In a 2021 interview, Richard revealed that he only had 10 per cent of his kidney function left, and had to undergo dialysis. His doctors also advised against a kidney transplant.
In 1979, Ng made his only film as director, Murder Most Foul. He also starred in the film and co-wrote it with Wong Jing.
Richard was nominated twice for Best Actor Award at the Hong Kong Film Awards for his performances in Lucky Stars and Beyond the Sunset (1989).