Gregory Charles Rivers: Australian actor who made his name in TVB dramas dies at 58

Australian actor Gregory Charles Rivers, best known by his Cantonese stage name Ho Kwok Wing, passed away on February 2, 2024, in Tai Au Mun Village, Hong Kong, at 58 years old.

With a career spanning over 200 TV shows and soap operas, Rivers gained fame portraying Western characters in TVB dramas, earning the affectionate moniker “TVB’s token Caucasian.”

Born in Gympie, Australia, in 1965, Rivers initially pursued medicine but found his calling in Cantopop, eventually making his mark in Hong Kong’s entertainment scene in the 1980s.

Despite being typecast, Rivers embraced his role and became fluent in Cantonese, endearing himself to audiences and colleagues alike.

His dedication to Hong Kong’s acting community was evident, from his humble beginnings as a driver for Cantopop star Alan Tam to his later success on television screens.

Rivers even ventured into music, releasing the Cantonese rap song “This Hong Kong,” which struck a chord with audiences during tumultuous political times.

Rivers’ untimely demise has left a void in the hearts of fans and industry peers, who fondly remember his contributions to Hong Kong television and his unique position in its cultural fabric.

His legacy as a trailblazer for Western actors in Hong Kong will endure, ensuring that his memory lives on in the annals of entertainment history.