Bruce Leung, who appeared in Kung Fu Hustle, passes at 77

Veteran Hong Kong martial artist and actor Bruce Leung, also known as Leung Siu-lung, has passed away at the age of 77.

According to reports from Hong Kong media, citing a close friend, Bruce Leung died on January 14 from undisclosed causes.

His family is currently making funeral arrangements, with a farewell ceremony scheduled for January 26 in the Longgang district of Shenzhen, China.

Hours after news of his death broke, a farewell message written by Leung was shared on his Douyin account. The message, dated January 14, accompanied photos of the late actor and read:

“I’ve gone to a very, very faraway place to make a film. Please forgive me for leaving without saying goodbye. Just think of it as me having gone to a very distant place to shoot a movie.

“I had intended to keep it a secret, so my close disciple continued posting videos as usual. I like having a bit of mystery. Live well on my behalf. Love is always here. Remember that I love you all.”

Colleagues, fans pay tribute

Tributes have since poured in from colleagues and admirers across the film industry. Stephen Chow honoured him in an Instagram Story, writing:

“Forever remembering Mr Leung Siu-lung.”

Jackie Chan also expressed shock at the news in a post on Weibo, saying:

“For a moment, I couldn’t – and didn’t want to – believe it.”

Reflecting on Leung’s legacy, Chan praised his versatility and influence, noting:

“He was always a kung fu master proficient in many forms of traditional martial arts and able to express his own distinctive style in each one.

“He applied everything he had learnt over a lifetime to film and television, becoming an outstanding action director. At the same time, as an actor, he brought to life so many classic roles that were deeply loved by audiences and greatly admired by us fellow professionals as well.”

Chan ended with a personal note:

“Brother Leung, it’s snowing in Beijing. The sky is gloomy and I’m thinking of you.”

Bruce Leung is remembered as a martial arts legend whose impact on cinema continues to resonate across generations.

Life and legacy of Leung

Leung, who rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s, starred in several iconic martial arts films, including The Dragon Lives Again (1977) and Magnificent Bodyguards (1978), where he appeared alongside Jackie Chan.

After retiring in the 1980s, he made a notable comeback in 2004, gaining a new generation of fans for his role as the fearsome Beast in Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustle.