Jeffrey Ho: Difference between revisions

Hong Kong artist (1956 – 2014)

Jeffrey Ho Wai-lung (Chinese: 何偉龍; 1956^[1] – 7 January 2014^[2]) was a Hong Kong actor and director. He founded Wan Chai Theatre^[a] (now Whole Theatre^[b]). In addition to stage performances, he also appeared in film and television productions. One of his most recognizable roles was as the unscrupulous real estate company owner Su Chung^[c] in the sitcom City Japes^[d].^[3]

Ho was born in Hong Kong and later traveled to Canada to pursue drama studies. He graduated from York University and received professional training at the National Theatre School of Canada. After returning to Hong Kong in 1979, he became one of the first full-time actors of the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre after being interviewed by Chung King-fai.^[2] Ho remained active on the local stage thereafter.^[1]

From 1987 to 1992, he served as artistic director of the Wan Chai Theatre, dedicating himself to the promotion of amateur and community theatre and to nurturing a new generation of theatre practitioners. In 1993, he rejoined the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre as assistant artistic director until 2002.^[1]

Ho suffered from congenital diabetes, which later led to kidney failure, requiring a kidney transplant. After the transplant, long-term use of steroids and anti-rejection medication caused bodily swelling, and his mobility declined in his later years.^[4] He passed away on 7 January 2014, at the age of 58.^[2] A memorial service was held on 27 January.^[5]

Ho appeared in relatively few film productions, mainly from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s, including The Lunatics (1986), Flaming Brothers (1987), The Nobles^[f] (1989), and Lucky Encounter^[g] (1992), among others.^[6]