On December 5, Hong Kong actor Huang Rihua announced his retirement from the entertainment industry at an event, stating that he will not take on any more film or television roles and has declined all invitations. Huang, known for his beloved portrayals of Guo Jing in the 1983 version of “The Legend of the Condor Heroes” and Qiao Feng in the 1997 version of “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,” expressed that his long career in showbiz has been fulfilling enough and he feels unable to reach his peak again. Rather than continue in this manner, he wants to leave audiences with good memories.
Huang Rihua, now 64, was a prominent leading actor at TVB in the 1980s, alongside stars like Andy Lau, Tony Leung, Felix Wong, and Adam Cheng, forming the “Five Tigers of TVB.” He starred in classic TV series such as “The Bund,” “The Legend of the Condor Heroes,” “The Greed of Man,” and “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.”
Earlier in his career, Huang Rihua took a step back from the spotlight to care for his ailing wife, Leung Kit-wah. After Leung’s passing in 2020, Huang shifted his focus to his family and personal interests, often leading a celebrity soccer team to play around the world, occasionally taking on commercial performances and advertisements. In recent years, he has become more resolute in his decision to retire, citing the reason, “She (referring to his wife, Leung Kit-wah) was my number one fan. Every time she watched my performances, she would provide feedback as her analytical skills were very strong, which helped me improve. Since she’s gone and can’t watch me act anymore, what’s the point for me to continue? Moreover, I’m not that fond of this profession myself, and there is no financial pressure, so I might as well take a break.”
Huang Rihua met Leung Kit-wah while working on the TV drama “Dreams of the Riches” and they got married in 1988 after dating for six years. They welcomed their daughter, Huang Zhiqing, in 1990, becoming a well-known loving couple in the Hong Kong entertainment industry. Known as the “model husband,” Huang Rihua was deeply saddened by his wife’s passing and found it hard to move on for a long time, expressing that he would rather shorten his life by 20 years if it meant having his wife back.
During an event on December 5, Huang Rihua revealed to the media that he no longer has the passion for acting and will not be filming anymore. He admitted that over the years, he hadn’t allowed himself enough time for his own pursuits, and now he can finally engage in activities he enjoys. He stated, “After so many years, I know I cannot return to my previous peak state. I’d rather leave a good impression for the audience.” He also disclosed that his daughter, Huang Zhiqing, who has shifted to behind-the-scenes work, understands his personality and won’t ask him to return to acting.
Even though he has retired, Huang Rihua still holds high hopes for young actors, encouraging them to work hard, utilize their talents, and become the new idols of Hong Kong.
The news of Huang Rihua’s retirement has sparked discussions, with netizens expressing understanding and sending their well wishes. Some praised him, saying, “Guo Jing and Qiao Feng are eternal; there’s no need to prove himself with new roles,” while others commended, “In his performances, he upheld righteousness and loyalty, and in his retirement, he knows how to exit gracefully. This is the mark of a true idol.”