Hong Kong Action Icon Leung Siu Lung Passes Away at 77
Leung Siu Lung, the celebrated Hong Kong martial arts star, passed away on January 14 at the age of 77. The announcement came from a close friend, who indicated that the family is managing his afterlife arrangements. His funeral is tentatively scheduled for January 26 in Shenzhen.
Leung’s cause of death was cardiac failure. He initially entered the entertainment industry in the 1970s, focusing primarily on martial arts films and dramas. Known as one of the four “dragons” of Hong Kong cinema, his contemporaries included Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Ti Lung.
Notable Career Highlights
- Played Chen Zhen in “Legendary Fok” (1981)
- Starred in “The Fist” (1982)
- Portrayed the toad-style kung fu master the Beast in “Kung Fu Hustle” (2004)
In recent years, Leung gained popularity on Douyin, where he shared entertaining content. He went viral in 2023 due to a video detailing how he had turned down Stephen Chow’s offers thrice to appear in “Kung Fu Hustle,” citing salary disagreements.
Just a day before his passing, media reported that he enjoyed a lamb hotpot gathering, appearing in good spirits. Following his death, his Douyin account continued to post daily videos. In a message posted on January 18, his disciples explained that Leung had wished to maintain a sense of mystery, suggesting he was “away filming” and urging his fans to live well on his behalf.
Tributes from Colleagues
Jackie Chan and Stephen Chow paid heartfelt tributes to Leung on social media. Jackie, 71, expressed his shock and disbelief in a Weibo post, recalling Leung as a master of kung fu. He praised Leung’s dedication to martial arts and his skills as a beloved actor and instructor.
Stephen, 63, shared a touching message on his Instagram Story, stating, “Missing Mr. Leung Siu Lung forever.”
Leung Siu Lung’s legacy in the martial arts film industry and his impact on audiences will not be forgotten, as reflected by the outpouring of tributes and admiration from his peers.
