Veteran actor Chan of TV1’s ‘Baba Nyonya’ dies at 68

MELAKA: Veteran actor and restaurateur Datuk Kenny Chan

(pic), known for his cross-dressing role as a nyonya on television, has died. He was 68.

His wife Fern Loo said he was hospitalised here on Monday for a lung infection.

“We thought he would recover,” she said.

He passed away at the hospital yesterday evening.

Chan is also survived by three children – sons Darrick and

Allen, and daughter Shalyn.

Chan was famous for his role as Bibik Neo in TV1’s Baba Nyonya. His co-star Chee Hood

Siong, who played best friend Ah

Chim, passed away in 2011.

The comedy series is certified by The Malaysia Book of Records as the longest-running TV series in the country, lasting from the late 80s until 2000, chalking up 509 episodes.

In 2011, Chan dressed up as his iconic role again for a cameo in Nasi Lemak 2.0, the comedy movie directed by and starring Namewee.

Chan was passionate about Peranakan cuisine and owned a restaurant, Big Nyonya, in Taman Melaka Raya here.

The Baba and Nonya Association of Malaysia chairman Datuk Ronald Gan said Chan was to have started as an adviser to a China documentary series on the Peranakan community.

“We just entered into an agreement with China to produce the series but we lost him just as work was about to start.

“He was named by the association as the key adviser to the show,” said Gan.

Chan’s passing is a great loss to the community, he said.