Ta Hien, the celebrated Hong Kong actor known for his portrayal of Long Tu in the iconic film 'King of Gambler', has died at the age of 90. The news was announced by his son, actor Ta Dinh Phong, on July 20 via his personal social media account. In his heartfelt message, Ta Dinh Phong reflected on his father's commitment to the film industry, stating, "Throughout his life, my father dedicated himself to cinema, always hoping to bring joy and smiles to every audience."

Ta Dinh Phong reminisced about his father's struggles, saying, "As a child, I often saw him troubled and in pain, but no matter what, he always appeared on screen in perfect form." He recalled a phrase his father often said: "The show must go on." Ta Dinh Phong expressed his wish for audiences to remember Ta Hien not with tears but with fondness for his captivating presence and enduring smile.

For over five years, Ta Hien had withdrawn from public life and had not participated in any events. While some reports suggested he had suffered a stroke, the family did not confirm these claims. However, in May, sources indicated that his health was stable and his spirits were high. He was seen in a wheelchair at a café in Hong Kong, where he happily engaged with fans who recognized him and asked for photos.

Ta Hien began his entertainment career in 1953 and left an indelible mark with his role in 'King of Gambler'. He also starred in several other notable films, including 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes', 'The Eight Immortals', and 'The Shaolin Soccer'. His most recent film was 'Time' in 2021, which depicted the lives of the elderly. After this project, he made few public appearances.

In his personal life, Ta Hien experienced multiple relationships and two marriages, including one with actress Dich Ba Lap, with whom he had two children, Ta Dinh Phong and Ta Dinh Dinh. The couple divorced in 1995. He also had a long-term relationship with model Coco, who was 49 years his junior, lasting 12 years until their split in 2018, after which he provided her with financial support.