Interesting Trivia about Lydia Tin Ha Sum: A Multitalented Hong Kong Comedian, MC, Actress, and Singer

Google Honors Lydia Tin Ha Sum (沈殿霞) with a Doodle: A Tribute to the Multifaceted Hong Kong Comedian, MC, Actress, and Singer, Recognized for her Unique Style, on July 21, 2022. Discover Fascinating and Amusing Tidbits about Lydia Tin Ha Sum (沈殿霞).

Personal Information about Lydia Tin Ha Sum (沈殿霞)

• Birth name: Lydia Shum Din-ha
• Birth date: 21 July 1945
• Birthplace: Shanghai, China
• Died on: 19 February 2008 (aged 62)
• Death place: Queen Mary Hospital, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
• Burial place: Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Burnaby
• Other names:
  • Fei-fei (肥肥)
  • Happy Fruit or Happy Nut (開心果)
  • Sister Fei (肥姐)
  • Lydia Sum
• Education: Shanghai No. 3 Girls’ High School
• Occupation: MC, actress, singer
• Spouse(s): Adam Cheng
• ​Children: Joyce Cheng (daughter)
• Parents:
  • Sung Shen Gee (father)
  • Sung Tan Sun (mother)
• Family: Alfred Sung (brother)
• Awards:
  • Hong Kong Film Awards – Professional Spirit Award
  • 2008 Lifetime Achievement
  • TVB Anniversary Awards – Life Achievement Award
  • 2007 Lifetime Achievement

15 Interesting Facts about Lydia Tin Ha Sum

Lydia Shum Din-ha: Discover Intriguing Facts about the Celebrated Hong Kong Comedian, MC, Actress, and Singer

1. Birth and Endearing Nicknames: Lydia Shum Din-ha was born on July 21, 1945, in Shanghai to Sung Shen Gee and Sung Tan Sun. Affectionately known as “Fei-fei” (meaning “Fat Fat” in Cantonese) or “Fei Jie” (meaning “Fat Sister”), she earned endearing nicknames from her friends and fans.
2. A Laughter Icon: Lydia Tin Ha Sum, often called “Fei Fei” or “Happy Fruit,” became a household name in Chinese communities worldwide. Her distinctive style and infectious shows brought laughter and positive energy to audiences.
3. Early Career: Lydia Tin Ha Sum embarked on her career as a teenage actress at the renowned Shaw Brothers Studio, the largest production organization in Hong Kong at the time.
4. Entering the Entertainment Industry: At the age of 13 in 1958, Shum made her entry into the Hong Kong entertainment industry. Her film debut occurred in 1960 when she joined Shaw Brothers as an actress at the age of 15.
5. Breakthrough Role: Lydia Tin Ha Sum gained recognition for her breakout role as the emcee of the popular variety show “Enjoy Yourself Tonight” in 1967. She also starred in the Cantonese film “The House of 72 Tenants,” which depicted the lives of residents in a run-down apartment.
6. Musical Ventures: Not only an actress, Lydia Tin Ha Sum displayed her singing talents as a member of the Cantopop group, the Four Golden Flowers. She later portrayed a Shanghai woman during the 1970s and collaborated with Roman Tam from 1971 to 1973.
7. Box Office Success: Lydia Tin Ha Sum’s realistic portrayal of working-class women resonated with audiences. Her film surpassed blockbuster hits, dominating Hong Kong’s box office in 1973.
8. Influential Figure: In August 1972, Lydia Tin Ha Sum was honored as one of the first Chinese individuals to ceremonially ride through the Cross-Harbor Tunnel on its opening day, reflecting her influential status.
9. Versatile Performer: Although primarily known for her comedic and emotional roles, Lydia Tin Ha Sum showcased her versatility in films like “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World,” a four-part blockbuster comedy about a family in search of wealth.
10. Television and Beyond: After stepping away from her film career in 1997, Lydia Tin Ha Sum hosted a talk show and appeared in various telethons and variety shows on TVB. She also featured in Singapore’s English-language sitcom “Living with Lydia,” winning Best Comedy Performance at the Asian Television Awards in 2003.
11. Personal Life: Lydia Shum was the sister of fashion designer Alfred Sung. She married actor and singer Adam Cheng Siu-chow in January 1985 after 11 years of cohabitation.
12. Legacy and Honors: Lydia Tin Ha Sum’s impact extended beyond her career. She received several awards for her performances and made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. She is credited with over 175 movies and was fondly remembered by fans worldwide.
13. Health Struggles: Lydia Tin Ha Sum battled serious chronic ailments, including cholangitis, diabetes, and hypertension, throughout her life.
14. Fei-fei Day: In honor of Lydia Shum, Fei-fei Day was declared on June 1, 2008, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, aligning with Shum’s Chinese lunar calendar birthday.

15. Remembering Lydia Tin Ha Sum: On July 21, 2022, Google dedicated a Doodle on its homepage to celebrate Lydia Tin Ha Sum’s 77th birthday, paying tribute to her remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry.

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