1. Overview
Lydia Shum Din-ha, also known as Lydia Sum Tin Ha, was a highly influential Hong Kong-Canadian comedian, MC, actress, and singer. Born on July 21, 1945, in Shanghai, she became an iconic figure in the Hong Kong entertainment industry, beloved for her distinctive portly figure, signature dark-rimmed glasses, and bouffant hairstyle. Affectionately known as "Fei-fei" (肥肥FattyChinese) or "Fei Jie" (肥姐Fat SisterChinese), and often called "Happy Fruit" (開心果Happy FruitChinese), Shum cultivated a warm and friendly public image. Her career spanned from 1960 until her passing in 2008, during which she made significant contributions to television, film, and music. Shum battled chronic illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension, and liver cancer, before her death on February 19, 2008, at the age of 62. Her legacy is marked by numerous awards, widespread public adoration, and lasting impact on Hong Kong entertainment.
2. Early life and background
Lydia Shum's early life was rooted in Shanghai before her family's relocation to Hong Kong, where she began her journey in the entertainment world.
2.1. Birth and Family
Lydia Shum Din-ha was born on July 21, 1945, in Baoshan District, Shanghai, which was then part of the Republic of China. Her parents were Shum Yin Gee (沈賢祺Chinese; 1913-1978), whose ancestral home was in Shanpei, Ningbo, and Shum Yao Tam Suh (沈邱淡素Chinese; 1913-2008). She was the sister of renowned fashion designer Alfred Sung. At the age of four, her family relocated to Hong Kong.
2.2. Childhood and Education
Shum spent her early childhood years in Shanghai before moving to Hong Kong. Her education included attending Shanghai No. 3 Girls' High School, though she later left middle school. She entered the Hong Kong entertainment industry at the young age of 13 in 1958. Initially, she found it challenging to adjust to Hong Kong, particularly noting the significant difference between local Cantonese cuisine and her native Shanghai cuisine.
3. Career
Lydia Shum's professional journey was extensive and highly impactful, covering various facets of the entertainment industry from film and television to singing and hosting.
3.1. Debut and Early Career
Shum made her film debut in 1960 at the age of 15, joining Shaw Brothers as an actress. Her first notable role was in When the Peach Blossoms Bloom, a 1960 Mandarin comedy directed by Griffin Yueh Feng. From her early career, her distinctive portly figure, thick dark-rimmed glasses, and unique bouffant hairstyle became her enduring trademarks. She primarily appeared in comedy films, where her comical performances quickly gained her popularity.
3.2. Television Career
In 1967, Lydia Shum's stardom significantly rose with the popular variety show Enjoy Yourself Tonight on TVB, which was Hong Kong's second television broadcasting station. She became one of the first stakeholders in the newly launched TVB and was a regular cast member of Enjoy Yourself Tonight, a program that aired over 6,600 times. On the show, she showcased her versatility through various comedy sketches and comical songs, capturing the hearts of Hong Kong citizens and establishing her enduring popularity. She first performed as a singer in the Cantopop group, the Four Golden Flowers. Later, she portrayed a Shanghai woman in the 1970s and also sang as the partner of Roman Tam from 1971 to 1973.
By August 1972, Shum was so well-regarded that she was invited to ceremonially ride through the Cross-Harbour Tunnel on its opening day, making her one of the first Chinese individuals to do so. Stephen Chan, TVB's General Manager, stated that Lydia Shum was irreplaceable and that anyone who worked with her professionally eventually became well-known in Hong Kong. Her willingness to appear in sport bikinis and ballet costumes, despite her size, earned her immense respect in image-conscious Hong Kong. In 1990, Shum left TVB to join ATV, where she hosted her own shows and various other programs. However, she returned to TVB in 1996 and remained with the station for the rest of her career.
3.3. Film Career
Lydia Shum was primarily known as a comic and dramatic actress, but her filmography was not limited to these genres. She appeared in over 175 films throughout her career. Kung fu enthusiasts may recognize her from her role as Yuen Cheung-Yan's dominating wife in the film Drunken Tai Chi. She also featured as Richard Ng's wife in the all-star comedy Millionaire's Express and played a major role in the successful four-movie series It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World. Her 1997 film Fitness Tour notably utilized her weight as a central element of its plot.
