Asian celebrities have paid their tribute to Godfrey Gao, who died on Wednesday from a heart attack.
The Taiwan-born Canadian star collapsed whilst filming a Chinese variety series by Zhejiang Television titled Chase Me. Gao was rushed to hospital but passed away after three hours.
Gao was the first Asian male model to appear in a Louis Vuitton ad campaign back in 2011.
As well as appearing in a range of Chinese films including Shanghai Fortress, Gao also appeared in Hollywood films including City Of Bones.
Crazy Rich Asians star Harry Shum Jr expressed his grief whilst emphasising Gao’s contributions to the Asian community.
“I am shocked & heartbroken to hear of Godfrey Gao’s untimely passing,” Shum tweeted. “He was a pioneer in the Asian community that stretched our imaginations on what was possible in the industry. To the original Magnus who left us way too soon, you left an impression on us that’ll last forever.”
Kim’s Convenience star Simu Liu shared his anguish on Twitter too. “My heart is absolutely shattered. Godfrey left us far too soon and in far too tragic of a way,” the Chinese Canadian actor wrote.
Mandopop star JJ Lin uploaded a plain black image on Instagram with no caption, but it was clear what the image represented.
Shu Qi, who worked alongside Gao on Shanghai Fortress, wished him a “good journey to the afterlife”.
Asura star Matt William Knowles, who has worked on many films and television shows in China, expressed his despair in a statement to us. “I am devastated that we have lost such a strong, young fellow actor,” he said. “There is no one that I am more surprised to hear this happen to. Godfrey will be sorely missed.”
“Godfrey’s sudden death spotlights the safety problems apparent in the Chinese film industry. I hope that through this terrible incident safety in China can become a higher priority for productions moving forward.”
I am shocked & heartbroken to hear of Godfrey Gao’s untimely passing. He was a pioneer in the Asian community that stretched our imaginations on what was possible in the industry. To the original Magnus who left us way too soon, you left an impression on us that’ll last forever. pic.twitter.com/eYKlRJdlTJ
— Harry Shum Jr (@HarryShumJr) 27 November 2019
My heart is absolutely shattered. Godfrey left us far too soon and in far too tragic of a way.https://t.co/ZDEWvUx54u
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) November 27, 2019
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