Pik-Sen Lim, the Penang-born British actress best remembered for her portrayal of Chung Su-Lee in the hit 1970s sitcom Mind Your Language, has died at the age of 80.
She passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025, leaving behind a vibrant legacy as one of the most recognisable Chinese faces on British television during the 1970s and 1980s.
Lim was born in Penang, Malaysia, in 1944 as Lim Phaik-Seng. Her given name was later changed to Pik-Sen after she found that British acquaintances often mispronounced “Phaik” as “fake.”
That early attention to identity and voice foreshadowed a career built on presence, clarity, and control — traits that would define her enduring screen persona.
She shot to international fame with her breakout role as Chung Su-Lee in Mind Your Language, which aired from 1977 to 1979 and returned briefly in 1986.
Mind Your Language was a British sitcom that aired from 1977 to 1986, created by Vince Powell. The series revolved around an English as a Second Language (ESL) class at an adult education college in London, featuring a diverse group of students from various countries and cultures.
The show was known for its comedic portrayal of language barriers and cultural misunderstandings, often using stereotypes for humor.
Su-Lee, a devoted Chinese communist student in an adult English class, quickly became a fan favourite thanks to her deadpan humour, loyalty to Chairman Mao, and comic friction with her classmates.
The show attracted millions of viewers and remains a cult classic, particularly across Commonwealth countries and parts of Asia.
Despite criticism over its broad cultural stereotypes, Mind Your Language introduced diverse characters and gave global visibility to actors of colour in a largely white British entertainment industry.
Lim’s acting career, however, was far more expansive than her iconic sitcom role. She was cast as Chin Lee in Doctor Who in the 1971 serial The Mind of Evil — one of her earliest science fiction appearances — and went on to act in British television staples such as Coronation Street, Spearhead, Casualty, Holby City, and The Bill.
On the big screen, she was best known in later years for her comic role in Johnny English Reborn (2011), playing a deadly assassin disguised as a cleaning lady — a performance that introduced her to a younger generation.
Lim also took on voice work, becoming the narrator in the Dark Souls video game franchise, and made recent on-screen appearances in American series like Vampire Academy (2022) and HBO's The Nevers (2023), demonstrating a versatility that carried across genres and decades.
Her impact on the entertainment industry was formally recognised by the British Film Institute, which described her as “the most recognisable Chinese actor on British television throughout the 1970s and 80s.”
Yet it was in the tributes from her peers that the warmth and wit of her personality truly came to light.
Fellow actor Daniel York Loh, who performed alongside her in several plays and readings, posted an emotional tribute on Facebook.
“A joyous person, full of love and laughter and mischief,” he wrote. “Her gift for comedy was such that you always felt safe in front of an audience with her — that absolutely unique voice and vivacious energy carrying us all with her.”
Loh recalled their work together in Citizens of Nowhere?, performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and a production of Romeo & Juliet, where he played Mercutio opposite her role as the Nurse.
“We’ve shared the same agent for the last 25 odd years and she’ll be hugely missed there as well,” he added.
Lim was married to writer and screenwriter Don Houghton, best known for his work on Doctor Who and Hammer Horror, until his death in 1991. She is survived by their daughter, actress Sara Houghton.
Her death follows that of several of her Mind Your Language co-stars, with Barry Evans, who played the gentle and often-exasperated teacher Mr Jeremy Brown, being among the first of the main cast to pass away in 1997.
Others who have since died include Dino Shafeek (Ali Nadim, 1984), Tommy Godfrey (Sidney, 1984), Robert Lee (Taro Nagazumi, 1986), Albert Moses (Ranjit Singh, 2017), Ricardo Montez (Juan Cervantes, 2010), Zara Nutley (Miss Courtney, 2016), and Iris Sadler (Gladys, 1991).
Still alive are George Camiller (Giovanni), Francoise Pascal (Danielle), Jamila Massey (Jamila), Jacki Harding (Anna), and Kevork Malikyan (Maximilian).
Pik-Sen Lim’s passing marks the quiet closure of a chapter in British television history. As Su-Lee, she was funny, fierce, and unforgettable — but beyond that role, she was a seasoned performer whose longevity spoke to a rare talent, navigating an industry that seldom made space for women like her.
Her voice, energy, and cultural significance will be long remembered.
Cast and Their Status:
- Barry Evans (Jeremy Brown): The well-meaning English teacher who often found himself in humorous situations due to his students' antics. Barry Evans tragically took his own life in 1997 at the age of 53.
- George Camiller (Giovanni Capello): The Italian student known for his humorous misunderstandings and catchphrases. As of the latest information, George Camiller is still alive.
- Zara Nutley (Miss Courtney): The strict and often feared college principal. Zara Nutley passed away in 2016 at the age of 92.
- Jamila Massey (Jamila Ranjha): The vibrant Pakistani student who often found herself at the center of classroom antics. Jamila Massey is still alive.
- Jacki Harding (Anna Schmidt): The German student known for her efficiency and occasional misunderstandings. Jacki Harding is still alive.
- Dino Shafeek (Ali Nadim): The cheerful Pakistani student who often clashed with Ranjit Singh. Dino Shafeek passed away in 1984.
- Francoise Pascal (Danielle Favre): The French student who often distracted the male students with her charm. Francoise Pascal is still alive.
- Albert Moses (Ranjit Singh): The Sikh student known for his catchphrase "A thousand apologies." Albert Moses passed away in 2017.
- Ricardo Montez (Juan Cervantes): The Spanish student with a passion for flamenco. Ricardo Montez passed away in 2010.
- Pik-Sen Lim (Chung Su-Lee): The Chinese student known for her devotion to Chairman Mao. Pik-Sen Lim passed away in 2025.
- Kevork Malikyan (Maximilian Papandrious): The Greek student with a love for philosophy. Kevork Malikyan is still alive.
- Robert Lee (Taro Nagazumi): The Japanese student known for his politeness and occasional misunderstandings. Robert Lee passed away in 1986.
- Tommy Godfrey (Sidney): The Cockney caretaker with a love for rhyming slang. Tommy Godfrey passed away in 1984.
- Iris Sadler (Gladys): The cheerful tea lady who often provided comic relief. Iris Sadler passed away in 1991.