Shum took a break from her movie career in 1997 to host a talk show in Hong Kong, alongside numerous telethons and variety shows on TVB. In 1976, she co-directed You Are Wonderful. Her final film appearance was in In-Laws, Out-Laws, a 2004 Cantonese comedy film directed by Clifton Ko Chi-Sum.
3.4. Singing and MC Career
Beyond acting, Lydia Shum was also a prominent singer and a highly respected Master of Ceremonies (MC). Her singing career included being part of the Cantopop group the Four Golden Flowers and performing as a duo with Roman Tam. As an MC, she was dubbed the "Golden Host" for her long-standing role in popular programs like Enjoy Yourself Tonight. Her bright and cheerful personality, combined with her ability to engage audiences, made her one of Hong Kong's most sought-after hosts.
3.5. Regional and International Work
Shum's influence extended beyond Hong Kong into other Asian regions. She starred in Singapore's Channel 5 sitcom Living with Lydia, where she was credited as Lydia Sum. She also appeared in Cantonese series such as Slim Chances (我要Fit一FitChinese). Her performance in Living with Lydia earned her the "Best Comedy Performance by an Actress" award at the 2003 Asian Television Awards. This marked her first experience acting in an English sitcom with a multi-camera format, though a laugh track was utilized.
4. Personal life
Lydia Shum's personal life, particularly her marriage and relationship with her daughter, garnered significant public attention.
4.1. Marriage and Divorce
Lydia Shum married actor and singer Adam Cheng Siu-chow in January 1985, following 11 years of cohabitation. The marriage took place under hurried circumstances. In December 1984, Shum was asked by her close friend Lee Heung Kam to fly to San Francisco for a shop opening. Although hesitant, Shum, who was in Taiwan with Cheng at the time, eventually went. Upon her return to Taiwan, she heard rumors that Cheng was having an affair. When confronted, Cheng denied the allegations and proposed marriage. Shum believed that marriage would deter other women from pursuing Cheng. On January 5, 1985, Cheng and Shum traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to get married. Due to the rushed nature of their wedding and Shum's non-standard clothing sizes, there was insufficient time to prepare a wedding gown. She wore a Chinese cheongsam instead, and later, in a 2006 interview, expressed that one of her greatest regrets was not wearing a wedding gown. The couple divorced in 1988, eight months after the birth of their daughter.
4.2. Daughter
On May 30, 1987, Lydia Shum and Adam Cheng welcomed their daughter, Joyce Cheng Yan-Yee. Following their divorce in 1988, Shum returned to Hong Kong with her daughter and continued her entertainment career, raising Joyce as a single mother.
5. Health issues and death
Lydia Shum faced significant health challenges throughout her later life, battling multiple chronic illnesses that ultimately led to her passing.
5.1. Chronic Illnesses and Treatment
Shum suffered from several serious chronic ailments, including cholangitis, diabetes, and hypertension. In 2002, she was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) in Hong Kong, where 36 gallstones were extracted. Prior to this, she had experienced bile duct inflammation in 1978 and again in 1989.
The inflammation recurred on September 22, 2006, and four days later, it complicated her liver, leading her into a coma until October 1. In September 2006, Shum was diagnosed with a liver tumor and cancer around the gallbladder. Doctors promptly removed one-third of her liver. On January 29, 2007, she underwent another surgery to remove a liver tumor weighing 6.0 lb (2.7 kg). On March 8, 2007, the tumor was found to be growing, necessitating yet another surgery.
During her hospitalization on October 1, 2006, a 24-year-old Indonesian domestic helper, Triyuliarti Yuyun, attempted to photograph Shum in her ward at QMH. Yuyun was later convicted of violating the Hospital Authority Ordinance and sentenced to four weeks in jail. It was confirmed that Yuyun was working for an employee of the local magazine East Week, though she had not been authorized to take the photographs. Senior management of East Week did not approve of the action and issued an apology to Shum. Magistrate Colin Mackintosh deemed Yuyun's actions premeditated and financially motivated, warranting a custodial sentence due to the serious infringement of patient privacy. Shum was discharged from the hospital in July 2007.
