Kung Fu Hustle actor and martial arts star Yuen Cheung-yan dies aged 69
Yuen Cheung-yan died on New Year’s Day (Picture: Columbia TriStar)
Veteran actor and martial arts choreographer Yuen Cheung-yan has died at the age of 69.
He was best known by film fans for appearing in Stephen Chow’s 2004 action comedy Kung Fu Hustle, but was also a member of renowned Hong Kong family the Yuens, who showed a remarkable talent for action and martial arts choreography.
His work in Hollywood also saw him contribute to Charlie’s Angels and The Matrix franchise.
Yuen died at midday on January 1 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei, according to film director and actor Lee Lik-chi.
He shared the news on his Weibo page on Thursday, in a post seen by the South China Morning Post.
Local media also cited an obituary shared by his widow.
Once Upon a Time in China
‘May Master Yuen rest in eternal peace,’ Lee said of Yuen, paying tribute.
A funeral for the star will be held on February 1, but no further details have yet been given regarding the cause of Yen’s death.
Yuen played the tricksy Beggar in Kung Fu Hustle, who manages to sell Chow’s character the Buddha’s Palm manual, but also appeared in films including 1973’s Police Woman – opposite Jackie Chan in a supporting role – and 1992’s King of Beggars, as well as 2014’s Once Upon a Time in Shanghai.
However, his work offscreen as an action and martial arts choreographer made an even greater impact.
Fist of Legend
He was awarded a prize at the 11th Hong Kong Film Awards for best action choreography for Once Upon a Time in China (1991), starring Jet Li, as one of its three choreographers.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
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