Nearly a year after the death of veteran television actor Hui Siu-hung, a seasoning brand he endorsed continues to use his likeness in online promotional materials, prompting questions from consumers and an official response from the manufacturer.
Consumer Confusion and the Brand’s Response
Online shoppers scrolling through e-commerce platforms recently noticed that multiple condiment products still feature the likeness of the late Hong Kong actor, complete with small captions identifying him as the company’s brand ambassador. The unexpected promotional presence nearly 12 months after the actor’s passing drew public curiosity and questions across social media channels.
When contacted by reporters regarding the ongoing advertisements, a representative for the seasoning manufacturer explained that the commercial agreement remains active. The company stated that while new promotional material and alternative figures are currently in development, the existing inventory and online store visuals featuring the actor are part of an unexpired contract.
A closer inspection of the digital storefronts reveals a shifting landscape. While several product listings still display the actor’s face, certain product detail pages have already transitioned, replacing his image with a neutral cartoon character. When customers inquire through direct messaging, online store representatives state that the promotional transition is actively being handled by designated staff.
Contractual Timelines and Legal Boundaries
The central question surrounding the ongoing advertisements involves the legal standing of commercial agreements after a celebrity’s death. According to company representatives, the formal endorsement contract with the actor is scheduled to run until October of next year.
Legal experts note that while an individual loses their right of portraiture upon death, the law protects a deceased person’s portrait interests through surviving family members. Endorsement contracts inherently carry a strong personal attachment, meaning they typically terminate automatically when an artist passes away unless specific safeguards are built into the initial paperwork.
Commercial use of a deceased celebrity’s image therefore hinges entirely on specific contractual clauses and family authorization. As legal professionals explain, if an agreement explicitly permits a brand to continue utilizing previously captured footage and promotional materials until the expiration date, the merchant may legally proceed under those terms.
A Legacy of Memorable Screen Performances
The late actor passed away on October 28, 2025, at the age of 76, following organ failure brought on by cancer while surrounded by his family. Born in Hong Kong in 1948 with roots in Guangdong Shantou, he entered the entertainment industry through the first training class of Television Broadcasts Limited in 1972.
Known affectionately by colleagues and fans as Benz Hung for being the first television artist to drive a Mercedes-Benz to work, the versatile supporting actor carved out an enduring career playing colorful secondary characters. Viewers across generations recognized him from classic adaptations, including his portrayal of the scholarly character Chu Chung in the 1983 television series adaptation of The Legend of the Condor Heroes and the Bat King Wai Yat-siu in the 1986 production of The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber.
His film and television credits also include a memorable role as a senior police officer in the 1999 crime thriller film Running Out of Time, which earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Hong Kong Film Awards. He later secured the Best Supporting Actor accolade at the 2013 TVB Anniversary Awards for his performance in My盛Lady
before cementing his pop-culture footprint as the beloved character Qin Huanxi in the 2014 crime drama Line Walker.
