YUEN CHEUNG-YAN (袁祥仁) (1957 - 2026)
You might not immediately recognize the name Yuen Cheung-yan (袁祥仁), but chances are you’ve seen him on the big screen most memorably in Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustle.
The son of renowned actor Yuen Siu-tin and the younger brother of legendary Hong Kong action choreographer Yuen Woo-ping, Yuen Cheung-yan devoted more than six decades to the film industry. Beginning his career in the 1960s, he worked tirelessly as a stuntman, actor, and action choreographer, becoming a quiet yet indispensable presence in action cinema.
Though best known as a character actor, Cheung-yan spent much of his career behind the scenes, contributing to numerous Hong Kong classics such as Once Upon a Time in China, Tai Chi Master, and Iron Monkey. His expertise also extended to Hollywood, where he worked on major productions including The Matrix, Daredevil, and Charlie’s Angels.
Cheung-yan’s wife has confirmed that the respected martial arts master passed away on January 1 following an undisclosed illness. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in martial arts cinema, remembered for his skill, dedication, and the countless iconic moments he helped bring to life.
A selection of Yuen's past works:
VAMPIRE CLEANUP DEPARTMENT (救殭清道夫) (2017)
KUNG FU JUNGLE (一个人的武林) (2014)
ONCE UPON A TIME IN SHANGHAI (恶战) (2013)
IP MAN 4: THE FINALE (葉問4: 完结篇) (2019) (Assistant action director)
THE THOUSAND FACES OF DUNJIA (奇门遁甲) (2017) (Stunt coordinator)
SIFU VS VAMPIRE (天师斗僵尸) (2014) (Action coordinator)
THE GRANDMASTER (一代宗师) (2013) (Stunt coordinator)
TRUE LEGEND (苏乞儿) (2010) (Action choreographer)
THE FORBIDDEN KINGDOM (2008) (Assistant stunt choreographer)
THE BANQUET (夜宴) (2006) (Action coordinator)
