Run Run Shaw was born on November 23, 1907, in Ningbo, China. He was the youngest of six sons in the Shaw family, who were prominent businessmen in the textile industry. As a young boy, he showed a keen interest in film and entertainment, often spending his days at the local cinema.
At the age of 19, Shaw moved to Shanghai to attend the Shanghai YMCA School, where he honed his English language skills. He graduated from the school with top honors and soon after, he began working in his family's textile business.
Despite his success in the family business, Shaw's true passion lay in the world of entertainment. In 1924, he co-founded Tianyi Film Company, one of the first film production companies in Shanghai. This marked the beginning of his legendary career in the film industry.
Shaw's big break came in 1957 when he founded Shaw Brothers Studio in Hong Kong. The studio quickly became one of the largest and most successful film production companies in the region, producing a wide range of films from martial arts epics to romantic dramas.
Throughout his career, Shaw was known for his innovative approach to filmmaking and his ability to spot emerging talent. He launched the careers of many iconic actors and actresses, including Bruce Lee and Maggie Cheung.
Aside from his success in the entertainment industry, Shaw was also a dedicated philanthropist. He was a generous supporter of the arts and culture in Hong Kong, founding the Hong Kong Arts Festival and serving as its first chairman.
In addition to his philanthropic work, Shaw was also a devoted family man. He was married twice and had four children and several grandchildren. Despite his busy schedule, he always made time for his family and was known for his kindness and generosity.
In his later years, Shaw continued to be actively involved in the film industry, producing and releasing films through Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), a company he co-founded in 1983. TVB played a pivotal role in shaping the entertainment landscape in Hong Kong and helped launch the careers of many stars, including Anita Mui.
Shaw's contributions to the film industry and his philanthropic efforts were celebrated worldwide. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his lifetime, including the Grand Bauhinia Medal, the highest award in Hong Kong, for his outstanding contributions to the community.