Lily Li

Lily Li Lai-lai (; 14 June 1950 – 27 October 2024) was a Hong Kong film and television actress. She is best known for her films The Wandering Swordsman, Executioners from Shaolin, One Foot Crane and The Young Master, and television series The Bride with White Hair, Blood Debt, Beyond the Realm of Conscience, and Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.

Early life Li was born in Hong Kong and was educated at St. Johannes College (Catholic School). At the age of 11, Li started training with Shaw Brothers Acting School where she was taught Mandarin, contemporary dancing, classical dancing, ballet and martial arts.

Career In 1964 at age 14, Li made her feature film debut The Last Woman of Shang and was signed to an exclusive acting contract with Shaw Brothers Studio in 1966.

After a few years playing supporting roles, Li rose to fame when she played her first leading role in the 1970 film The Wandering Swordsman directed by Chang Cheh and starred David Chiang. Li became one of the more popular of the Shaw Brothers actresses from the late 1960s through to the 1970s and she appeared in many action films and was at one time the protégé of martial arts expert, director and actor Lau Kar-leung.

Li joined Rediffusion Television in 1980, now known as Asia Television (ATV), and Shaolin Disciple and appeared in independent Hong Kong films including The Young Master, Daggers 8 and Dreadnaught.

In 1988, Li left Asia Television and switched to TVB. She starred in numerous supporting roles including The Final Combat, The Legend of the Invincible, The Blood Hounds, State of Divinity, Better Halves and Beauty at War. Li left TVB in January 2020 after deciding not to renew her contract, ending a 32-year relationship with the TV network.

Death Li died from lung cancer in Hong Kong, on 27 October 2024, at the age of 74.

Filmography Note: Most of the characters' names are in Cantonese romanisation.

Television (TVB)

Television (ATV)

Television (RTHK)

Television (CTV)

Television (International TV)

Films (Shaw Brothers Studios)

Films (Independent Film Studios)

Awards and achievements Year Category Nominated work Result TVB Anniversary Awards 2003 My Favourite Powerhouse Actress of the Year (Best Supporting Actress)本年度我最喜愛的實力非凡女藝員 (最佳女配角) Wai Leung in Better Halves慧 娘, 金牌冰人 TVB Anniversary Awards 2004 My Favourite Powerhouse Actress of the Year (Best Supporting Actress)本年度我最喜愛的實力非凡女藝員 (最佳女配角) Leung Sau-kiu (Mrs Mang) in Blade Heart 梁秀巧(孟大娘), 血薦軒轅 2018 TVB Honorary AwardLong-term Service and Outstanding Employee Honour Award: 30 years service長期服務暨傑出員工榮譽大獎: 30年服務