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Hong Kong Actor Yuen Cheung-yan Dies at 69

1/3/2026

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Summary

Yuen Cheung-yan Passes

Yuen Cheung-yan, a Hong Kong actor and martial arts choreographer, died on January 1 at age 69, and his widow said he died peacefully at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Funeral is scheduled for February 1.
He was known for his beggar role in Kung Fu Hustle and for Once Upon a Time in China as part of Yuen Clan, and tributes highlighted his impact on Hong Kong and Hollywood action films.

Summary

Yuen Cheung-yan Remembered

Yuen Cheung-yan, an actor and action choreographer, died on New Year's Day at 69, confirmed by director Lee Lik-chi.
He was known for The Matrix and Kung Fu Hustle and was the son of Yuen Siu-tien, brother of Yuen Woo-ping.
His funeral is set for February 1.
Despite health issues, he remained active and recently worked on Red Wedding Dress, with tributes highlighting his impact on kung fu cinema.

History

Historical Context

Yuen Siu-tien's role in "Drunken Master" (1978) helped redefine martial arts cinema, blending comedy with kung fu. His son, Yuen Cheung-yan, continued this legacy, contributing to films like "Kung Fu Hustle" and "The Matrix." Cheung-yan's recent passing at 69 highlights the Yuen Clan's lasting impact on action choreography and the global perception of martial arts films, which remain culturally significant today.

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Yuen Cheung-yan Passes

Yuen Cheung-yan, a Hong Kong actor and martial arts choreographer, died on January 1 at age 69, and his widow said he died peacefully at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Funeral is scheduled for February 1.
He was known for his beggar role in Kung Fu Hustle and for Once Upon a Time in China as part of Yuen Clan, and tributes highlighted his impact on Hong Kong and Hollywood action films.

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