Legendary actress Grace Lan, known as the “queen of song and dance” and the “woman of a thousand faces,” peacefully passed away in Hong Kong on August 3 at the age of 93. Just the day before, on August 2, fellow actress Brigitte Lin attended the memorial service of her close friend of 44 years, producer Shih Nansheng. Facing the loss of two close friends and idols within a month, Lin took to social media to mourn Grace Lan, declaring her as “the eternal moon in my heart.”
Lin Qingxia visited Grace Lan at her bedside before her passing. In a heartfelt social media post, Lin shared the touching moment of their last meeting: when she visited Lan at her home, the elderly Lan, frail and half asleep, sat in a wheelchair. In an attempt to lift her spirits, Lin initially sang traditional Beijing opera songs, but Lan, with half-closed eyes, showed little reaction.
At the suggestion of Filipino workers nearby, Lin switched to singing the classic theme song “Indescribable Joy” from Lan’s movie “Wild Rose Love.” As Lin, along with the workers, sang and danced the “Cha-Cha” in front of the wheelchair, the initially drowsy Lan suddenly opened her eyes wide, with a sparkle in her eyes and a satisfied smile on her face.
The scene of Lan being awakened by music and dance became Lin Qingxia’s most precious memory of her dear friend.
Grace Lan was a prominent actress in the 1950s and 60s, known as the leading lady of the Hong Kong Shaw Brothers film company. With hits like “Mambo Girl,” she became a household name in Asia and a representative figure of the golden era of Chinese musical films. Lin Qingxia had a deep friendship with Lan, often attending her birthday celebrations and providing companionship. Lin had publicly praised Lan as the “most beautiful person” in her eyes.
On July 13, award-winning producer Shih Nansheng, who had been by Lin Qingxia’s side for 44 years, passed away after an illness. Shih was a key figure in the Hong Kong New Wave cinema of the 1980s and shared a sisterly bond with Lin. In Shih’s final days in the hospital, Lin Qingxia and director Tsui Hark took turns to be with him 24 hours a day, accompanying him until the end. On August 2, Lin Qingxia, with a heavy heart, attended Shih Nansheng’s memorial service in an all-black outfit, adorning herself with a black lace scarf that Shih had given her years ago. This scarf, which she had treasured for so long and never worn, was finally worn to bid farewell to her old friend.
In just 21 days, Lin Qingxia faced the passing of two dear friends, enduring immense grief and trials.