Renowned writer, filmmaker, and food critic Choi Lan, known as one of the “Four Talented Men of Hong Kong,” passed away at the age of 83 on June 25 in Hong Kong. The sad news of his passing has led to an outpouring of condolences from many celebrities and stars.
Choi Lan’s Facebook page announced on the afternoon of the 27th: “Our beloved Mr. Choi Lan passed away peacefully on June 25, 2025 (the first day of June in the lunar calendar) at the Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, accompanied by family and friends.” It was also mentioned that “out of respect for Mr. Choi’s wishes and to avoid causing inconvenience to relatives and friends, no ceremony will be held, and the body has been cremated. We thank everyone for their concern for Mr. Choi Lan.”
Born in 1941 in Singapore and with roots in Chaozhou, Guangdong, Choi Lan later settled in Hong Kong. He was often referred to as one of the “Four Talented Men of Hong Kong” alongside Jin Yong, Ni Kuang, and James Wong. Choi Lan had a successful career as a filmmaker, writer, and host of several food programs, establishing himself as a well-known food critic in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong writer and media personality Tao Jie, currently residing in the UK, mourned Choi Lan on Facebook on the 27th, saying: “Mr. Choi Lan was a bustling corner of the mundane world outside the bamboo forest, yet also a solitary clear stream in the midst of revelry.” Choi Lan, in a candid interview about his past romantic experiences, humorously mentioned his youthful love affairs but ultimately chose to settle down, remaining dedicated to his marriage with Taiwanese film producer Fang Chiung-wen until his later years.
Choi Lan, who frequently shared updates and food experiences on Facebook, suffered a fall at home in April last year while trying to save his wife, resulting in a fractured neck bone. Following the incident, he announced a break from social media platforms for rest and recovery. In September last year, despite needing a wheelchair, he attended the opening ceremony of his charity calligraphy exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. After his wife’s passing, with no children, Choi Lan chose to reside in a hotel suite, employing a professional team to cater to his daily life needs at a monthly cost of 500,000 Hong Kong dollars, rather than moving to a nursing home.
Tao Jie reflected on the “Four Talented Men of Hong Kong” in a lengthy tribute, remarking: “In my thirty years in Hong Kong, the only gain in life was seeing Jin Yong’s silent smile, James Wong’s unrestrained laughter, Ni Kuang’s endless sorrow, and of course, Choi Lan’s countless anecdotes.” Describing Choi Lan as a “nobleman,” Tao Jie paid respects to Choi Lan’s refusal of a funeral with a couplet: “With a heart as light as three mountains, returning gracefully like a lone crane; amidst the clamor of the culinary world, accompanied by tipsy friends.”
Expressing sorrow over the decline of Hong Kong, Tao Jie also noted: “The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove have departed with the Wei and Jin dynasties, and Jin Yong, James Wong, Ni Kuang, and Choi Lan are no longer with us. The desolation of Hong Kong tonight is due to ignorance prevailing and evil running amok. Those with clear minds and noble characters who remain in this land must be vigilant. Fortunately, everyone has left, and Mr. Choi sets off at a fitting time.”
Choi Lan, who had worked at Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest film companies, not only successfully produced classic films like “Brothers” and “A Good Man,” but also formed strong friendships with many celebrities in the entertainment industry. Hong Kong directors Chan Ka Shing, Yuen Tak, Lam Yi Lun, Chan Hiu Ching, as well as stars like Jackie Chan, Shu Qi, and Athena Chu, have all expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Choi Lan through social media platforms.