Actress Beatrice Chien dies at 81, she had roles in Ramen Teh and Crazy Rich Asians
Chien only began her career as a freelance actress at the age of 62, after a 40-year career in nursing.
Beatrice Chien and Takumi Saitoh in a scene from 2018's Ramen Teh. (Photo: Zhao Wei Pictures)
Local actress Beatrice Chien has died at 81. Her death, due to illness, was confirmed through her personal Facebook page on Tuesday (Jul 6) with a notice about her wake and funeral services.
Various members of Singapore’s film and theatre community have expressed their condolences over social media.
Founder and artistic director of The Necessary Stage Alvin Tan wrote: “My deepest condolences to Beatrice's family and loved ones. She will be missed. May she rest in peace”.
“I am in shock. More than an actress, the world will be a dimmer place without her. Rest in peace Beatrice,” commented filmmaker Sun Koh, who worked with Chien on two short films, The Secret Passion of Madam Tan Ah Lian (2014) and Presence (2018).
“Sending my deep condolences to family and friends of Beatrice. I've had the privilege of working with Beatrice on some film shoots and her passion for life and the arts always shone so brightly. Hope her family knows how important she was to our local small and big screens. Rest in peace Beatrice,” wrote film director Kirsten Tan.
Although known for her time onscreen, Chien only began her career as a freelance actress at the age of 62, after a 40-year career in nursing. She played various roles on stage, television and feature films – including a regular on long-running Channel 5 and 8 productions, such as Your Hand In Mine (2009 to 2010).
She also landed the role of a conflicted grandmother in Eric Khoo’s Ramen Teh (2018), and the supporting role of Ling Cheh in the Hollywood film Crazy Rich Asians (2018).