On October 11, 2007, Shum collapsed at home due to pleural effusion and was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QE) for emergency treatment before being transferred to QMH later that day. She was discharged on October 16, 2007.
5.2. Final Days and Passing
Lydia Shum was admitted to the intensive care ward of QMH on January 22, 2008, and was discharged four days later. While she was hospitalized, her mother passed away in Canada. Shum was readmitted to the intensive care ward of QMH on February 2, 2008, where her condition continued to worsen.
On February 19, 2008, at 3:00 AM local time, her family made the difficult decision to withdraw her life support. Her breathing apparatus was removed, allowing her family to spend her final moments by her bedside. Lydia Shum died at 8:38 AM local time that day, at the age of 62. She had battled liver cancer for two years, undergoing chemotherapy and several rounds of kidney dialysis as part of her treatment. Her death was attributed to complications arising from her chronic illnesses, including liver cancer, pleural effusion, and hypertension.
On February 24, 2008, escorted by her daughter Joyce, Shum's body was flown on a Cathay Pacific passenger flight from Hong Kong to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. A private burial ceremony was held on February 27 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Burnaby. Video footage of the funeral was later shown at a public memorial event held at the Hong Kong Coliseum on March 2.
6. Legacy and Recognition
Lydia Shum's impact on the Hong Kong entertainment industry and her public image cemented her status as a beloved and enduring figure.
6.1. Public Image and Nicknames
Lydia Shum was widely known and adored for her cheerful disposition and distinctive appearance, which included her portly figure, signature dark-rimmed glasses, and bouffant hairstyle. She was affectionately known by several nicknames that reflected her public persona. The most common were "Fei-fei" (肥肥Chinese, literally "Fat Fat" or "Fatty") and "Fei Jie" (肥姐Chinese, literally "Fat Sister"). She was also widely referred to as "Happy Fruit" or "Happy Nut" (開心果Chinese), a testament to her ability to bring joy and laughter to audiences. These nicknames highlighted the positive, friendly, and approachable image she cultivated throughout her career, making her a cherished personality in Hong Kong and beyond.
6.2. Awards and Honors
Shum received numerous accolades recognizing her significant contributions to the entertainment industry. She was awarded the Professional Spirit Award and the Life Achievement Award by TVB. In November 2007, TVB honored her with the "Special Achievement Award" at its 40th Anniversary Gala, acknowledging her long-standing impact on the Hong Kong entertainment industry. Despite her severe illness at the time, she attended the ceremony in a wheelchair to accept the award, expressing her gratitude and hope for recovery.
6.3. Impact on Entertainment
Lydia Shum's influence on the Hong Kong entertainment industry was profound and multifaceted. She was a pioneering artist for TVB, becoming a cornerstone of its early success, particularly through her role in Enjoy Yourself Tonight. Her comedic timing and versatile performances set a high standard for variety shows and television entertainment. She was widely respected for her professionalism and her ability to connect with audiences across generations. Her wide network of friends and colleagues in the Hong Kong entertainment circle underscored her beloved status; for instance, Leslie Cheung expressed gratitude to her in his suicide note. Her passing prompted widespread mourning across Hong Kong, with media outlets providing immediate coverage and special tribute programs. Then-Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Donald Tsang, also issued a statement acknowledging her significant contributions to Hong Kong society. Shum's legacy continues to influence future generations of performers, particularly in comedy and MCing, as she exemplified resilience and a positive spirit.
6.4. Commemorations
Lydia Shum has been honored through various commemorations following her death. On February 26, 2008, just a week after her passing, Mayor Sam Sullivan of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, proclaimed June 1, 2008, as "Fei-fei Day" (肥肥日Chinese). This date corresponds to Shum's birthday according to the Chinese lunar calendar, recognizing her long-standing connection to Vancouver, where she had resided and was eventually buried. The province of British Columbia also issued a message of condolence. On July 21, 2022, on what would have been her 77th birthday, Lydia Shum was featured as a Google Doodle, further cementing her global recognition. Additionally, on June 1, 2013, a memorial concert titled "Happy Fruit Forever Miss You Concert" (開心果永遠欣想妳演唱會Chinese) was held in Hong Kong. Many prominent Hong Kong entertainers, including Eric Tsang and Jacky Cheung, participated, vowing to uphold her motto of always being positive.
