Remembering Run Run Shaw: A Brief Biography
Early Life
Run Run Shaw was born on November 23, 1907, in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China. He was the youngest of six sons in his family. His father was a successful textile merchant. He was educated at Yaojiawu Primary School in Shanghai before moving to Hong Kong with his brothers in 1927. The Shaw brothers established the Shaw Organization, one of the largest entertainment companies in Asia. In 1933, they founded Asia’s first film studio, the Tianyi Film Company, in Shanghai.The Shaw Brothers Era
In 1958, the Shaw Brothers established Shaw Brothers Studio in Hong Kong. They dominated the Hong Kong film industry with their innovative productions and collaborations with renowned directors such as King Hu, Chang Cheh, and Lau Kar-leung. They produced over 1,000 films from 1958 to 1985, including The One-Armed Swordsman, Come Drink with Me, and Five Fingers of Death. The Shaw Brothers’ contributions to the Hong Kong film industry have earned them a place in film history, as well as the nickname of “the Asian Hollywood.”Philanthropy and Legacy
Run Run Shaw was not just a successful businessman; he was also a philanthropist. In 1980, he founded the Shaw Prize Foundation, which supports research on astronomy, life sciences and medicine, and mathematical sciences. He also donated generously to education, healthcare, and cultural initiatives in Hong Kong and mainland China. He received honorary degrees from prestigious universities around the world and was appointed to the Order of the British Empire and the Order of the Companions of Honour. Run Run Shaw passed away on January 7, 2014, at the age of 107, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape the film and philanthropic industries in Asia and beyond. In conclusion, Run Run Shaw was a pioneering figure in the Hong Kong film industry and a tireless philanthropist. His contributions to Asian cinema and his commitment to education and culture have left an indelible mark on society. His life and work serve as an inspiration to future generations of filmmakers and philanthropists around the world.