Today is a very sad day for fans who grew up watching classic Hong Kong comedies such as 'Fight Back To School' and 'Shaolin Soccer'.

One of the most recognisable comedy actors in Hong Kong, Ng Man-tat, has passed away.

Goodbye to an old friend

According to entertainment website Lianhe Zaobao, Ng succumbed to liver cancer at a Hong Kong hospital at 5:16pm on Saturday (27 October).

He was 70.

Ng's death was confirmed by fellow actor and best friend Tin Kai-man.

Ng was admitted into the hospital on 20 February due to a serious illness, and he was reportedly sent to the oncology department with no news about his condition.

On 22 February, it was reported that Ng had made a phone call, saying that he was fine and had a close shave.

However, early Saturday morning, Hong Kong's Apple News reported that his health suddenly took a turn for the worse and he had to be rushed into the intensive care unit (ICU).

Former TVB actor Wilson Tsui, one of Ng's good friends, reportedly paid a Ng a visit and admitted that he was there to see the actor for the last time.

Tsui acknowledged that Ng had been suffering from liver cancer, and he had undergone an operation in December last year.

A comedy icon

Together with Hong Kong star Stephen Chow, Ng formed arguably the best comedic duos in Hong Kong back in the 1990s.

Chow and Ng starred in some of the most memorable comedy films ever made, such as 'Justice, My Foot', 'Fight Back To School' and more recently, 'Shaolin Soccer'.

However, both Ng and Chow reportedly had a fallout in 2004, when Chow allegedly took Ng's lead role in 'Kungfu Hustle'.

When Chow found out about Ng's condition, he had been worried, and "has been asking around about Ng's situation," Tin said.

"Stephen called to find out about Ng's situation and see where he can help. He has always cared about his friends, but he is very low-key about it."

When asked if Chow had visited Ng for the final time, Tin disclosed that the actor's older sister did so on his behalf.

Rest in peace, Uncle Tat! Thank you for giving us hours and hours of precious laughter growing up. You will be sorely missed.