Local stars Sharon Au, Fann Wong, Aileen Tan recall past projects with Cheng Pei-pei

SINGAPORE – Following news of veteran Hong Kong-American actress

Cheng Pei-pei’s death

, Singaporean stars have been paying tribute to her. She had starred in several local series, such as Heroes In Black (2001), Springs Of Life (2002) and Women Of Times (2006).

Cheng died at the age of 78 on July 17 in the United States, where she was living. She reportedly suffered from corticobasal degeneration, a rare condition that causes movement, memory and speech problems similar to Parkinson’s disease.

She is known for Ang Lee’s Oscar-nominated Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) and King Hu’s seminal wuxia feature Come Drink With Me (1966).

Actress Sharon Au, 48, played Cheng’s daughter in the period comedy Springs Of Life. Au posted a photo of herself with Cheng, as well as Wong Li-lin and the late Singaporean actor Huang Wenyong, on July 21.

In the series, Au and Wong played sisters, and Cheng and Huang were their parents. Huang died in 2013 at the age of 60 due to lymphoma.

The chosen music for the post was the ending theme of the drama, Dawn, which was sung by Au.

Au wrote that working with Cheng was “nothing short of a masterclass” due to Cheng’s professionalism and big heart.

Au recalled: “Whenever we had a morning shoot together, I would pick her up from her hotel, even before the break of dawn. And when filming ended, which was often way past midnight, we would drive back together in my convertible with the top down. She enjoyed the night breeze and the quietude of the city. I treasure those private moments of yesteryears we shared dearly in my heart.”

Home-grown actress Fann Wong acted opposite Cheng in the period series Heroes In Black and the family drama Women Of Times.

Fann, 53, who played Cheng’s daughter-in-law in Women Of Times, wrote on July 19: “Found these two posters of projects we worked on together. Remembering the good times you brought us. Your passion and talent will forever remain in my memory. Rest in peace.”

Veteran local actress Aileen Tan, who played Cheng’s daughter in the series, posted on July 20 a group photo of the cast, which included Edmund Chen, Terence Cao, Julian Hee, Jesseca Liu, Huang Yiliang and Lin Meijiao.

The 57-year-old wrote: “The swordswoman of my heart, Cheng Pei-pei. I’m so honoured we got to play mother and daughter in Women Of Times. Us juniors in the industry should learn from your friendly smile and professional attitude.”