quirky underdogs—that contrasted sharply with his brothers' more assertive personas, as seen in Security Unlimited (1981) and Mr. Vampire (1985), where he played the apprentice Man Choi in a hit comedy-horror blending supernatural elements with slapstick.[10][15] His contributions to the Hui Brothers' films, such as these, emphasized relatable, understated humor that resonated with local audiences amid Hong Kong's social changes.[10] In the 1990s and early 2000s, Hui took on supporting roles in action-comedies, including All's Well, Ends Well, Too (1993) as Mama Chow and Winner Takes All (2000) alongside Samuel Hui.[10] His later work maintained the comedic vein but shifted toward ensemble casts in lighter fare. Hui made rare television appearances, limited to guest spots on variety shows, without pursuing major series leads.[16] He retired from acting around 2004, following roles in Super Model and Forever Yours.[17][18]Personal life and death
Personal life
Ricky Hui maintained close familial bonds with his brothers Michael and Sam throughout his life, collaborating extensively on creative projects that extended beyond their professional endeavors. The trio co-founded Hui's Film Production Co., Ltd. in 1974 as a satellite company under Golden Harvest, which produced several of their seminal comedies and allowed them to maintain a unified front in the industry while supporting each other's artistic visions.[19] Hui's family legacy continued through his nephews, the sons of his brother Sam Hui. Scott Hui, Sam's younger son, has pursued a career as a film director, contributing to the ongoing influence of the Hui family in Hong Kong entertainment.[20] Similarly, Ryan Hui, Sam's elder son born in 1976, has established himself as a singer-songwriter under the stage name The Stay Up, blending indie rock with design work and occasionally managing aspects of his father's career.[21] Hui preferred a low-profile existence centered on family and professional pursuits, distinct from the more public personas of some contemporaries in the Hong Kong entertainment scene.Death
Ricky Hui was discovered deceased on the evening of November 8, 2011, in his apartment at Block C, Phoenix Court, Marconi Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, after family members broke into the flat when they could not contact him. He was found unconscious on his bed around 8:50 p.m., and ambulance officers pronounced him dead at the scene.[22] The cause of death was determined to be a heart attack at the age of 65; Hui had been diagnosed with heart disease and relied on a pacemaker following surgery the previous year, though he had appeared unwell earlier that week.[22][23] Police investigated and found no suspicious circumstances, with the body subsequently taken to a mortuary; no further autopsy details were publicly released in respect of the family's privacy.[22] Hui's funeral was held on November 25, 2011, at Po Fook Hill Memorial Hall in Sha Tin, attended by family members including brothers Michael and Sam Hui, as well as select industry peers such as filmmaker Clifton Ko and actors John Shum and Bowie Wu. The service featured a private viewing of clips from his notable films like Mr. Coconut and Chicken and Duck Talk, surrounded by floral tributes from celebrity friends.[24] Contemporary media reports from outlets including the South China Morning Post and Shenzhen Daily emphasized the suddenness of Hui's passing and reflected on his enduring contributions to Hong Kong comedy and entertainment alongside his brothers.[22][23]Works
Filmography
Ricky Hui appeared in over 64 films as an actor from 1972 to 2004, frequently taking on comedic supporting roles in productions by studios such as Shaw Brothers in his early career and Golden Harvest later on.[10] His notable performances include the lead comedic role of Puffy in the Hui Brothers' breakthrough film The Private Eyes (1976), the bumbling agent Bruce Tang in Security Unlimited (1981), and the vampire hunter's assistant Man Choi in Mr. Vampire (1985). Below is a chronological table of his film credits, with roles indicated where specified.| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1972 | The 14 Amazons | Hsia soldier - King's tent |
| 1972 | The Lizard | Policeman |
| 1972 | The Thunderbolt Fist | Gin Chi's follower |
| 1973 | The Mandarin | Extra |
| 1973 | The Delinquent | Student at martial arts school |
| 1973 | The Generation Gap | Xi's classmate |
| 1973 | The Kiss of Death | Nightclub patron |
| 1973 | Illicit Desire | Prince |
| 1973 | The House of 72 Tenants | Fireman |
| 1973 | The Sugar Daddies | Siao Suen |
| 1973 | Iron Bodyguard | Thief |
| 1973 | The Ghost Lovers | Han's impostor #1 |
| 1973 | Gambling Syndicate | Casino traitor |
| 1974 | Hong Kong 73 | Lee's brother |
| 1974 | Gossip Street | Thief |
