Yuen Cheung-yan dead: ‘Kung Fu Hustle’ action choreographer passes away in hospital on New Year’s day

Hollywood actor Yuen Cheung-yan has passed away at the age of 69. The action choreographer, who appeared in Stephen Chow's 2004 hit movie Kung Fu Hustle, died in hospital on New Year’s Day, according to film director and actor Lee Lik-chi, who shared the update on his Weibo page on Thursday. He stated: "May Master Yuen rest in eternal peace."

Lee also confirmed that a funeral would be held on February 1, but provided no further information regarding the cause of Yuen’s death.

A Legendary Hong Kong Film Family

Yuen Cheung-yan belonged to a celebrated Hong Kong film family. His father was the late martial arts actor and choreographer Yuen Siu-tien. His younger brother, Yuen Woo-ping, is a popular martial arts choreographer and director who worked in Hong Kong cinema before going on to Hollywood. Another brother, Yuen Shun-yi, is a martial artist, actor, and stuntman.

Yuen Cheung-yan Career Highlights

Yuen Cheung-yan started his film career in the late 1960s as a fight choreographer and co-founded the “Yuen Family” production group with his brother. This team played a major role in shaping Hong Kong’s unique martial arts cinema along with icons like Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung Kam-bo.

One of his most memorable screen appearances was as the beggar in Stephen Chow’s 2004 movie Kung Fu Hustle, in which he attempted to sell Chow the “Buddha’s Palm” martial arts manual.

He also choreographed martial arts sequences for international hits that includes Charlie’s Angels, Daredevil, and The Matrix. Other notable movies are Butterfly Sword, The Miracle Fighters, Fearless, and The Tai-Chi Master. Well recognized in his field, Cheung-yan was nominated four times for the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Action Choreography, and secured a win in 1992 for Once Upon a Time in China, starring Jet Li.

Tributes from Fans and Colleagues

Tributes have flourished for the late actor. One fan wrote on X: "The year has gotten off to a sad start for kung fu cinema fans, as it’s just been announced that director, actor, and fight choreographer, Yuen Cheung-Yan, has passed away. He was Yuen Woo-Ping’s brother and a member of the ever-so-talented, Yuen Clan. He will be missed."

Another fan mentioned: "RIP Yuen Cheung-yan! He was an essential part of the hilarious Yuen clan movies from the early 80s and even directed one of them, Taoism Drunkard, which I just watched last night."

Lee Lik-chi paid tribute again, mentioning: "May Master Yuen rest in eternal peace."

FAQs:

Q1. Who was Yuen Cheung-yan?
Yuen Cheung-yan was a popular Hong Kong actor and martial arts choreographer. He appeared in movies both locally and internationally and was part of the Yuen family of filmmakers.

Q2. How old was Yuen Cheung-yan when he died?
He died at the age of 69. His death happened on New Year’s Day in Hong Kong.