In a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo, her studio confirmed: “Chow has succumbed to her illness on Dec 11, 2023. May there be no sickness in heaven and may we meet again in the next life.”

Rumours had been circulating online since Monday that Chow had been afflicted with various conditions or illnesses. Nevertheless, news of her passing came as a shock to fans who, just days before, saw her active on social media.

Chow had just celebrated her birthday on Dec 6, during which she posted on Douyin – China’s version of TikTok – that she appreciated the support of her fans over the years, and wished them “health, safety and happiness”.

Her last update on the platform was on Dec 8, when she posted photos of previous roles and asked her followers to identify the titles in which these characters had appeared.

Chow entered the entertainment industry after accepting an invitation to audition for TVB, following her time as a participant in the Miss Hong Kong pageant in 1985.

She rose to fame in her role as Zhou Zhiruo in 1994’s “The Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre”, with her portrayal often being called “the prettiest Zhou”. Chow would go on to play Zhou’s mentor in 2019’s version of the TVB drama.

Her other credits included “The Breaking Point”, “Time Before Time”, “Ashes of Love”, and “Count Your Lucky Stars”.

In more recent years, she shifted the focus of her career to China, where she set up her studio.

Chow was married to fellow actor Ray Lui Leung Wai from 1988-1989. Liu wrote on Weibo: “Thanks for all the good that you’ve brought to this world, and hope you’re continuing to smile in another world.”