Cai Lan Has Passed Away, Marking the Loss of the Four Great Talents of Hong Kong, Including Jin Yong, Ni Kuang, and Huang Zhan

Pictured is a cityscape of Hong Kong. (Photo by Anthony Kwan/Getty Images)

[People News] Cai Lan, a gourmet, writer, and host, died on June 25 at the age of 83. His Facebook page announced the news of his passing this afternoon (27th), stating that he passed away peacefully at Hong Kong's Yanghe Hospital on the 25th, surrounded by family and friends. 'In accordance with his wishes, to avoid disturbing relatives and friends, no ceremonies will be held, and the body has been cremated. We thank everyone for their concern for Mr. Cai Lan.' 

On April 29 this year, reports indicated that Cai Lan's health had declined, leading to his hospitalisation and observation in the intensive care unit. Shortly thereafter, he reassured his followers on social media: 'Thank you for your concern; I am not in critical condition, so please do not worry, just smile.' 

Born in Singapore in 1941, Cai Lan studied in Japan before moving to Hong Kong to pursue his career. He worked as a film producer, writer, and hosted several food programs. He gained fame co-hosting 'Tonight No Defence' with Huang Zhan and Ni Kuang, which was a sensation at the time. 

Cai Lan's father, Cai Wenxuan, was a poet who moved to Nanyang in his early years and later served as an officer at the Shaw Brothers film studio. His mother, Hong Fangping, was a primary school principal. Cai Lan was the third child in the family; his elder sister, Cai Liang, is the principal of Nanyang Girls' High School, one of Singapore's largest educational institutions, while his elder brother, Cai Dan, and younger brother, Cai Xuan, were senior television producers in Singapore and are now retired. 

Cai Lan was exceptionally talented, excelling in film, writing, and hosting. He produced several films featuring Jackie Chan and other innovative works, contributed film reviews and food travelogues to various media outlets, and had a passion for the art of calligraphy.

Cai Lan (Cài Lán) was once recognised as one of the 'Four Great Talents of Hong Kong' alongside Jin Yong (Jīn Yǒng), Ni Kuang (Ní Kuāng), and Huang Zhan (Huáng Zhàn). However, he humbly remarked that he did not consider himself qualified to be called a talent, instead referring to Jin Yong as a true master. As of now, all four of these esteemed figures have passed away: Huang Zhan in 2004, Jin Yong in 2018, and Ni Kuang in 2022. △