Family holds private funeral for actress Kathy Chow

Actress Kathy Chow. Photo from Chow’s management agency’s Weibo

Chow’s mother sent a letter to the actress’ fans through her management company on Monday, explaining that the family had held a memorial ceremony for her. She asked for understanding from acquaintances and fans, as the family wished to preserve the actress’ image as optimistic and beautiful.

Chow passed away on Dec. 11 after an illness, as her management agency and family announced.

According to Chinese news site St Headline, Chow was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus. Her condition was not publicly revealed beforehand.

People suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus also suffer from inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs as their immune system attacks its own tissues. It can affect the joints, skin, brain, and lungs.

Actor Simon Yam, a close friend of hers, revealed on Dec. 12 that Chow’s friends did not dare touch her as her body got bruised easily, and she also suffered from a low platelet count.

Chow’s mother added in the letter that her daughter was an extroverted, vibrant, strong, and loving woman. Chow was always positive and forward-looking even when she faced the most challenging circumstances, she said.

Chinese news site St Headline also reported that Chow left behind a Beijing villa worth over 100 million yuan (US$14 million) and other assets. Her mother is the beneficiary of them, while her siblings do not intend to claim any inheritance.

Born in 1966, Chow was well-known for her lead roles in drama series produced by TVB, a television broadcasting company based in Hong Kong.

She rose to stardom with her role Zhou Zhiruo in the 1994 TV series “The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber,” which was adapted from a novel of the same name by Chinese wuxia novelist Jin Yong.

The head of an orphanage in Beijing revealed on Dec. 13 that Chow had been contributing funds for many years, supporting the upbringing and education of several orphan children. She occasionally visited the children and brought them toys and warm clothes.