Who could imagine that the once dazzling star would silently pass away in her own home, unnoticed for three days. Years have passed, and whenever people talk about the senior Taiwanese actress Lau Yuk-Pok (劉玉璞), there is endless regret and emotion in their hearts. She was once active on the screen with a bright and beautiful image, yet her fate was filled with tragedy. Her death was not only shocking but also triggered deep condolences for the hardships she faced in her life.
It is said that parents are the warm haven for their children, protecting them from the wind and rain, but reality is always so cruel. After experiencing too much pain and disappointment, we understand that not all parents truly cherish their children. Some parents are guardian angels, providing endless love and warmth. Yet, some parents are cold-hearted devils, leaving indelible scars. Lau Yuk-Pok’s father was such a heart-wrenching presence in her life.
Lau Yuk-Pok was born into a family that valued sons over daughters, suffering from neglect and abuse from a young age. At home, she endured countless beatings and insults. There was an absurd rule in her house: the bathroom door must not be closed during a bath. As she gradually understood the difference between men and women, her father would still barge in during her baths, mercilessly trampling on her privacy and dignity.
As time passed, Lau Yuk-Pok’s beauty shone like a precious gem, becoming more dazzling. Regrettably, this stunning beauty did not become her amulet; instead, it pushed her into the vortex of fate.
On a heartbreaking night, when alcohol deprived her father of his senses, his demonic nature was fully exposed. The cruel claws harshly reached out to his own daughter. At that moment, Lau Yuk-Pok’s world completely collapsed, falling into an endless abyss of darkness, unable to find a way out.
The sudden shock nearly drove her to collapse, she looked to her mother for help, but the cowardly mother could only helplessly shake her head. A strong desire to survive ignited in Lau Yuk-Pok’s heart; she decided to break free from the shackles, escape this living hell, and search for her own bright future. With a limited education, Lau Yuk-Pok had to rely on odd jobs to barely make a living. One day, a talent scout discovered her, and from then on, her life took a dramatic turn, embarking on a journey to Hong Kong. Lau Yuk-Pok did not succumb to fate; with her efforts and talent, she entered the entertainment industry and began her acting career.
Her beauty and acting skills quickly caught people’s attention, making her a star in the spotlight. She created one classic character after another, starring in “Chak wong ji wong” at 19. At 20, her career reached its peak, starring in six TV dramas in one year, each becoming a hit series. “Shaolin Prince” became a nationwide sensation, making her name well-known. Her performance in “The Weird Man” was still outstanding. “Shaolin Intruders” left a deep impression on the audience.
At the age of 21, Lau Yuk-Pok received a very important role in her life—Zhao Min. Her outstanding performance in “The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber” made this character memorable. Her heroic temperament was unmatched. Since her portrayal, no actress has been able to perfectly embody Zhao Min. Her charm made it seem as though even the most handsome men in the world could not compare.
Despite new adaptations of “The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber” having taken the lead, many netizens still insist that the old version of Zhao Min is the true representation of the original character. That unique charm is unforgettable. Lau Yuk-Pok, not formally trained, possessed an astonishing acting talent. She was able to bring each character to life with her understanding and feelings, leaving audiences in awe.
At the age of 23, she starred in “The Story of a Noble Family,” which was a trendsetting drama at the time. Since its release, it has received overwhelming praise and was unparalleled in popularity. It was later successfully remade in mainland China, becoming a classic among classics.
As years went by, Lau Yuk-Pok’s roles began to explore deeper layers and more challenges. She not only played formidable female spies in Republican-era dramas but also displayed her enchanting charm in modern urban dramas.
However, Lau Yuk-Pok’s marriage became another nightmare in her life. At the peak of her career, she chose to marry and have children.
In 1985, Lau Yuk-Pok met a charming priest, Zhang Jianzhong, in a church. His magnetic voice and warm, friendly smile cleared the shadows in her heart.
Lau Yuk-Pok, who had lacked love since childhood, thought she had finally found her true love. With the birth of their first child, she gradually faded from the screen, returning to her family and stopped taking on roles.
Zhang Jianzhong, seemingly gentle and refined in public like a noble gentleman, was in private a complete hypocrite. He was lazy at home and even verbally abused his beloved wife. Zhang Jianzhong was only interested in Lau Yuk-Pok’s fame and status, not truly loving her. Lau Yuk-Pok gave up her booming career, spent all her savings on her husband’s study abroad, and accompanied him to a foreign country. However, her sacrifice was met with an increasingly cold attitude from Zhang Jianzhong.
Lau Yuk-Pok, stricken by a ruthless disease, was forced to seek refuge in her parents’ home. However, she did not find the warmth she longed for but faced more coldness and cruelty. Her parents not only verbally abused her, calling her a harbinger of misfortune but also heartlessly demanded money from her. Such experiences painfully underscore Lau Yuk-Pok’s tragic fate.
Lau Yuk-Pok suffered indifference and abuse from her husband, as well as curses and insults from her own parents. Her mental world completely collapsed, and she developed severe depression. She felt as if she was abandoned by the world, unloved, and misunderstood.
Afterward, she began raising her child alone, and though it was hard, it was also fulfilling. What she didn’t expect was that after enduring most of her life, she would be taken away by a sudden heart attack. On May 14, 2009, Lau Yuk-Pok died alone, unnoticed for three days. Her death at home remained unknown until a friend happened to visit.
Perhaps for her, death was a true liberation; she no longer had to face this cold world alone. Because her heart had already died in her childhood.
