Hong Kong’s entertainment industry is mourning the sudden passing of Lawrence Yan, a beloved actor known for his elegance and gentlemanly presence on screen. He died at age 59 on October 21, reportedly of a heart attack while in Shanghai for a golf event.
According to his family, Lawrence Yan had arrived in Shanghai just a day before his disappearance to prepare for a golf competition. Tragically, he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a practice session.
Lawrence Yan’s wife announced that his funeral will be held privately, in line with his humble and kind nature. She expressed her sincere gratitude to the fans and friends who supported her husband throughout his career, asking that people remember him as a man who always approached his craft with sincerity and dedication.
Born in 1966, Lawrence Yan began his career as a model before moving into acting. He became one of ATV’s most recognizable faces in the 1990s, gaining widespread fame for his portrayal of Jin Chiu in the historical series Heroic legend of the Yang family.
With his refined appearance, calm demeanor and intelligent acting style, Yan has earned the affectionate title of “the most handsome Jin Chiu”, a label that has followed him throughout his career.
The news of Lawrence’s death shocked colleagues and fans. Fellow actor and close friend Derek Kwok shared on social media: “I can’t believe it. We were chatting not long ago… and now he’s gone. My heart feels so heavy.”
Other friends recalled that they had planned to meet for a reunion, only to receive heartbreaking news.
Adding to the pain, just a day before his passing, Lawrence Yan posted a cheerful video on social media, showing himself eating, smiling and full of vitality. Fans were stunned by the sudden death, noting that he appeared healthy.
Lawrence Yan reportedly suffered a heart attack while playing golf, a sport he became passionate about after quitting acting and working as a golf instructor.
Tributes poured in from across Hong Kong and mainland China, with many fans expressing grief at the loss of another star from the golden era of Hong Kong television.
Fans also noted that Yan’s passing follows a string of recent losses among veteran actors, symbolizing the gradual end of an iconic period in Hong Kong entertainment.
Although Lawrence Yan has left this world, his image as “the most handsome Jin Chiu” remains immortal. His performances captured the best qualities of professionalism, charm and deep respect for storytelling from the golden years of Hong Kong drama.
Sources: Saostar, Ming Pao Dail, HK01 Entertainment