| 1974 | Rivals of Kung Fu | Little Rat |
| 1974 | Cheeky Little Angels | Wedding guest |
| 1974 | Sinful Confession | Panty thief |
| 1974 | Games Gamblers Play | Gambler at beach |
| 1974 | Kidnap | Gambling den staff |
| 1975 | The Flying Guillotine | Cheng Zi-Ping |
| 1975 | Big Brother Cheng | |
| 1975 | The Last Message | Waiter on skate |
| 1976 | Challenge of the Masters | Ah Lung |
| 1976 | China Armed Escort | |
| 1976 | The Private Eyes | Puffy |
| 1977 | The Pilferer's Progress | Poison |
| 1978 | Dog Bites Dog Bone | Mental Ill (Cameo) |
| 1978 | The Contract | Sit Chi Ying |
| 1978 | The Big Number | |
| 1980 | From Riches to Rags | Ricky Hui Koon Ying |
| 1981 | Security Unlimited | Bruce Tang |
| 1982 | To Hell with the Devil | Bruce Lee |
| 1982 | Plain Jane to the Rescue | Tsang Fei Fang |
| 1983 | The Trail | Ying |
| 1984 | Aces Go Places - Our Man from Bond Street | Puffer Fish |
| 1985 | Infatuation | Brainlet |
| 1985 | Mr. Vampire | Man Chor/Man Choi |
| 1986 | Happy Din Don | Butcher's son |
| 1986 | Naughty Boys | Taxi driver (cameo) |
| 1986 | Inspector Chocolate | Egg Tart |
| 1987 | Project A Part II | Policeman #268 |
| 1987 | The Haunted Cop Shop | Man Chiu |
| 1987 | Who Is the Craftiest | Mon |
| 1988 | The Haunted Cop Shop II | Man Chiu |
| 1988 | The Inspector Wears Skirts | Police mess cook |
| 1988 | Chicken and Duck Talk | Squid |
| 1988 | Stumbling Cops | CID Ah Ying |
| 1988 | Operation Pink Squad | Dumb Ying |
| 1989 | Mr. Coconut | Lime |
| 1989 | The Inspector Wears Skirts II | Police mess cook |
| 1989 | Mr. Canton and Lady Rose | One of Lady Rose's friends |
| 1989 | Forever Young | Super Ming |
| 1989 | How to Be a Millionaire | Charles |
| 1990 | Front Page | Fly |
| 1991 | Ghost for Sale | Oi Oi |
| 1992 | The Magic Touch | Ah Fat |
| 1992 | Mr. Vampire 1992 | Wen Cai |
| 1993 | All's Well, Ends Well '93 | Mama Chow |
| 1993 | Laughter of Water Margins | Simon Hing |
| 1997 | First Love Unlimited | Uncle Wing |
| 2000 | Winner Takes All | Swindler Wong's brother |
| 2004 | Super Model | King Model |
| 2004 | Forever Yours | Leo |
Discography
Ricky Hui's discography primarily consists of Cantopop albums and singles released during the 1970s and 1980s, often featuring covers of Western hits adapted into Cantonese, alongside original compositions and film tie-ins. His recordings were mainly issued by Polydor Records (later under Universal Music), reflecting his gentle vocal style suited to romantic and comedic themes. While early efforts included group collaborations with his brothers in the nascent Hong Kong music scene, Hui's solo output focused on accessible pop with humorous or sentimental lyrics, contributing to his over 10 notable releases.Studio Albums
Hui debuted with solo albums in the mid-1970s, building on his film soundtracks.| Year | Title (English translation) | Label | Key Tracks/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | 發錢寒 (Fa Qian Han / Getting Rich Suddenly) | Polydor | Includes the title track as theme for the 1977 Hui brothers film Fa Qian Han; covers like "蝦妹共你" (Peggy Sue).[] (https://m.douban.com/music/subject/6969564/) [] (https://www.discogs.com/release/12522289-許冠英-夏之戀) |
| 1978 | 夏之戀 (Summer Love) | Polydor | Features Cantonese adaptations such as "夏之戀" (Summer Love) and "心中有個夢" (Take Me Home, Country Roads).[] (https://secondhandsongs.com/artist/229425/all) [] (https://www.discogs.com/release/12522289-許冠英-夏之戀) |
| 1980 | 錢作怪 (Money Monster) | Polydor | Title track tied to the 1980 film Qian Zuo Guai; includes "您" (You) and "信徒就奇" (Maybe Baby).[] (https://secondhandsongs.com/artist/229425/all) [] (https://open.spotify.com/album/0Bgg94br3hw0kBH7HeahAs) |
| 1981 | 浪子無情 (Ruthless Prodigal) | Polydor | Romantic ballads and covers emphasizing sentimental themes.[] (https://m.douban.com/tag/%E8%AE%B8%E5%86%A0%E8%8B%B1/music) |
| 1993 | '93急流 (93 Rapids) | Polydor/Universal | Later release with tracks like "痴心愿记取" (Remember the Wish with All My Heart).[] (https://m.xmusic.io/album/19425) [] (https://m.douban.com/tag/%E8%AE%B8%E5%86%A0%E8%8B%B1/music) |
Singles and EPs
Hui's early singles from the 1970s often served as precursors to full albums, many as standalone releases or film inserts under EMI and Polydor.- "無情夜冷風" (Ruthless Night, Cold Wind) (1977, Polydor) – Featured on compilation 復黑王: 許冠英.[] (https://music.apple.com/us/album/復黑王-許冠英/1442652233)
- "梨渦淺笑" (Dimpled Smile) (1977, Polydor) – Insert song for Fa Qian Han.[] (https://open.spotify.com/album/0Bgg94br3hw0kBH7HeahAs)
- "我的家" (My Home) (1980, Polydor) – Cover of John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads".[] (https://secondhandsongs.com/artist/229425/all)
- "每當變幻時" (Whenever It Changes) (1980s, Polydor) – Popular ballad from various compilations.[] (https://music.apple.com/us/album/真經典-許冠英/1444018026)