7. Filmography
This is a partial list of films and television programs in which Lydia Shum appeared.
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | When the Peach Blossoms Bloom | Film debut | |
| 1965 | The Lotus Lamp | ||
| 1967 | Three Women in a Factory | Chow Siu-Yuk | |
| 1967 | Broadcast Queen | ||
| 1967 | The Iron Lady Against the One-eyed Dragon | ||
| 1967 | A Girl's Secret | ||
| 1967 | Every Girl a Romantic Dreamer | Sai | |
| 1967 | Waste Not Our Youth | Fei Fei | |
| 1967 | Unforgettable First Love | ||
| 1967 | Finding a Wife in a Blind Way | ||
| 1967 | The Flying Killer (aka Chivalrous Girl in the Air) | Chow Mei-Ha | |
| 1967 | Happy Years | Cheung Lan | |
| 1968 | Lady Songbird | ||
| 1968 | Happy Years | ||
| 1968 | Four Gentlemanly Flowers | ||
| 1968 | A Blundering Detective and a Foolish Thief | ||
| 1968 | Won't You Give Me a Kiss? | ||
| 1968 | Teenage Love | ||
| 1968 | Wonderful Youth | ||
| 1968 | We All Enjoy Ourselves Tonight | ||
| 1969 | Moments of Glorious Beauty | ||
| 1969 | The Little Warrior | ||
| 1969 | Teddy Girls | Yeung Siu-Kiu | |
| 1969 | To Catch a Cat | ||
| 1969 | A Big Mess | ||
| 1969 | One Day at a Time | ||
| 1970 | Secret Agent No. 1 | ||
| 1970 | Happy Times | ||
| 1970 | The Mad Bar | ||
| 1971 | The Invincible Eight | ||
| 1972 | Songs and Romance Forever | ||
| 1973 | The Private Eye | ||
| 1973 | Love Is a Four Letter Word | ||
| 1973 | If Tomorrow Comes | ||
| 1973 | The House of 72 Tenants | Shanghai Po | |
| 1974 | The Country Bumpkin | ||
| 1974 | Tenants of Talkative Street | ||
| 1974 | Lovable Mr. Able | ||
| 1974 | The Crazy Instructor | ||
| 1974 | The Country Bumpkin in Style | ||
| 1974 | Kissed by the Wolves | ||
| 1975 | Pretty Swindler | ||
| 1975 | Don't Call Me Uncle | ||
| 1975 | Sup Sap Bup Dup | ||
| 1976 | You are Wonderful | Also director | |
| 1976 | Love in Hawaii | ||
| 1977 | The Great Man | ||
| 1982 | Cat vs Rat | ||
| 1984 | Drunken Tai Chi | ||
| 1986 | The Millionaire's Express | ||
| 1987 | It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World | ||
| 1987 | Mr. Handsome | ||
| 1988 | Tiger on the Beat | Cameo | |
| 1988 | Double Fattiness | ||
| 1988 | Mother vs. Mother | ||
| 1988 | King of Stanley Market | ||
| 1988 | Faithfully Yours | ||
| 1988 | It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World II | ||
| 1989 | The Bachelor's Swan-Song | ||
| 1989 | City Squeeze | ||
| 1989 | Eat a Bowl of Tea | ||
| 1989 | It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World III | ||
| 1989 | Lost Souls | ||
| 1991 | The Banquet | ||
| 1991 | The Perfect Match | ||
| 1992 | It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World Too | ||
| 1993 | The Laughter of Water Margins | ||
| 1993 | Perfect Couples | ||
| 1993 | He Ain't Heavy, He's My Father | ||
| 1995 | Just Married | ||
| 1997 | Fitness Tour | ||
| 1997 | Happy Together | ||
| 2001 | The Stamp of Love | ||
| 2001-2005 | Living with Lydia | Television series | |
| 2003 | Miss Du Shi Niang | ||
| 2004 | In-Laws, Out-Laws | ||
| 2006 | Where Are They Now? | Television series |