The Hong Kong film industry mourns the passing of a renowned and talented director. Taylor Wong Tai-Loi (黄泰来), who is known for his works with the Shaw Brothers Studio, has passed away after succumbing to throat cancer. He was 75.
Actor and producer Tin Kai-Mun confirmed the devastating news. He revealed that Taylor passed away yesterday (Wednesday, 16th July 2025). While the director died from throat cancer, little is known about how long he had suffered from the disease. Additional information about his funeral was also not disclosed. However, it’s likely the memorial service will be a private affair with only close family and friends.
Taylor is a respected figure in the HK film industry, having worked on many successful films throughout his decades-long career. His father, Wong Yiu (黄尧), was also a director who was active in the 1960s. Taylor got his start in the industry, working as a scriptwriter and a director for Commercial Television and RTV, now known as ATV, in the 1970s and early 1980s. He then joined Shaw Brothers Holdings Limited in 1980 and began a legacy in the film industry.
His breakout work was the “Behind The Yellow Line” starring Leslie Cheung (張國榮), Maggie Cheung (張曼玉) and Anita Mui (梅艷芳). The romantic comedy is considered a cult classic by HK film fans and gave Anita Mui the Best Supporting Actress award at the 4th Hong Kong Film Awards. Taylor’s other hits include the action movie “Tragic Hero”, starring Chow Yun-fat (周润发), Andy Lau (劉德華) and Alex Man (万梓良), and “Triads – The Inside Story”.
Besides his work as a director, Taylor has also made headlines with his marriage to his ex-wife, singer and actress Prudence Liew (刘美君). The pair tied the knot in 1982, when Prudence was only 18 years old. The two divorced in 1992, after ten years of marriage, citing personality differences as the cause of the separation. Taylor and Prudence had two children during their marriage, a son and a daughter.
We extend our condolences to Taylor’s family and friends for their loss. May they find solace during this difficult time, and may Taylor rest in peace.
Sources: China Press, Dimsum Daily
