Run Run Shaw.

Hon. Sir Run Run Shaw 邵仁楞

Born 19 Nov 1907 Ningbo, China

Died 7 Jan 2014 Hong Kong, China

Citizenship China

Would Be 118 yr If Living

7 min read

Reading time

1,325

Words

Aug 27, 2026

Published

Awards

TL;DR

Run Run Shaw, knighted in 1977, built a film and television empire through Shaw Brothers Studios and TVB, which he founded in 1967. His studios produced nearly 1,000 films, bringing kung fu into the mainstream. He also founded the Shaw Prizes and received numerous honors including the Grand Bauhinia Medal.

Identity & family.

KIN · 8

Names, aliases, and relatives of Run Run Shaw — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name 邵仁楞

Native Name Hon. Sir Run Run Shaw

Nicknames Uncle Sixth

Aliases Shaw Brothers, Yi Fu Shao, Yifu Shao, R.R. Shaw, Sir Run Run Shaw

Parents: Wang Shun Xiang Shao Yuxuan
Spouses: Mona Fong Lily Wong Mee chun
Children: Shaw Vee Meng
Siblings: Runme Shaw Runde Shaw Runje Shaw

At a glance.

STATS

Run Run Shaw by the numbers — life, work, and family.

106 Years lived

11 Awards

2 Marriages

1 Child

Who was Run Run Shaw?

BIOGRAPHY

Run Run Shaw — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

The fourth son of Wang Shun Xiang and Shao Yuxuan, Run Run Shaw was born on November 19, 1907 in Ningbo, Zhejiang, China. He grew up with three brothers — Runme, Runde, and Runje — who later joined him in the film business. Shaw attended the University of Hong Kong and co-founded the Shaw Organization with Runme in 1926.

Career

In 1930, Run Run Shaw founded the Shaw Studios, which grew into Shaw Brothers Studios, producing nearly 1,000 films and introducing kung fu cinema to a global audience. Television Broadcasts Limited TVB, founded in 1967, became a multi-billion dollar television empire. TVB aired the popular variety show Enjoy Yourself Tonight, and Shaw himself often appeared, leading the Chinese Lion Dance awakening ceremony. Through his companies, Shaw acquired businesses worldwide, including Macy’s and the Shaw Tower in Vancouver, Canada. He launched the careers of stars such as Yun-fat Chow and Maggie Cheung.

Personal life

He married Lily Wong Mee chun, with whom he had two daughters and two sons. Mona Fong became his second wife. Shaw died on January 7, 2014, at his home in Hong Kong, surrounded by family. The family did not publicly disclose the cause of death.

Legacy

Queen Elizabeth II knighted Run Run Shaw in 1977, making him Sir Run Run Shaw. He received the Grand Bauhinia Medal, Hong Kong’s highest honor, and the Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He established the Shaw Prizes to honor achievements in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. His Shaw Brothers Studios introduced martial arts cinema to global audiences and launched the careers of international stars. His legacy includes founding TVB and producing nearly 1,000 films.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 11

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Run Run Shaw — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Grand Bauhinia Medal
Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Knight Bachelor
Knight of the Order of the Crown
Asia Pacific Film Festival
Hong Kong Film Awards
honorary doctor of the University of Hong Kong
honorary doctor of the Zhejiang University
honorary doctor of the Chinese University of Hong Kong
honorary doctor of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Knight of the Legion of Honour

Did you know?

FACTS · 7

Little-known facts about Run Run Shaw — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Shaw Brothers Studios, under Run Run Shaw, produced nearly 1,000 films and introduced kung fu movies to a global audience.
Queen Elizabeth II knighted Run Run Shaw in 1977.
Stars like Yun-fat Chow and Maggie Cheung began their careers thanks to Run Run Shaw’s productions.
Run Run Shaw founded the Shaw Prizes, honoring accomplishments in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.
Run Run Shaw was the brother of Runme Shaw, with whom he co-founded the Shaw Brothers empire.
Run Run Shaw died on January 7, 2014, at 6:55 a.m. at his Hong Kong home. His family cremated his remains at Cape Collinson Crematorium in Chai Wan.
With his first wife Lily Wong Mee chun, Run Run Shaw had two daughters and two sons.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 33

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Run Run Shaw.

When was Run Run Shaw born?

Run Run Shaw’s birth occurred on November 19, 1907, in Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.
Where was Run Run Shaw born?

His birthplace is Ningbo, Zhejiang, China. His birth name was 邵仁楞.
When did Run Run Shaw die?

He died on January 7, 2014, at age 106.
How old was Run Run Shaw when he died?

