How Benz Hui Got His Famous Name

The news of veteran Hong Kong actor Benz Hui’s passing this week has drawn tributes from across Asia for his remarkable 50-year career.

The beloved star, whose real name is Hui Shiu Hung, passed away from cancer-related organ failure on Oct 28 at age 76.

Amid the many heartfelt tributes, local media have also revisited some of the lesser-known and fascinating stories from his life and lineage.

Benz had previously shared that his great-grandfather Xu Yingkui, a 19th-century Qing dynasty politician, was the godson of Empress Cixi.

And his grandaunt, Xu Guangping, was the wife of famed modern Chinese writer Lu Xun, making Benz the nephew of one of China’s most influential literary figures.

Growing up, Benz enjoyed a privileged upbringing. He once joked that as a boy, his “toys” were jade ornaments and embroidered sachets, treasures he played with without knowing their worth.

Still, Benz was quick to dismiss the idea he had it easy.

“My family was well-off in the earlier generations but when it reached me, I had to depend on myself,” he said.

As for how the name “Benz” came about, it wasn’t something a stage name or PR invention, but a nickname that stuck and became part of his identity.

Early in his career, Benz was known for driving a Mercedes-Benz to work, earning him the nickname Benz Hung.

In a YouTube video with his daughter, he shared the story behind it.

Before owning a Mercedes-Benz, he drove several cars that “weren't exactly cheap, but more affordable than a Benz”.

The problem, he said, was that every one of them would start having issues after a year or two.

“So I thought, why not switch to a Benz? It only cost a few hundred dollars more each month, so I went for it,” he said.

For the next 10 years, he drove nothing but a Benz and the name stuck. He eventually adopted it as his English name.

And yes, until today, the family still drives a Mercedes-Benz.