Fans, celebs bid farewell to Huang Wenyong
Over 800 people paid their final respects Wednesday to veteran actor Huang Wenyong at his funeral at the Bright Hill Monastery.
The Malaysian-born Singaporean star passed away Saturday from lymphoma. He was 60.
At the wake in Ubi, artistes such as Xiang Yun and Chen Shu Cheng gave eulogies, thanking the late Huang for his contributions to Singapore’s television industry. His friend Li Rong De, head of MediaCorp artiste management Andrew Cheng, as well as vice-president of artiste management Ivy Low also gave eulogies.
Huang joined the-then Singapore Broadcasting Corporation in 1980 and was best known for his role as Chinese migrant "Ah Shui" in Channel 8 period drama "The Awakening".
In his over 30-year career with MediaCorp, he acted in over 100 Chinese dramas and sitcoms and won numerous awards including "Special Achievement Award" at the 1997 Star Awards and "Top 10 Favourite Male Artist Award" at the 2011 Star Awards.
Li said, “(Wenyong) dedicated his entire life to the TV industry and stood by his profession even at his deathbed. His dedication, optimism and helpfulness will always be remembered. He will always live on in our hearts as a Mr. Nice Guy.”
“As someone who enjoys being in an energetic and lively atmosphere, Wenyong will be very happy if he was here right now. He enjoys amusing us. If he knows we're all gathered here today, he'll definitely want us to be smiling,” said actress Xiang Yun.
Eight pall bearers, consisting of male artistes including Tay Ping Hui and Bryan Wong, sent the late Huang on his final journey as they carried the coffin to the car after ceremony rites ended. Fellow actor Chen Guo Hua was entrusted to oversee the funeral proceedings.
On the way to the monastery, the hearse passed by MediaCorp’s Caldecott Broadcast Centre where colleagues lined up by the roadside to pay their respects. Staff clapped as the hearse circled the company’s headquarters. It is understood the arrangement was made out of respect for the late artiste.
The late Huang is succeeded by his wife, son and daughter.
The late actor will be honoured with an honorary award during Show 2 of the Star Awards this Sunday. An hour-long television special, Remembering Huang Wenyong, will also be produced to mark his death. The special will air on 29 April, 8pm, on MediaCorp’s Chinese free-to-air Channel 8.