Run Run Shaw was 106 when he died. He lived from 1907 to 2014.
Where did Run Run Shaw die?

He died in Hong Kong, China, at his home surrounded by family.
How did Run Run Shaw die?

The family did not publicly disclose the cause of death. Reports state it was undisclosed causes.
What is Run Run Shaw's real name?

His Chinese real name is 邵仁楞. In English, it is sometimes romanized as Shao Renleng.
What is Run Run Shaw's name in his native language?

In Chinese, his name is 邵仁楞. He also held the honorific title Sir Run Run Shaw.
What does Run Run Shaw do for a living?

He worked as a film producer and production manager. He built his career in the film and television industry.
What nationality is Run Run Shaw?

He had Chinese nationality. He came from China and resided in Hong Kong.
What language does Run Run Shaw speak?

He spoke Chinese, his native language.
Who are Run Run Shaw's parents?

His parents were Wang Shun Xiang and Shao Yuxuan. He was born into a family that later created the Shaw Brothers empire.
Who is Run Run Shaw married to?

He married Lily Wong Mee chun and later Mona Fong. Lily was his first wife, with whom he had children.
Does Run Run Shaw have children?

Yes, he had children. He had two daughters and two sons with his first wife Lily. He also had a son named Shaw Vee Meng.
Does Run Run Shaw have any siblings?

Yes, he had three brothers: Runme Shaw, Runde Shaw, and Runje Shaw. His brother Runme was his business partner in the Shaw Organization.
Where did Run Run Shaw go to school?

He studied at the University of Hong Kong, where his education helped shape his business acumen.
What awards has Run Run Shaw won?

He won many awards including the Grand Bauhinia Medal, a knighthood as Knight Bachelor, and the Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He also received honorary doctorates from several universities.
How many awards has Run Run Shaw won?

He won at least 11 major awards. These include honors from Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and France.
What is Run Run Shaw best known for?

He is best known for founding Shaw Brothers Studios and Television Broadcasts Limited TVB. He produced nearly 1,000 films and shaped Hong Kong cinema.
Why was Run Run Shaw called 'Uncle Sixth'?

The nickname Uncle Sixth or Liu Shu in Chinese was a familial address. It likely reflected his position as the sixth child in his family.
Under what aliases was Run Run Shaw known?

He used several aliases, including Yi Fu Shao, Yifu Shao, R.R. Shaw, and Sir Run Run Shaw. The name Shaw Brothers also refers to his company with his brother.
What was the name of Run Run Shaw's film studio?

His film studio was called Shaw Brothers Studios. He originally established it as the Shaw Studios in 1930.
When did Run Run Shaw found TVB?

He founded Television Broadcasts Limited TVB in 1967, which became a dominant force in Hong Kong television.
What was the variety show on TVB that Run Run Shaw appeared on?

He frequently appeared on Enjoy Yourself Tonight, a popular variety show similar to Saturday Night Live. He often led the Lion Dance awakening ceremony.
How many films did Shaw Brothers Studios produce?

Shaw Brothers Studios produced nearly 1,000 films. They specialized in kung fu movies.
What type of films did Shaw Brothers specialize in?

They specialized in kung fu movies and martial arts cinema. Their films brought Chinese martial arts to a global audience.
Which major stars did Run Run Shaw help launch?

He launched the careers of Yun-fat Chow and Maggie Cheung. Both became internationally known actors.
What is the Shaw Prizes?

The Shaw Prizes are awards founded by Run Run Shaw. They recognize achievements in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.
When was Run Run Shaw knighted?

Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 1977. This made him Sir Run Run Shaw.
What businesses did Run Run Shaw own besides film and TV?

He owned businesses such as Macy’s and the Shaw Tower in Vancouver, Canada. These were part of his international business empire.
Where was Run Run Shaw cremated?

His family cremated him at Cape Collinson Crematorium in Chai Wan, Hong Kong. His remains were placed in the family plot.
Did Run Run Shaw have any honorary doctorates?

Yes, he received honorary doctorates from the University of Hong Kong, Zhejiang University, Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
What is the Grand Bauhinia Medal?

The Grand Bauhinia Medal is Hong Kong’s highest honor. Run Run Shaw received it for his contributions to film and philanthropy.

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Audited & updated by

Michael is the last person to read a profile before it goes live, which makes him the one who catches what everyone else missed. 5 years as a copy editor has given him a sharp sense for what's off. A wrong year, a vague credit, a sentence that almost makes sense but doesn't quite. He's especially thorough with filmographies. He'll tell you that's where most of the errors hide. He's right.

Published on August 27, 2026

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