Hong Kong cinema lost a pivotal figure in its celebrated martial arts tradition this week with the passing of Yuen Cheung-Yan. The famed action choreographer, director, and actor, highly revered both locally and internationally, died on Wednesday, January 1, 2026, at Queen Elizabeth Hospital following an illness. He was 68. The news of his death was confirmed by his wife to close colleagues and friends, marking the end of an influential career that spanned decades and defined the look of Asian and Hollywood action films.
The core member of the storied Yuen clan, Yuen Cheung-Yan was born into cinematic royalty. His father was the respected martial arts master Yuen Siu-Tien, and his older brother is the internationally acclaimed director and choreographer Yuen Woo-Ping—often called the “King of Action Choreography.” As part of the tightly knit “Yuen Clan,” he played an integral role in shaping the innovative fight sequences that propelled Hong Kong cinema onto the global stage.
A Dynasty of Action: Yuen Clan’s Global Impact
Yuen Cheung-Yan’s expertise extended far beyond local productions. His filmography reads like a who’s who of classic action cinema. Domestically, he contributed to iconic titles such as Once Upon a Time in China and Tai Chi Master (also known as Tai Chi Zhang San Feng).
However, many viewers around the world will recognize him best for his memorable on-screen persona. He captured the public’s imagination with his scene-stealing role as the mysterious, eccentric beggar who sells the protagonist the mythical Buddha’s Palm manual in Stephen Chow’s blockbuster hit, Kung Fu. His most recent appearance before the camera was in the film Looking for a Star, starring Shu Qi.
Beyond acting, Yuen’s pivotal contributions as an action director carried significant weight in Western filmmaking. Following in the footsteps of his brother, he transitioned to Hollywood, lending his expertise to several major studio productions. His credits include martial arts choreography work on classic Marvel adaptations and other high-profile action films like Daredevil, underscoring his versatility and standing as a major authority in the international action film community.
Tributes Pour In From Industry Peers
Filmmaker Lee Lik-Chi was among the first industry figures to publicly mourn Yuen’s passing, posting a heartfelt tribute on social media late that evening. “We will always cherish the memory of Master Yuen Cheung-Yan,” Lee wrote, relaying the solemn announcement received from Yuen’s wife regarding his passing and confirming the funeral arrangements.
Yuen Cheung-Yan, born in 1957, leaves an enduring legacy as a multifaceted talent whose contributions to direction, acting, and, crucially, martial arts choreography cemented the reputation of the Yuen family and, by extension, Hong Kong’s cinematic prowess. His dedication to crafting exhilarating and visually sophisticated fight scenes influenced a generation of filmmakers and broadened the global appreciation for Asian action artistry.
Funeral services for the late master are scheduled for February 1st at the Ming Tak Hall on the 3rd floor of the World Funeral Parlour in Kowloon. The ceremony will provide an opportunity for colleagues, family, and fans to pay their final respects to a legend of martial arts cinema whose impactful work will continue to thrill audiences for decades to come. His death is regarded as a profound loss to both Asian and global cinema.
