Fans, family, and friends say their last goodbyes at Godfrey Gao’s funeral

The body of the late Taiwanese actor Godfrey Gao, who passed away on November 27 after collapsing on the set of Chinese variety program Chase Me, was cremated and laid to rest yesterday (Dec 15).

Godfrey’s management agency had announced earlier that his funeral service will be held at 8am on December 15 at Taipei’s First Funeral Parlour, and that it will be opened to the public to give them the opportunity to send him off. Therefore, a long line of fans was spotted queueing to enter the hall on that day.

The entrance to the funeral hall had a customised white archway with the words, “Flying Free with God” and “Godfrey Farewell Ceremony” printed on it. The hall itself was also filled with countless flower bouquets sent in by Godfrey’s friends, colleagues, fans, and family.

Later, Godfrey’s two elder brothers were seen at the head of the procession, with the 35-year-old’s memorial tablet in their hands. Godfrey’s parents followed behind them, and stopped to thank the media for their hard work multiple times.

Also present were Godfrey’s girlfriend, 23-year-old Bella Su, along with celebrity couple Blackie Chen and Christine Fan, as well as Godfrey’s good friend, former basketball star James Mao, and his wife.

Representatives from Zhejiang Television, the broadcasting company behind Chase Me, made an appearance to pay their respects as well. Zhejiang Television and Chase Me's production team had been criticised for failing to provide adequate medical care to Godfrey in the moments following his collapse. The official apology they posted after Godfrey’s passing was also viewed poorly, and they were accused of “not stepping up to assume responsibility”.

Photos: PBE Media

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Godfrey Gao’s funeral to be held on December 15