Patrick Tse (Xie Xian), a legendary veteran actor of Hong Kong's entertainment industry known by the nickname "Fourth Brother," passed away peacefully at home at the age of 89 after his health had been declining over the past several years. Nic Tse rushed back to Hong Kong to handle his father's funeral arrangements.
The family of Patrick Tse, also known as Patrick Tse Yin, issued a statement on Monday, 20 July, confirming the passing of the celebrated veteran actor at the age of 89. They stated that he departed peacefully at home, surrounded by family members, following ongoing health problems over the past several years.
In the statement, the family said with deep sorrow that Patrick Tse had achieved great success throughout his career as an actor and artist. Beyond the respect he earned through his work, he was also beloved for his personal charm, his passion for life, and his one-of-a-kind personality. The family expressed their belief that his style and spirit would live on in the hearts and memories of audiences for years to come.
Nic Tse (Xie Tingfeng), the renowned singer and actor, was in mainland China at the time preparing for his Evolution Nic Live concerts in Qingdao on 25 and 26 July. He was reported to have already returned to Hong Kong to assist with his father's funeral arrangements.
Sources indicated that the family will hold all ceremonies entirely in private, in accordance with Patrick Tse's wishes. Jennifer Tse （Xie Tingting), his daughter who has been living in Canada with her husband and children for a number of years, is also expected to return to Hong Kong to say her final farewell to her father.
Patrick Tse's last public appearance, according to reports, was in late April, when he went out for coffee with friends at a shop on The Peak. At the time, he was in a wheelchair and using a cane, and he appeared noticeably thinner.
Despite his visibly weakened health, the veteran actor maintained his signature look — dressed in a dark red tracksuit, blue trousers, a hat, and sunglasses, with the ponytail hairstyle that audiences knew well. He was still smiling and gladly posed for photos with those who came up to greet him.
Patrick Tse was widely known in Hong Kong's entertainment circles by the nickname "Fourth Brother," or Sei Gor, and was regarded as one of the most charismatic figures in the industry — recognized for his personality, his distinctive sense of style, and a performing career spanning several decades.
In his later years, he greatly reduced his public appearances. His most significant late-career work was the film Time, which earned him the Best Actor award at the Hong Kong Film Awards in 2022, after which he took on no new acting roles.
The passing of Patrick Tse marks a profound loss for Hong Kong's entertainment world, closing the chapter on the life of an actor whose work, achievements, and remarkable persona remain vivid in the memories of audiences across generations.
