For those who remember the golden age of Hong Kong cinema, Ng Man-tat was more than just a supporting actor.

The news of his passing on February 27, 2021, at the age of 69 due to complications from liver cancer shocked Asian film fans.

In Korea, he is often remembered for his films alongside Stephen Chow as a comedic duo.

He played a supporting role in works like "A Better Tomorrow 2," "The Eagle Shooting Heroes," "The King of Comedy," and the famous "God of Gamblers" series, but in reality, his acting career had a much deeper and broader trajectory.

Ng Man-tat consistently worked from his TVB days, appearing in over 100 productions.

Although he is strongly associated with the image of being Stephen Chow's "sidekick," a closer look at his filmography reveals that he never remained in anyone's shadow. In films like "The Eagle Shooting Heroes," "A Better Tomorrow 2," and "The King of Comedy," he shed his comedic image to deliver serious performances. His restrained emotional acting in "The Eagle Shooting Heroes" proved that Ng Man-tat was not just a comedic actor but a versatile performer capable of handling serious roles.

However, his life was far from simple. In his youth, he struggled with gambling and a reckless lifestyle, which made it difficult for him to continue acting for a time. Yet, he rose again, diligently continuing his work and building his own character.

The way he brought laughter on screen may have been a result of the ups and downs and pain he experienced in life. Perhaps this is why audiences felt a sense of 'humanity' and 'authenticity' in his performances.

Ng Man-tat's performances always enhanced the lead roles.

But that 'supporting role' was not merely an afterthought; he was an essential presence that set the tone for the work. With a small gesture or a humorous expression, he brought scenes to life. It may seem easy, but it was actually a highly calculated performance. This kind of supporting role is not just about comedy; it is a level that only an actor who has experienced the weight of life can achieve.

Many remember Ng Man-tat as Stephen Chow's 'sidekick,' but their relationship was more than just colleagues.

Ng Man-tat was already a well-established veteran in the Hong Kong film industry in the 1980s, while Stephen Chow was just a newcomer spending his early days at TVB. According to Ng Man-tat's recollections, the two first met in 1986 during their TVB days, and their friendship naturally developed as they lived close to each other. Later, during the decline of the golden age of Hong Kong cinema in the 1990s, as Stephen Chow rose to stardom, he consistently cast Ng Man-tat in his films, never forgetting the support he received from him.

As a result, they appeared as uncle and nephew in the "God of Gamblers" series and as coach and player in "Shaolin Soccer," becoming a familiar duo in Stephen Chow's films. Fans even referred to Ng Man-tat as "Stephen Chow's persona."

God of Gamblers (1990)

A landmark work in Hong Kong comedy cinema. In this film centered around card gambling, Stephen Chow plays a comedic gambler, while Ng Man-tat appears as his uncle. Ng Man-tat effectively plays the role of a comical and somewhat clumsy uncle, marking the beginning of the Stephen Chow and Ng Man-tat duo, which became a representative example of their chemistry.

The King of Comedy (1991)

Ng Man-tat's performance alongside the undercover cop (Stephen Chow) shows the archetype of a 'supportive uncle.' Even amidst the hilarious mishaps among students, Ng Man-tat's unique expressions and well-timed lines stood out. He played a crucial role in amplifying the charm of Stephen Chow's character, rather than merely being a supporting role.

God of Gamblers Series (1991)

Following the success of "God of Gamblers," during the boom of gambling-themed films, Ng Man-tat was always there to provide laughter alongside Stephen Chow. His character was greedy and boastful, yet somehow approachable to the audience. During this period, Ng Man-tat's image solidified as 'Stephen Chow's uncle.'

Justice, My Foot! (1994)

A parody of Bruce Lee's masterpiece. Stephen Chow plays a serious yet absurd martial arts student, while Ng Man-tat appears as his comedic master and neighborhood elder. While the original's weight is humorously exaggerated, thanks to Ng Man-tat's performance, the film was light yet never shallow.

Shaolin Soccer (2001)

One of the most famous works left by the duo. Stephen Chow plays a passionate soccer team coach and lead, while Ng Man-tat appears as the club owner and co-leader. Although he played a frail and sickly character, Ng Man-tat's performance maintained humor and warmth until the end. This film is regarded as the pinnacle of the Stephen Chow and Ng Man-tat duo.

While he is widely known as a comedic actor in Korea, Ng Man-tat's filmography also includes serious performances. The restrained acting he showcased in films like "The Eagle Shooting Heroes," "A Better Tomorrow 2," and "The King of Comedy" proves that he was not just an actor who played humorous characters. Ng Man-tat's subtle changes in expression and tone sometimes resonated even deeper than the leads.

His ability to deliver laughter in Stephen Chow's films while also performing serious and weighty roles in other works was likely due to the many ups and downs in his life. Although he faced difficulties in his youth due to a reckless lifestyle and gambling, his dedication to acting after rising again added authenticity to the laughter he brought.

Interestingly, after "Shaolin Soccer" in 2003, the two did not work together again.

Among fans, various rumors circulated. Some speculated that Ng Man-tat distanced himself due to Stephen Chow's domineering personality and the controversies surrounding his relationships with women, but this lacks credibility. However, there have been consistent stories about Stephen Chow being difficult personally and having strained relationships within the industry.

In fact, after 2010, he continued his work more in mainland China than in Hong Kong, which also reflects his isolation within the Hong Kong film industry. The separation from Ng Man-tat can also be interpreted in this context.

After his passing, many Hong Kong actors and fans mourned, saying, "A true actor has left this world."

He was not just an actor who brought laughter but one who conveyed warmth and bittersweetness to us through his films.

Ultimately, Ng Man-tat was not merely an actor who existed in the shadow of Stephen Chow but a veteran who left a significant mark on the history of Hong Kong cinema.

Thus, Ng Man-tat's absence leaves a void that signifies not just the death of an actor but the end of an era in Hong Kong cinema.