Shaw Brothers Founder Sir Run Run Shaw Has Died

Sir Run Run Shaw, one of the most influential figures in the history of Hong Kong's entertainment industry, has passed away, local media is reporting this morning. The companies that he founded, Shaw Brothers (Hong Kong) and Television Broadcasting (TVB) Limited, have produced countless film and television classics and helped launched the careers of numerous filmmakers, actors and actresses. 

Shaw Brothers (Hong Kong) Studio was founded in 1957, and quickly became the largest movie production company in the city. Over a number of decades, it has produced close to 1,000 movies. Key directors of the company included King Hu, Lau Kar Leung, Chang Cheh and Li Han Hsiang. Numerous wushu classics were produced and many of the studio's actors and actresses became celebrities. Some of the company's most famous films include Come Drink With Me, The One Armed Swordsman, Five Deadly Venoms, The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin and Eight Diagram Pole Fighter. 

TVB Broadcasting Limited was established in 1967 and remains Hong Kong's largest television broadcasting company. TVB has helped launched the careers of many of today's superstars including Chow Yun Fat, Stephen Chow, Andy Lau and Tony Leung Chiu Wai. 

Sir Shaw passed away at his home earlier this morning. He was 106.