Action choreographer and Hollywood star Yuen Cheung-yan, who worked on films including Kung Fu Hustle and The Matrix, has died aged 69, according to director Lee Lik-chi
Hollywood star Yuen Cheung-yan has tragically passed away at the age of 69. The action choreographer, known for his role in Stephen Chow’s 20024 blockbuster Kung Fu Hustle, died in hospital on New Year’s Day, as revealed by film director and actor Lee Lik-chi on his Weibo page this Thursday.
He wrote: “May Master Yuen rest in eternal peace.” He also confirmed that a funeral would take place on February 1, but did not disclose further details about the cause of Yuen’s death. Yuen hailed from a renowned Hong Kong film dynasty, being the son of the late martial arts actor and choreographer Yuen Siu-tien.
His younger sibling is Yuen Woo-ping, a famed martial arts choreographer and film director who made his name in Hong Kong cinema before transitioning to Hollywood. Another brother, Yuen Shun-yi, is a martial artist, actor, and stuntman, reports the Express.
Yuen Cheung-yan also lent his choreography skills to martial arts scenes in Charlie’s Angels, Daredevil, and The Matrix.
His impressive filmography includes Butterfly Sword, The Miracle Fighters, Fearless, and The Tai-Chi Master.
A respected figure in his field, Cheung-yan was nominated four times for the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Action Choreography, clinching the award in 1992 for Once Upon a Time in China.
Despite facing health challenges later in life, he remained active in the film industry.
He was pictured in 2025 working on Red Wedding Dress while using a wheelchair.
Tributes have been flooding in for the late actor, with one fan sharing on X: “The year has gotten off to a sad start for kung fu cinema fans, as it’s just been announced that director, actor, and fight choreographer, Yuen Cheung-Yan, has passed away.
“He was Yuen Woo-Ping’s brother and a member of the ever-so-talented, Yuen Clan. He will be missed.”
Another chimed in: “RIP Yuen Cheung-yan! He was an essential part of the hilarious Yuen clan movies from the early 80s and even directed one of them, Taoism Drunkard, which I just watched last night.”
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