Veteran Singaporean actor Beatrice Chien, who appeared in films such as “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Ramen Teh,” passed away from pancreatic cancer on Tuesday at the age of 81.
The details: Chien’s death was announced on her personal Facebook page, according to The Straits Times.
- “She told me last year that she had late-stage pancreatic cancer,” shared Catherine Sng, founder of The Glowers Drama Group, where Chien was also a pioneer member. “She was very strong. She said since it’s already late-stage, she just wanted to live out the time she had left happily.”
- Chien was cremated on Thursday morning in Mandai.
- She is survived by three children and two grandchildren.
A lasting legacy: Chien entered the entertainment industry at the age of 15, Mothership reported. She began as a radio voice actor while still studying at the Methodist Girls’ School in Singapore.
- Chien eventually left the industry to pursue a career as a nurse.
- She spent 40 years in the profession before going back to performing in the early 2000s. She went on to star in several movies and TV shows such as the long-running series “Your Hand In Mine” and the 2018 drama “Ramen Teh.”
- Eric Khoo, director of “Ramen Teh,” shared that Chien “didn’t even need to audition” for her role.
- “We had a 30-minute conversation and she knew exactly what I was looking for,” Khoo said. “She always had a really good vibe around her and all the actors, including Takumi Saitoh, who played her grandson, just fell in love with her.”
- One of Chien’s last roles was Nick Young’s nanny, Ling Cheh, in “Crazy Rich Asians.”
Featured Image via Beatrice Chien
