Veteran Hongkong actor Mak Ho Wai has died at the age of 76.

The actor is best known in Singapore for his role as the ‘Lao Hero’ in the classic Mediacorp sitcom, Don’t Worry Be Happy. The show, which ran from 1996 to 2002, was much loved by all, and also starred Mediacorp artistes Quan Yifeng, Chew Chor Meng and May Phua.

News of his passing was first shared to the media by the late actor’s good friend, Hongkong actress Michelle Yim today (Apr 14). In a statement, the 66-year-old actress confirmed that Ho Wai passed away at his home in Singapore on April 13.

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  1 of 5Michelle with Ho Wai in 2018

  “On behalf of Mak Ho Wai’s family, we would like to thank everyone for their concern. Our beloved friend Mak Ho Wai died peacefully at home last night (April 13). Ho Wai loved his family deeply, and was a good husband and father. He cherished his friends, and was a great actor too! We’ve lost another good friend! May he go in peace!” she wrote, urging everyone to allow the Mak family some time to grieve.

  While the cause of his death was not stated, Hongkong media reported that the actor is believed to have passed from either a heart attack or leukaemia.

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  2 of 5Rest in peace, Lao Hero. Ho Wai seen here with Chew Chor Meng, who played Ah Bee in the sitcom

  Ho Wai’s Don’t Worry Be Happy co-stars, Chor Meng and May, have since made posts on social media mourning the passing of the actor.

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  3 of 5“Forever [our] Lao Hero, rest in peace!” Chor Meng wrote in an Instagram Story.

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  4 of 5May's tribute to Ho Wai

  May also paid tribute to Ho Wai in an IG Story, writing: “Today I say my final goodbye to my [reel-life] dad. I will always remember you dad. Ten years acting as your youngest daughter is a long time for TV. Till we meet again.”

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  5 of 5He had a storied acting career

  Ho Wai was a graduate of TVB’s 12th artiste training class alongside Hongkong stars like Lawrence Ng, Carina Lau and Sandra Ng.

  He starred in several TVB series, including 1989’s The Justice of Life and 1992’s The Greed Of Man.

  The actor moved to Singapore after starring in a number of local productions, including 1995’s The Golden Pillow and 1998’s Return Of The Condor Heroes.

  His last appearance on-screen was in 2005, when he guest-starred in the Mediacorp drama Destiny. After he retired from showbiz, he worked as a volunteer guide at the National Museum of Singapore.

Don’t Worry Be Happy is available on meWATCH here. You can also watch the first episode below.

Photos: meWATCH, Chew Chor Meng/Instagram, May Phua/Instagram, Michelle Yim/Instagram