A martial arts legend known for the movie Kung Fu Hustle and hailed as one of the Four Dragons of Chinese cinema has died at 77.
Bruce Leung – also known as Leung Choi-sang and Leung Siu-lung – passed away last Wednesday (14 Jan).
Alongside Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Ti Lung, the Hong Kong star was widely regarded as one of the four most influential figures in Chinese-language martial arts cinema.
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Leung appeared in dozens of kung fu films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, having learned martial arts from his father at a young age.
He later stepped away from acting to go into business, before making a hugely popular comeback as the villain Beast in Stephen Chow’s 2004 global hit Kung Fu Hustle, as reported by Need To Know.
News of his death in Shenzhen, China, emerged via a heartbreaking message shared on social media, which read: “Please forgive me for leaving without saying goodbye. Just think of it as me going somewhere far away to make a film.”
Despite exercising regularly and remaining in good physical shape, the married father-of-three died from heart failure, according to close friend Tin Kai-man.
Tributes have poured in from across the film world, including from Jackie Chan, who worked with Leung on 1978’s Magnificent Bodyguards.
Chan, 71, said: “In my memory, he was always a kung fu master, proficient in many traditional martial arts, each with its own unique style.
“He devoted his life’s learning to film and television, becoming an outstanding action director.
“He created so many classic roles, loved by audiences and admired by colleagues.
“Brother Leung, it’s snowing in Beijing. The sky is grey. I miss you.”
Leung’s funeral is provisionally scheduled for Monday (26 Jan) in Shenzhen.
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