TVB’s ‘Go-To Caucasian Actor’ Gregory Charles Rivers Dies At 58 From Apparent Suicide

Australia-born Hong Kong actor Gregory Charles Rivers has died at 58.

According to reports, Gregory, who also went by the name Ho Kwok Wing, was found unconscious in a room in Clear Water Bay’s Tai Au Mun Village House on Feb 2.

The police discovered burnt coal in the room upon their arrival, and Gregory was pronounced dead on the scene.

Gregory was best known in the 2000s for being TVB’s token gweilo, or go-to Caucasian actor. He appeared in over 200 Hong Kong dramas, including The Duke of Mount Deer (1998), Triumph in the Skies (2003), and Dicey Business (2006).

He parted ways with the broadcaster in 2007 after finishing his contract, and was encouraged by Chow Yun Fat to branch out into movies.

He would later appear in films such as OCTB (2017), and All U Need Is Love (2021).

In 2017, Gregory beat skin cancer, only to be diagnosed with arrhythmia the year after. He underwent two rounds of major surgery and had accumulated a hefty S$140K debt in hospital bills.

Gregory’s wife Bonnie Cheung, whom he wed in 1988, reportedly passed away from an illness a few months ago.

In a short span of 24 hours, Hong Kong lost two of its beloved stars, Gregory, and veteran radio DJ and actor, Eric Cheng. The latter fell ill on Feb 2, and died on the evening of Feb 3.

While mourning the loss of both men, netizens realised that they both appeared in crime drama Dead Ringer last year.

The scene they shared was set in a mortuary, with Eric playing a detective and Gregory, a forensic pathologist.

Many were shocked by the coincidence, with some wondering if it was fate that put them on their last project together.

If you or someone you know is having difficulties coping, here are some numbers to call:

Samaritans of Singapore: 1800-221-4444

Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019

CHAT @ *SCAPE: (+65) 6493 6500, (+65) 6493 6501

SAF Counselling Hotline: 1800-278-0022

Photos: rojaklah.my, HK01

You can watch Gregory in his role as pilot Eddie in Triumph in the Skies on mewatch, or catch episode one below.