Hong Kong movie legend, “Fourth Brother” Alan Tam, passed away today at the age of 89, shocking the entertainment industry. Upon receiving the sad news, his son, Nicholas Tse, who is preparing for a concert in China, immediately halted work and returned to Hong Kong quietly to assist with his father’s affairs, while also confirming the news through a social media post.
In a recent social media post, Nicholas Tse expressed, “It is with great sadness that I announce to everyone that my father, Alan Tam, has left us.”
Nicholas Tse shared that his father devoted his entire life to the film and entertainment industry, aiming to bring joy and laughter to every audience. He mentioned witnessing his father’s moments of distress and sadness in the past, but no matter what, he always insisted on appearing in front of the screen in the most perfect state.
Quoting his father’s often said phrase “the show must go on,” Nicholas Tse also wanted to remind everyone that remembering Alan Tam, reminiscing about the “Fourth Brother,” there is no need to cry or be too sorrowful. He felt it would not be dignified enough, “As long as we keep his forever charming, smile-filled perfect image in our hearts, that is enough.”
Alan Tam had a career spanning over a century in the Hong Kong film industry, portraying numerous iconic roles in film and television. In 2019, he was honored with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the 38th Hong Kong Film Awards. In 2022, his performance in “Twilight of the Dead” earned him the Best Actor award at the Hong Kong Film Awards, making him the oldest recipient of the award. This was also his last public appearance.
Alan Tam had two marriages, with Deborah Dik and Jenny Zeng, both ending in divorce. Nicholas Tse and Jennifer Tse are his children from his marriage with Deborah Dik.
According to reports from Hong Kong media, Alan Tam had been living a low-profile life in recent years, and rumors of health issues such as strokes had circulated. In 2022, when Alan Tam received the Best Actor award, speculation arose due to his slightly slanted walking posture and facial features. At that time, Jordan Chan clarified on his behalf that it was simply due to “adjustment after getting dental work done.”
Upon learning of the sad news, Nicholas Tse has temporarily paused all his work commitments, urgently returned to Hong Kong discreetly to assist with his father’s arrangements. Alan Tam’s daughter, Jennifer Tse, who has been residing in Canada for years, will also return to Hong Kong to bid farewell to her father for one last time.