The family of late Hong Kong actress Cheng Pei-pei has confirmed that her brain was donated for medical research into rare diseases, according to a report by Phoenix News published Tuesday. The confirmation follows earlier reports from multiple Chinese outlets, including Sina News and ent.china.com, which noted the donation after her death.
Cheng, who was widely known for her roles in martial arts films and the Chinese reality show "Divas Hit the Road," had been diagnosed with a rare illness before her death, as reported by NetEase News. The decision to donate her brain was made to support scientific study of the condition, Phoenix News reports. The specific nature of the disease has not been detailed in the available reporting.
The donation places Cheng among a growing number of public figures who have chosen to contribute their remains to science. According to the reports, her family responded publicly to clarify the donation's purpose, emphasizing its role in advancing understanding of uncommon neurological or degenerative disorders. The exact timeline of the donation and the research institution involved have not been disclosed in the summaries provided.
Cheng's death and her posthumous contribution have sparked widespread discussion on Chinese social media, with the topic trending on platforms like Weibo, according to the cited outlets. Her career spanned decades, from her breakout role in the 1960s to later appearances in international productions, though the reports focus primarily on her final act of generosity.
What to watch next: Further details on the specific rare disease and the research findings may emerge as medical institutions release study outcomes in the coming months.
