Hong Kong veteran actor and Cantonese opera singer Law Kar Ying has revealed that he is still working at 80 because his medical expenses exceed HK$10,000 (about S$1,600) a month, even after battling cancer four times.
The beloved entertainer, best known internationally for playing the monk Tang Sanzang in Stephen Chow’s A Chinese Odyssey films, said the cost of medical consultations, treatment and future care has made retirement difficult to consider.
In a recent interview with Hong Kong media outlet HK01, Law explained that he must also provide household expenses for his wife, veteran actress and singer Liza Wang, whom he married in 2009.
His candid admission has drawn attention to the financial pressures that can accompany ageing and serious illness, even for established entertainment figures who have spent decades working in the industry.
According to reports by AsiaOne, The Straits Times and 8days.sg published on October 8 and 9, 2026, Law continues to accept acting assignments, commercial appearances and other engagements despite his demanding schedule.
‘Seeing a Doctor Is Very Expensive’: Why He Keeps Working
Law said his monthly medical bills alone exceed HK$10,000, equivalent to roughly S$1,600, while he also needs to save for the possibility of requiring more assistance as he grows older.
He explained that having more money available in later life could allow him to pay for additional care when necessary.
The actor had hoped to reduce his workload and spend more time resting, but his financial responsibilities have made that difficult.
He also acknowledged that his schedule leaves him with little opportunity to take holidays or enjoy proper downtime.
Commercial appearances, in particular, can involve commitments beyond the actual event, making it difficult to turn down work even when he would prefer to rest.
His situation highlights a challenge that many older people face: balancing the need to maintain an income with the desire to slow down and protect their health.
For Law, continuing to work is not simply about staying active or remaining relevant in show business. It is also about preparing financially for the years ahead.
Four Battles With Cancer Changed His Life
Law’s health struggles began in 2004, when he was diagnosed with stage-three liver cancer.
The diagnosis required major surgery in which part of his liver was removed. Despite the seriousness of the condition, he continued rebuilding his life with support from Wang.
In 2014, a routine medical examination detected another tumour in his liver, measuring approximately 2cm. He underwent further surgery to remove it.
Doctors later discovered cancerous cells in his prostate in 2019. He underwent surgery for the condition.
In 2025, Law disclosed that his prostate cancer had returned, marking his fourth battle with cancer.
At the time, he said he had decided against chemotherapy and radiotherapy and was instead using medication and hormone injections to help control the disease.
His treatment decisions and prognosis were discussed publicly in interviews, although his latest medical condition and long-term outlook have not been independently established in the reports about his finances.
Despite the repeated diagnoses, Law has continued to work and maintain a positive outlook.
Liza Wang Remains an Important Part of His Journey
Throughout his health struggles, Wang has remained an important source of support.
The couple married in 2009 after years together and are among Hong Kong’s well-known entertainment personalities.
Law has previously spoken about preparing for the future to ensure that Wang would be financially protected if he were no longer around.
In an interview reported by The Straits Times in August 2025, he revealed that he had purchased property and arranged insurance policies in her name as part of his preparations.
Those arrangements reflected his concern about ensuring that his wife would have financial security.
His latest comments suggest that the responsibility continues to weigh on him as he considers his own healthcare costs and the possibility of needing additional assistance in old age.
His Simple Advice for Staying Healthy at 80
Despite his medical history, Law remains focused on maintaining his wellbeing.
He shared three straightforward habits that he believes are important for staying healthy: getting more sleep, eating a varied diet rather than being overly selective about food, and maintaining a positive and cheerful mindset.
However, he admitted that following his own advice about rest can be difficult when professional commitments continue to fill his calendar.
His experience also illustrates an important distinction: a positive outlook and healthy habits can support general wellbeing, but they do not replace appropriate medical care or guarantee protection against cancer.
For someone who has undergone repeated treatment, continuing to follow medical advice remains essential.
A Career That Spans Decades of Hong Kong Entertainment
Before becoming widely recognised through film, Law built his reputation as a Cantonese opera performer.
His portrayal of Tang Sanzang in Stephen Chow’s A Chinese Odyssey films, released in 1995, introduced him to a much wider international audience and helped establish his enduring popularity.
Even in his later years, he has continued performing and making public appearances, demonstrating his commitment to his craft.
Yet his latest remarks reveal a less glamorous side of life in the entertainment industry: the financial realities that can persist long after a performer has achieved fame.
Medical bills, household responsibilities and uncertainty about future care can make retirement difficult, regardless of age or professional success.
Why Law Kar Ying’s Story Resonates Beyond Show Business
Law’s situation reflects a wider concern among ageing populations: how to pay for healthcare while ensuring financial security in retirement.
Long-term medical expenses can accumulate through consultations, medication, monitoring and other forms of care. Even when a person has savings, the uncertainty surrounding future health needs can make financial planning particularly challenging.
For Law, the decision to continue working at 80 is closely tied to his wish to remain financially prepared and continue supporting his wife.
His story is not simply about a celebrity refusing to retire. It is about someone who has faced repeated health challenges and is still thinking about how to provide for the future.
After four cancer diagnoses, Law continues to balance work, medical care and family responsibilities, while encouraging others to value rest, balanced eating and a positive attitude.
For now, the veteran entertainer remains active in the industry, determined to earn and save while he can.
His experience offers a sobering reminder that even after a lifetime of professional achievement, the cost of healthcare and the need for security in old age can remain pressing concerns.
