Hong Kong former actress Barbara Chan, wife of late actor Liu Kai Chi, dies aged 65, Entertainment News

Former TVB actress and presenter Barbara Chan Man Yee died Friday, June 12, at the age of 65. According to a social media statement posted by her two sons, Chan passed away at Prince of Wales Hospital following an illness, surrounded by her family.

Why was Barbara Chan Man Yee significant to TVB?

Chan was a leading actress for TVB during the 1980s. She is remembered for her roles in “General Father General Son” (1986) and for starring alongside Andy Lau in “The Emissary” (1982).

She stepped away from the public eye after marrying actor Liu Kai Chi in 1987. In several interviews, the couple stated they met in a TVB acting class, where Chan said she fell in love at first sight because he was “cool and different from others.”

Did You Know? Barbara Chan Man Yee’s career included high-profile collaborations with stars like Andy Lau in the 1982 production “The Emissary.”

What were the details of her health struggle?

While her sons’ statement did not specify her cause of death, Chan shared updates about her health on social media. In a Facebook post last October, she noted she had been unwell and had lost weight.

Chan wrote that she was admitted to CUHK Medical Centre in July 2025 for a “last-minute decision” and expressed belief that she would recover. On her YouTube channel, she later revealed she had a 14cm incision on her abdomen and struggled to move or sit up due to immense pain.

During an October 31, 2025, episode of TVB’s “StarTalk,” Chan discussed her health but declined to disclose her specific condition, citing a preference for privacy. She used the platform to urge others who are unwell to lead fulfilling lives.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Chan’s decision to prioritize family over her acting career reflects a common transition for leading ladies of that era. The compounding grief of losing a child and a spouse often shifts a public figure’s focus toward private resilience and family legacy.

What is the family’s history of loss?

Chan’s death follows a series of family tragedies. Her husband, Liu Kai Chi, died on March 28, 2021, at age 66 after a battle with stomach cancer.

The couple also lost a third son. He was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2003 at age three and passed away three years later.

What happens next with the memorial services?

The funeral and memorial services are likely to remain small. According to the statement from her sons, these events will be private and limited to close friends and family members to honor Chan’s wishes.

The family has requested understanding from the public regarding this privacy. This death occurs shortly after the passing of Hong Kong actress Natalie Ng, who died following a multi-year battle with cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Barbara Chan Man Yee die?
She died on Friday, June 12, at the age of 65.

Who was Barbara Chan Man Yee’s husband?
She was the widow of actor Liu Kai Chi, who died of stomach cancer on March 28, 2021.

What were some of her most notable acting roles?
She starred in “The Emissary” (1982) and “General Father General Son” (1986).

How do you think the legacy of 1980s TVB stars continues to influence Hong Kong entertainment today?