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Run Run ShawHong Kong media mogul and philanthropist
Date of Birth: 23.11.1907
Country:  Hong Kong |
Content:
Biography of Run Run Shaw
Run Run Shaw, a Hong Kong media mogul and philanthropist, is an essential figure in the history of Asian cinema and entrepreneurship. During his 106 years of life, Shaw established a thriving film empire, a successful television company, and donated billions of Hong Kong dollars to various charitable causes. He is widely regarded as one of the key figures in the Asian entertainment industry and one of the founders of Chinese cinema.
Early Life and Career
The exact date of Run Run Shaw's birth is unknown, but he celebrates his birthday on the 14th day of the 10th month in the Chinese calendar. In 2007, his 100th birthday fell on November 23, which is often considered his birthday. However, in 1907, the corresponding day in the Chinese calendar was November 19. Some sources even claim that he was born in 1906. Nevertheless, it is known that Shaw was the youngest of six sons of a Shanghai merchant.
At the age of 19, Run Run Shaw went to Singapore to help one of his brothers in the film production and distribution business in Southeast Asia. It is believed that in 1931, the Shaw brothers released the first sound film in China using optical sound recording technology. In 1932, they released the first sound film in Cantonese, which was well-received. In 1934, they established a branch in Hong Kong and had to rebuild their company from scratch after the Japanese invasion in 1937, which almost wiped out their Shanghai facilities. Fortunately, most of their equipment had been sent to Hong Kong shortly before the invasion. After rebuilding their lost assets, the brothers continued their activities. In 1937, Run Run Shaw directed and wrote the comedy film 'Country Bumpkin Visits his In-laws'.
Shaw Brothers and Success
The business of the Shaw brothers grew rapidly. They expanded their network of cinemas, and their film production was highly active. By 1941, the Japanese had captured Singapore and Malaya, causing the brothers to lose most of their property and real estate. Run Run Shaw later revealed that they had buried around $4 million worth of gold, jewelry, and currency in their backyard, which helped them restart their activities after the war.
In 1957, Run Run Shaw moved to Hong Kong, which had become the center of Chinese cinema at that time. A year later, he founded the company 'Shaw Brothers'. Following the Hollywood model, he created a permanent film studio complex covering 46 acres, where actors lived and worked. By December 1961, the 'Shaw Studios' became the largest private film company, employing around 1,200 people. Shaw's films lasted up to two hours and cost tens of thousands of dollars, which was highly impressive by Asian standards at that time. The Shaw Brothers Ltd. played a significant role in popularizing kung fu films.
Later Years and Philanthropy
In the 1970s, the company's fortunes began to decline due to competition from 'Golden Harvest', a studio founded by a former employee of Shaw who worked with Bruce Lee. Around the same time, Run Run Shaw decided to shift his focus to television, although he did not completely abandon the film industry. He went on to produce several internationally acclaimed films, including the cult science fiction film 'Blade Runner'.
In 1967, Shaw became one of the founders of 'Television Broadcasts Limited' (TVB). Over time, the company grew into a multibillion-dollar television empire, operating in 30 major markets and becoming the world's largest provider of Chinese-language programs. Many notable actors, such as Chow Yun-fat, Maggie Cheung, Leslie Cheung, and Anita Mui, made their debut at TVB.
Run Run Shaw retired as the chairman of TVB in December 2011, at the age of 104. Throughout his life, he generously shared his substantial wealth with those in need. He actively donated funds to schools, hospitals, and various charitable foundations. Many Chinese and Hong Kong buildings bear his name to this day. Since the 1980s, Shaw donated a total of HK$4.75 billion to mainland China, which was used to construct more than 6,013 educational facilities. It is believed that Run Run Shaw played a role in the construction of almost any significant Chinese educational institution.
Run Run Shaw's first wife passed away in 1987 at the age of 85. Ten years later, he married former singer Mona Fong.
Run Run Shaw passed away on January 7, 2014, at the age of 106. He was survived by four children, nine grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.
