Bruce Leung Siu-Lung, Hong Kong Kung Fu Star of Kung Fu Hustle, Dies at 77

Veteran Hong Kong martial-arts actor Bruce Leung Siu-lung — best known to international audiences as the fearsome “Beast” in Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustle and earlier celebrated for TV roles such as Chen Zhen — has died, Hong Kong outlets reported. Friends confirmed to local media that Leung passed away on 14 January 2026 at the age of 77.

Leung’s family has kept arrangements private. Reports say a low-key farewell was planned for 26 January in Longgang, Shenzhen, while close friends and colleagues paid tribute on social media. Several Hong Kong and regional outlets have carried the developments and memorial details.

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A leading figure of Hong Kong’s kung fu cinema, Leung rose to prominence in the 1970s and 1980s. He earned national fame for his portrayal of Chen Zhen in television adaptations of The Legendary Fok and Fist of Fury, and later reached a new generation worldwide with his memorable turn as the hulking, toad-style master “Beast” in Chow’s 2004 hit. Over a long career, he was also revered as an action choreographer and stunt performer.

Tributes poured in from the film community. Action star Jackie Chan posted on Sina Weibo, remembering Leung as a consummate martial artist and gifted action director whose many roles were beloved by audiences and admired by peers. Stephen Chow shared a brief message on Instagram saying he would “forever remember” Mr. Leung. Fans and fellow actors described the loss as the passing of one of Hong Kong’s martial-arts pillars.

Leung’s social-media accounts also carried a final, poignant message attributed to him on 14 January, in which he asked followers to imagine he had gone “to a faraway place to make a film,” and reassured loved ones of his affection. Several reports said his disciples continued posting on his behalf after his death.

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Details about the cause of death vary in early reports; some outlets cited heart failure. Leung leaves behind a legacy of fight choreography and screen performances that influenced multiple generations of Hong Kong action cinema. Memorials and industry recollections are expected to continue in the coming days.