Following the unexpected passing of Hong Kong star Kathy Chow, 57, her family background has been cast into the spotlight once again.
The actress, who passed away in her Beijing home on Dec 11 due to illness, was reportedly from an esteemed family and a descendent of the Manchu nobility.
According to reports, she is from the Gūwalgiya clan, one of the most prominent Manchu clans of the Qing Dynasty.
Her family, which is under the Bordered White Banner, one of the Eight Banners of Manchu military, is the largest branch among the Jurchen people.
Kathy once revealed that her ancestors served as fifth-rank officials in Guangdong, and held significant administrative power.
There is even a “Chow Family Village” in that area which is inhabited by Manchu people.