Legendary Hong Kong Actress Shi Ming Passes Away at 74; Family Tension Erupts Over Funeral Arrangements
The Hong Kong entertainment industry is mourning the loss of veteran actress and host Shi Ming (also known as Frances Fong), who passed away on March 21, 2026, at the age of 74. Known for her striking mixed-race beauty and formidable martial arts skills, Shi Ming left behind a legacy that spanned decades of television and film, though her passing has been overshadowed by emerging family disputes regarding her final rites.
According to her eldest son, Li Wing-hon, the actress succumbed to pneumonia. The tragedy was sudden; even as Shi Ming had been undergoing routine medical check-ups with no major alarms, she was hospitalized in March 2026 for high blood pressure. A week before her death, her condition turned critical when a foreign object was accidentally inhaled into her lungs during an episode of vomiting, leading to a drastic drop in oxygen levels. Despite emergency intubation and rescue efforts, she passed away on March 21.
A Legacy of Strength and Versatility
Shi Ming was a trailblazer in the industry, often remembered as a “legendary action actress.” Her career was marked by a unique blend of grace and power, having trained in dance, karate, and judo. This expertise led to her iconic role as the “Purple-clothed Dragon King” in The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, a performance that remains a classic among fans.
Her physical prowess was so renowned that in 1988, the film distributor Shaw Films (Hong Kong) hired her to serve as the personal bodyguard for Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone during his promotional tour for First Blood III. Beyond her local success, she also ventured into international cinema, appearing in the film Golden Needles. Throughout her career, she earned the nickname “The Ghost Queen” and was celebrated for her versatility as both a performer and a television host.
A Brave Battle with Health
The final years of Shi Ming’s life were a testament to her resilience. In late 2022, shortly before her 71st birthday, she suffered a severe head injury following an accidental fall at home. The incident resulted in massive intracranial hemorrhaging, requiring emergency brain surgery to reduce pressure and remove blood clots. Following the procedure, she fell into a coma and spent significant time in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Despite the severity of the brain damage, which impacted her mobility and required extensive long-term physical and speech therapy, Shi Ming fought back with immense willpower. Even after facing a subsequent bacterial infection in 2024 that required three additional brain surgeries, she continued to recover and return to her family, showcasing the strength that had defined her professional life.
Family Friction and Funeral Controversies
While the industry remembers her achievements, the aftermath of her death has revealed deep familial rifts. Li Wing-hon, who is organizing the funeral, has reportedly banned his younger brother Li Wing-ho’s wife from attending the services. When questioned about the decision, Li Wing-hon pointedly asked, “What status does she have?”
Adding to the tension, Shi Ming’s ex-husband, actor and martial arts choreographer Li Ka-ding—whom she married in 1977 and divorced in 1994—has spoken out for the first time regarding the tragedy. Li Ka-ding revealed that he was denied visitation rights while Shi Ming was on her deathbed. Despite this, he has insisted that his younger son, Li Wing-ho, must be present at the funeral to pay his final respects.
A Son’s Heartfelt Farewell
Amidst the controversy, the younger son, Li Wing-ho, took to social media to share a poignant tribute to his mother. In a lengthy post, he reflected on their close bond during his childhood and addressed long-standing rumors of estrangement between them, dismissing the “many rumors and gossip” as false.
In a deeply emotional statement, Li Wing-ho expressed his gratitude for her strength, writing, “My life was saved by you.” The loss of Shi Ming marks the complete of an era for a woman who broke boundaries as a mixed-race performer and an action star, leaving a void in the hearts of her fans and a complicated legacy within her own family.
