Fans of olden Hong Kong dramas may remember veteran actress Violet Lee Ying (李影) who starred in “Enigma (奇女子)” and “Blowing in the Wind (人在江湖)”. Unfortunately, it was recently revealed that Violet had passed away just yesterday (25th February).
Reportedly, Violet Lee had passed away at age 70 in Richmond, Canada where she had retired to several years ago. Her friend and fellow actress Gigi Wong (黄淑仪) confirmed her passing, adding that it had been sudden and due to an accident.
Media outlets had first reached out to Violet Lee’s former flame Damian Lau (刘松仁) to verify the news. Damian however claimed he had no knowledge of her passing. “We’ve always been in contact, but I haven’t heard that she was sick,” he told them before claiming he wanted to gather more information himself.
But, Gigi Wong, who is currently living in Vancouver, later revealed more about the situation and confirmed she had passed. Reportedly, she too had only heard about the news herself at 2pm on 25th February. “I was so shocked at the time,” she admitted. “The call came from my brother-in-law who was an old mahjong friend of Violet’s.”
According to Gigi, Violet had fallen a few days ago, but did not see a doctor. She reportedly told her friends it was just a sprain, and reassured them that she was fine. “We said we wanted to see her, but she said (it wouldn’t be good). We called her out, but she refused (to meet us),” Gigi recounted. Gigi planned to meet Violet on the 25th, after affirming she was doing alright when she called on the 24th.
However, it was not to be. When a friend phoned Violet on 25th February, there was no answer. They then visited her at her house, only for Violet to admit she was unwell and nauseous. Reportedly, Violet had been conscious, but her speech was not clear and her face was bruised. Her friends called for an ambulance, and paramedics attempted CPR on Violet before rushing her to the hospital.
Regretfully, Violet did not survive. Her daughters have since been contacted and have returned to Canada to handle their mother’s affairs. Gigi admitted: “I originally wanted to leave it to Violet’s family to announce (her passing) because they are very low-key, but as the matter has been shared to our friends in Hong Kong, and I am aware of it, I am telling the story to avoid further rumours and chaos.”
After knowing her for over 50 years, Gigi added Violet’s passing had been unexpected as she had always been in good health. Prior to her passing, she had previously been slated to perform at the local children’s hospital in March. It’s regretful that she will not be able to perform now.
Our hearts go out to those who knew Violet Lee Ying. We sincerely hope her family and friends will find peace in her passing. She will surely be missed.
Sources: China Press, Dim Sum Daily
