Quick Read
- Martial arts legend Bruce Leung died on January 14 at age 77.
- He passed away from heart failure, surrounded by family in Shenzhen, China.
- Leung was widely known for his role as the villain “The Beast” in Stephen Chow’s 2004 hit film “Kung Fu Hustle.”
- He was recognized as one of the “Four Dragons of Chinese cinema” alongside Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Ti Lung.
- Jackie Chan and Stephen Chow led heartfelt tributes to the influential star following his passing.
The world of martial arts cinema is mourning the loss of Bruce Leung, the iconic Hong Kong actor and martial arts master, who passed away on January 14 at the age of 77. Leung, known to global audiences for his memorable role as “The Beast” in Stephen Chow’s 2004 hit Kung Fu Hustle, succumbed to heart failure in Shenzhen, surrounded by his family. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from across the industry, most notably from fellow martial arts legend Jackie Chan, who hailed Leung as a true “kung fu master” and a significant influence on Chinese cinema.
Industry Icons Pay Respects
Jackie Chan, a contemporary and collaborator of Leung’s, expressed his profound sadness upon hearing the news. Taking to social media, Chan recounted his shock, stating, “Just returned to Beijing and was shocked to hear the news of Mr. Leung Siu-lung’s passing. For a moment, I couldn’t believe it…” Chan’s tribute, shared widely, painted a vivid picture of Leung’s enduring legacy. “In my memory, he was always a kung fu master who was proficient in many traditional martial arts, each with its own unique style,” Chan wrote, emphasizing Leung’s dedication to his craft. He further praised Leung’s ability to translate his lifelong learning into cinematic masterpieces, calling him an “excellent action director” and an actor who “created so many classic roles, deeply loved by audiences and admired by us colleagues.” Chan concluded his emotional message with a poignant note: “Brother Leung, it’s snowing in Beijing, the sky is overcast, I miss you.”
Stephen Chow, who directed and starred alongside Leung in Kung Fu Hustle, also paid his respects. Chow shared a simple yet powerful message on his Instagram story, stating, “Forever remembering Mr Leung Siu-lung.” This brief tribute resonated with fans who remembered their electrifying on-screen dynamic. The collective grief extended beyond industry peers, with fans globally taking to social media platforms like X and Facebook to share their memories and acknowledge Leung’s profound impact on martial arts cinema, particularly his unique contribution to the comedic tone of Kung Fu Hustle. A message also appeared on Leung’s Douyin account, urging: “Live well on my behalf. Love is always there. Remember that I love you.”
A Legacy Forged in Martial Arts
Born Leung Choi-sang, or Leung Siu-lung, Bruce Leung’s journey into martial arts began at a young age, learning from his father. His career truly took flight in the 1970s, where he quickly distinguished himself with an authentic and hard-hitting fighting style that captivated audiences. He rose to prominence across Asia, becoming a household name for his portrayal of the patriotic hero Chen Zhen in the television series The Legendary Fok and its sequel, Fist of Fury. These roles cemented his status as a formidable action star and a symbol of national pride within the martial arts genre.
Throughout the 70s and 80s, Leung starred in dozens of kung fu films, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the art form. His filmography includes notable titles such as The Dragon Lives Again (1977) and Magnificent Bodyguards (1978), where he worked alongside Jackie Chan. His influence was so significant that he was recognized as one of the “Four Dragons of Chinese cinema,” a revered group that also included the legendary Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Ti Lung, acknowledging their unparalleled impact on Chinese-language martial arts cinema.
Triumphant Comeback as “The Beast”
After establishing himself as a prominent actor, Leung took a hiatus from the limelight in the late 1980s to venture into business. However, the allure of cinema proved too strong to resist, and he made a spectacular comeback in 2004 with Stephen Chow’s critically acclaimed and globally successful film, Kung Fu Hustle. In a role that defied expectations, Leung portrayed the primary antagonist, “The Beast,” a seemingly unassuming yet lethally powerful kung fu master. His performance as the villain was widely lauded, injecting both menace and unexpected comedic timing into the film, and reintroducing him to a new generation of fans worldwide. This role not only revitalized his acting career but also showcased his incredible range, proving his ability to shine brightly even after a prolonged absence from the screen.
Personal Life and Final Farewell
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Bruce Leung led a rich personal life. He was married twice, first to singer Irene Ryder in 1975, with whom he had a daughter before their divorce in the 1980s. He later married Song Xiang in 1995, and together they welcomed a son and another daughter. Leung was a married father-of-three, and his family remained a central part of his life.
The news of Leung’s passing came as a particular shock to many, as a photo circulated just a day before the official announcement showed him in seemingly good health and spirits. The picture, taken in Luohu, depicted Leung smiling and giving a thumbs-up while enjoying a hotpot with friends, even presenting a friend with his personally signed ‘True Kung Fu’ calligraphy. This image underscored the suddenness of his heart failure. Leung’s family is handling the funeral arrangements privately, with a scheduled service set for January 26 in Longgang, China, allowing those closest to him to bid their final farewells in peace.
Enduring Influence on Chinese Cinema
Bruce Leung’s career spanned decades, marked by a profound dedication to authentic martial arts and a versatile acting prowess. His contributions helped define the golden age of Hong Kong martial arts cinema, inspiring countless aspiring martial artists and filmmakers. Jackie Chan’s tribute highlighted Leung’s crucial legacy to Chinese action cinema: “His most important legacy to Chinese action cinema was genuine kung fu.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of Leung’s impact, emphasizing his commitment to showcasing true martial arts on screen, a quality that set him apart and earned him a revered place among his peers and audiences alike.
Bruce Leung’s ability to transition from heroic, patriotic roles in his early career to a memorable, villainous comeback in his later years not only demonstrated his exceptional acting range but also highlighted the depth and evolution possible within the martial arts genre, cementing his status as a truly versatile and enduring icon whose influence will continue to resonate for generations to come.