According to 163, the 4th anniversary of the passing of actor Ngô Mạnh Đạt will be on February 27. Many fans are expressing their condolences for a rare talent in the Hong Kong film industry. Although he has left us, his roles and works continue to resonate in the hearts of the public.
When he was still active, Ngô Mạnh Đạt was considered the “golden man” of the industry. The actor, born in 1952, was rated as a “1,000-year actor” for his intelligent, charming performances that brought life to various characters. Despite often taking on supporting roles, Ngô Mạnh Đạt was a skilled actor capable of improvising brilliantly with his fellow performers, even enhancing the overall quality of the productions he was involved in.
The HK01 page appreciates the professionalism of Châu Tinh Trì, undoubtedly a crucial factor in Ngô Mạnh Đạt’s success. The two became known as a “golden duo” in the comedy realm, delivering numerous box office hits that consistently topped ticket sales.
Ngô Mạnh Đạt studied acting in 1974 alongside Châu Nhuận Phát. He participated in several TVB productions like The Legend of the Condor Heroes and Little Tiger. By 1979, after starring in The Legend of the Condor Heroes, Ngô Mạnh Đạt became famous overnight. Reflecting on that time, he shared that he was no different from Châu Nhuận Phát, always being sought after and photographed everywhere. He even humorously noted, “Every time I open a hotel door, there’s always a girl waiting for me.”
In 1989, Châu Nhuận Phát gained widespread fame across Asia with the blockbuster God of Gamblers. Châu Tinh Trì decided to create a work that parodied this style of humor. This was a significant challenge for Châu Tinh Trì as he had to step out of the shadow of his mentor.
The release of God of Gamblers 1 in 1990 broke records in all box offices, catapulting Châu Tinh Trì to stardom. Ngô Mạnh Đạt also gained recognition close to the title of “King of Comedy.”
Afterwards, the two collaborated on numerous iconic works such as God of Gamblers 2 and 3, The Return of the Heavenly Dragon, The King of Comedy, The Evil and the Good, and The Legend of the Dragon, helping Châu Tinh Trì solidify his position as the “king of comedy” in Hong Kong.
Alongside his comedic film career, Ngô Mạnh Đạt never shied away from serious dramatic roles. In 1990, with the film The Unseen World, the actor won the Best Supporting Actor award at the Hong Kong Film Awards.
After the golden age of Châu Tinh Trì’s films, Ngô Mạnh Đạt seemed to take a step back, occasionally appearing in smaller roles and supporting his younger colleagues. He continued to take on supporting roles, although not as prominent as during the golden years of the 1980s and 1990s, yet still evoking deep sentiment. Notable films from this era include The Legendary Hero 3 (alongside Ngô Ngạn Tổ, Cổ Thiên Lạc, Châu Tấn, etc.) or blockbuster hits like The Legend of the World.
